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UBC Supplemental Essays | Essay Examples & Samples

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Ultimate Guide To Writing UBC Supplemental Essays | Essay Samples _ It’s cool that so many students are currently working on their online application process to applying into UBC . Beginning an early application implies that you’ll have enough time to reflect on your UBC application requirements starting from the personal profile section down to the UBC supplemental essays which is a crucial part of UBC’s admissions decision.

With the right information and guide on how to go about the UBC essays , you have no cause to worry as you automatically gets an upper Chance of getting into UBC.

So Welcome Abroad! (In Addy)

The UBC’s supplemental essays gives you the avenue to share your story and the opportunity to tell the admission committee what your passion is. They will use your supplemental essays to get more details and a full insight about your capabilities and to know how you would be of benefit to complement the UBC community.

Does UBC have supplemental application?

Yes! All high school candidates and some transfer applicants are expected to submit a personal profile while submitting their application to UBC. Depending on the degree you are going for, a supplemental essay application, student portfolio, or audition may be also be required.

Do I need to write an essay to apply to UBC?

Absolutely!

Each of these essays and personal profile questions Needs you to submit short essay responses (which ranges from 50 to 200 words) , so you’ll have to think about your answers before you begin your online application, this article will also provide an ultimate guide to your UBC supplemental essay writing.

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How many essays do I need to write for UBC? university of british columbia supplemental essays?

The UBC personal profile essays are some kind of unique essays that are written by Candidates who are applying to the University of British Columbia. The essay kinds will depend on the faculty you apply to, you will be asked to write up to SIX to EIGHT short essays in your personal profile.

UBC Supplemental Essay Examples By Categories and How to Answer Them [PART 1]- UBC application example

Ubc supplemental essays for the bachelor of education personal profile only:.

• Why do you want to become a teacher?

They expect you to Describe the kind of teacher you dream to become. Give instances. Give an example from the experiences you have gained which illustrates your eligibility for the teaching profession. For example, you could tell them a story of how you were able to solve a challenging situation, or how you overcame a problem in a professional related manner, or stories on how you learned from your past mistakes etc. Make sure to use simple English and try to be straight to point, no long stories please!

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UBC Supplemental Essays For the Bachelor of Commerce personal profile only:

• Explain how you reacted to a challenge and/or how you have reacted to an unfamiliar situation. You have to tell them What you did, what the outcome was, and what you learned from the experience? This is a global and wide society. So it will have to explain how your community involvement gets you ready for the future in this multiplex world.

How Does UBC Assess your Profile and Essays?

When your applications are evaluated, two trained UBC readers will search out for the four core qualities in your personal profile which are your #engagement and accomplishment, #leadership, # substance, as well as your voice. This is an opportunity for UBC to find out more details about you and your experiences outside of the academic world. They want to get more details about your life and achievements. All have you learned, and how your moments have allowed you to grow? Please Be authentic enough, and focus on what you wish to say about yourself and how you wish to say it, rather than to pen down what you think UBC want to hear.

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UBC Supplemental Essay Guide | Ultimate Guide to UBC Short Essays [ PART TWO]

Ubc essay prompts with ubc application example.

The first part of your application or Personal Profile is writing a few short essays! Which depends on which program(s) you are applying into, you are expected to answer two to four of the application prompts. Once you kick off the application process you’ll find more details;

Here are the 4 UBC essay question examples and their guide (including tell us who you are UBC)

• Explain how you responded to a challenge/problem and/or a how you have responded to unfamiliar situation. What did you do about them, what outcome , and tell them what you learned from the experience? ( It should be 200 words maximum)
• Explain Briefly the culture of your school community and your individual involvement within it. What positive/negative impacts has the school culture had on you? And How would you enhance it or possibly change it? (It should be 200 words maximum)
• Tell UBC about who you are. How would your family, your friends, and/or the members of your community describe your personality? If possible, please make sure to tell them something about yourself that you are so much proud and give them your reasons. (It should be 250 words maximum)
• What is important to you? And tell us why? ( It should be 250 words maximum.) To let them know how you can approach these UBC supplemental essays, we’ll have to go into depth on these difficult questions:

Steps to Answering “tell us about who you are” Supplemental Essay Prompt

Step one: hook.

You have to make sure you stand out the right away with a hook. What is A hook? It is one to two sentences at the beginning of your essay that gets the reader’s attention and tells him or her to keep reading. This could be your personal story or any kind of powerful statement. Give the UBC team a snapshot of your character and tell them that specific event, person or experience that has kept you motivated to be who you are presently.

STEP TWO: Give examples

Try not to answer these questions directly from the directive with your hook. Instead, you are to Give the answer with a very tangible example while writing your essay. Don’t just tell the UBC evaluation committee about your qualities, go a long way to demonstrate and embody how you acquired the traits. You have to check for a volunteer or leadership example of yours that shows key elements of your character.

STEP Three: Conclusion

As you recount the experiences of yours, be sure to recall and connect back to the best qualities that well describes you to round-up your response. This strategy can be used to answer all of these short essay questions in your UBC supplemental essay Personal Profile ; A powerful one to two sentence hook, A leadership/volunteer example described , one to two sentences clearly connecting back to the prompt

Does UBC require letters of recommendation?

A minimum of 3 references are needed for application into the graduate programs at the UBC admission . References are to be requested from the academics who are prepared to write a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Frequently Asked Question

The essay kinds will depend on the faculty you apply to, you will be asked to write up to SIX to EIGHT short essays in your personal profile.

How would your family, your friends, and/or the members of your community describe your personality? If possible, please make sure to tell them something about yourself that you are so much proud and give them your reasons. (It should be 250 words maximum)

Essay Prompts are opportunities for UBC to find out more details about you and your experiences outside of the academic world. They want to get more details about your life and achievements. All have you learned, and how your moments have allowed you to grow? Beginning an early application means that you’ll have enough time to reflect on your UBC application requirements starting from the personal profile section down to the UBC supplemental essays which is a crucial part of UBC’s admissions decision.

The UBC’s supplemental essays also gives you the avenue to share your story and the opportunity to tell the admission committee what your passion is. They will use your submitted supplemental essays to get full insight about your capabilities and to know how you would be of benefit to complement the UBC community.

• Online application process : https://ssc.adm.ubc.ca/sscportal/apply.xhtml
• UBC Admission : you.ubc.ca/admissions/how-to-apply/how-to-submit-documents/
• Personal Profile: https://you.ubc.ca/applying-ubc/how-to-apply/personal-profile/
• https://grantme.ca/how-to-get-admitted-to-ubc/

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UBC Sauder School of Business BCom: A Definitive Guide for Applicants (2024)

This guide is for you if you’re thinking about applying to the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program at the UBC Sauder School of Business , or you’re simply interested in learning more about the program.

As a potential applicant, you’re probably overwhelmed by the amount of information out there. 

That’s why we created this guide. 

We’ll break down everything you need to know about the UBC Sauder BCom program, including the Personal Profile and interview, acceptance rate, admission average, courses, tuition, and much more —all in one place. 

By the way, if you’re serious about getting into UBC Sauder, our 1-on-1 Youth Coaching services will help you become a stronger applicant, student, and leader. We work on things like improving skills, building self-awareness, and achieving big goals, so you can maximize your post-secondary potential.

Looking for specific guidance on the UBC Sauder application? Check out our UBC Sauder App Prep Guide for Personal Profile question templates and examples, as well as video interview prep and more!

Table of Contents 

• Admissions Process : Application components; Admission requirements and average; Acceptance rate; Deadlines; and More
• Application : App overview; Personal Profile questions; Video interview questions and prep tips; Evaluation criteria; and More. 
• About the Program : Specializations; Courses; Tuition; Co-op; Student life; and More.

UBC Sauder School of Business: Requirements & Admissions Process

UBC’s Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) is a 4-year program offered by the Sauder School of Business . 

This top-ranked program prepares students for a broad range of career opportunities by teaching students a solid foundation in business and management and helping them become experts in their chosen areas of interest.

With a focus on experiential learning as well as personal and professional development , students gain invaluable skills they need to succeed in the real world like leadership, critical thinking, and communication. No wonder the Sauder BCom program is a top ranked program in Canada!

UBC Sauder Application Criteria & How to Apply 

Sauder is looking for students who have a strong academic background , extracurriculars , and skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. 

The UBC Sauder application is made up of 3 components :

• Online application through EducationPlannerBC
• Personal Profile
• Video Interview  

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to complete your application:

REMEMBER : The 2022/2023 UBC Online Application deadline (including the Personal Profile and interview) for UBC Sauder BCom is January 15, 2023 at 11:59pm PST . You must submit all the required documents for your application to be considered. The deadline to be considered for most entrance awards is December 1, 2022 . Click here for more important dates and deadlines.

We know this process is overwhelming, so if you need support any time connect with a coach . Our coaches are Sauder BCom alumni and have gone through this process and are ready to walk you through it! 

UBC Sauder Admission Requirements 

The University of British Columbia has general admissions requirements , regardless of the program you’re applying to.

To be considered for admission into UBC , you must :

• Graduate from from high school
• Have a minimum of 70% in Grade 11 or Grade 12 English (or their equivalents)
• At the 6 academic/non-academic Grade 12 courses (recommended but not required)

For the Sauder BCom program specifically, here are the basic requirements for direct entry students (i.e. those who haven’t started post-secondary studies):

To be considered for admission, you need to meet both UBC AND Sauder’s admission requirements and submit a complete application, including the online application, Personal Profile, video interview, and required documents. For more information on Direct Entry requirements, visit this page . 

For Canadian students , the specific admission requirements vary depending on which province or territory you live in. Find the exact requirements here .

For International students , the specific admission requirements vary depending on which country you live in. Find the exact requirements here .

If you are applying as another type of applicant, find your admission requirements on this page . 

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UBC Sauder Admission Average

A lot of people ask us what grades you need to get into UBC Commerce. 

UBC considers your Grade 11 and Grade 12 classes when deciding whether or not to accept students into the BCom program. All students must also meet UBC’s English Language Admission Standard .

A competitive average for UBC is mid to high 80s . 

REMEMBER : All applicants (regardless of the program they’re applying to) must have a minimum of 70% in Grade 11 or Grade 12 English. Students must meet BOTH the admission average requirements for the Sauder BCom program AND for University of British Columbia as a whole.

For the UBC Sauder BCom program itself, a competitive average is around 84% . Sauder’s admissions committee takes a lot into consideration beyond just grades , so this average isn’t a hard cut off percentage. 

However, even if your average is in this range, Sauder receives hundreds of applications every year. And the majority of people applying have this average (and even higher). 

This is where your Personal Profile, including your video interview, becomes REALLY important. 

If you ace the written/video interview questions, your application will be pushed into the highly competitive zone even if your average is a bit lower — you could even stand out more than applicants whose grades are in the 90s and have a weaker Profile and interview! 

In this way, your Personal Profile and interview can mean the difference between acceptance and rejection , so you want to make sure it’s unique and memorable (keep reading to find out how and check out our UBC Sauder App Prep Guide ).

UBC Sauder Commerce Acceptance Rate & Number of Applicants 

We get so many questions about the UBC Sauder BCom acceptance rate. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic along with other economic factors over the last few years, it’s a bit tough to calculate the exact number of applicants to the Sauder BCom program. 

UBC Sauder receives around 5,200 applicants each year and has around 740 spots available for the Year 1 class.

This means that the UBC Sauder BCom acceptance rate is around 14.2% .

However, when determining the acceptance rate, it’s also important to remember that even though there are 5,200+ applicants, the Sauder admissions average is in the mid 80s and a lot of students included in the 5,200 don’t meet this requirement . 

Students also reject Sauder’s admission offer , so this opens up spots to other applicants since the program has to fill the total 500 spaces. 

This makes the acceptance rate somewhere around 14%-17% , which increases your odds of acceptance even more if you have a strong academic record, Personal Profile, and interview. 

While an exact acceptance rate is a bit tough to calculate, if you meet all the admissions requirements and ace your Personal Profile and interview, then you have a significantly better chance of getting into the program.

UBC Sauder Acceptance Dates

All admissions decisions are made between late January to April .

UBC sends out their first round of admission letters in mid to late February . 

BUT if you haven’t heard anything by the end of February, don’t panic. 

UBC and Sauder continuously review applications , so students will receive their acceptance or rejection letters at different times . 

As mentioned above, some people also reject their offer to Sauder and more letters will get sent out after to ensure that they fill the entire Year 1 class.

We know it’s tough, but patience is a virtue. 🙂

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UBC Sauder BCom Grad & Youth Coach™

UBC Sauder School of Business Application: Personal Profile and Video Interview 

Ubc sauder application overview .

As a part of your online application (on EducationPlannerBC), there are 2 essential components of your UBC Sauder application:

• Personal Profile : 6 short essay questions that outline your experiences, interests, skills, etc., as well as a ‘resume’ style list of activities/accomplishments and the contact info for two references. 
• Timed Video Responses : 2 randomly generated video interview questions that allow you to show your personality, life experiences, goals, and more.  

REMEMBER : The entire application must be submitted through a platform called EducationPlannerBC , where you will write your Personal Profile. The video responses are completed through a third-party site. Once you have recorded your responses, you will copy and paste the confirmation URL from this site into your EducationPlannerBC application.  The final application deadline is January 15, 2023 .

The Personal Profile and interview are so important because they are one of the few opportunities you have to tell the admission committee more about who you are and where you’ve come from . 

Put simply, they give you the chance to explain what makes you, you .

You want to leave a great impression on the admissions committee, and one of the ways you can do that is by giving as much personal insight as you can, explaining how you’ve made it to where you are today and why you’d be a great fit for the UBC Sauder BCom program. 

Write your Personal Profile essay responses BEFORE you start your online application, so that you have time to rewrite, edit, and polish your answers. When you sign in, you will have to upload your answers immediately. For the interview, connect with a coach to do mock interviews and learn how to give standout answers that help increase your chances of getting accepted. Also check out our Interview Prep Skills Guide to learn how to ace any question that comes your way.

UBC Sauder Application: Personal Profile Questions 

Here are the UBC Sauder School of Business Personal Profile questions: 

• Explain how you responded to a problem and/or an unfamiliar situation. What did you do, what was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience? (Maximum 1,500 characters)
• We live in a global and diverse society. Explain how your community involvement prepares you for the future in this complex world. (Maximum 1500 characters)
• List up to five activities or accomplishments in one or more of the following areas: Athletics, Clubs, Creative and Performing Arts, Family and Community, Service to Others, Volunteering, Work or Employment, and/or Other.
• Tell us more about ONE or TWO activities listed above that are most important to you. Please explain the role you played and what you learned in the process. You will be asked for a reference who can speak to your response. (Maximum 2100 characters)
• Additional Information (Optional): You may wish to use the space below to provide UBC with more information on your academic history to date and/or your future academic plans. For example: How did you choose your courses in secondary school? Are there life circumstances that have affected your academic decisions to date? What have you done to prepare yourself specifically for your intended area of study at UBC? (maximum 600 characters)
• Please submit the names of two referees who know you well and can comment on your preparedness for study at UBC. Examples of referees include an employer, a community member, a coach, a teacher/instructor, or anyone who knows you well. One of the referees you select MUST be able to speak to one of the activities / experiences described in one of your long-answer responses above. For applicants who are currently attending a high school, one of your referees MUST be a school official (e.g. grade 12 or senior year counselor, teacher, or IB Coordinator). Neither referee should be a friend, family member, or paid agent.

To learn how to write memorable essays for each of these questions and showcase your unique experiences, leadership potential, interests, skills, and goals, check out our UBC Sauder App Prep Guide and connect with a coach now.

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UBC Sauder Application: Video Interview Question Bank 

Here are some examples of the types of questions you can expect for your video interview:

You’ll notice that most of these questions are personal questions , meaning they ask you about what you would do in a certain situation, what you value, and the experiences you have had working on your own and with others. 

It can be super stressful to prepare for this interview when you don’t know exactly which questions will be asked until you actually get into the interview. We developed an effective strategy to help you effectively answer any question that comes up in an interview. Check out this game-changing interview prep strategy in our Interview Prep Skills Guide .

For sample answers to some of these questions, visit our UBC Sauder YouTube channel playlist . 

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UBC Sauder Application Evaluation 

When deciding who to accept into the BCom program, the Sauder admissions committee evaluates your entire online application as well as your academic performance , using this breakdown: 

• 30%: Personal Profile
• 20%: Video Interview
• 50%: Grades

Based on this evaluation, your Personal Profile and video interview account for 50% of your overall evaluation . That’s A LOT, making these app components the difference maker for your acceptance or rejection from the program. 

Since your grades can only get you so far, you need to spend extra time thinking about and preparing your Personal Profile and video interview responses, and finding unique and memorable ways to showcase your experiences, interests, leadership potential, and suitability to the UBC Sauder BCom program. 

Your Personal Profile and interview tells the admissions committee a lot more about you than you think. The information you give in your answers (as well as how you give your answers ) not only shows your experiences and your strengths as a student, it gives some insight into your skills, leadership potential, and teamwork skills. It shows them who you really are. 

The admissions committee is looking for candidates who will fit into the diverse and vibrant student body at Sauder, and contribute to this program through achieving goals, acting professionally under pressure, and contributing to the UBC community.  

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About the UBC Sauder Commerce (BCom) Program 

Ubc sauder specializations (aka ‘options’).

One of the great things about the Sauder BCom program is that it allows students to get a s olid foundation in many areas of business and management and become an expert in a particular area of interest (‘specialization’) in upper years. 

Sauder has 10 specializations (aka ‘options’) for students to choose from at the end of Year 2 :

• Accounting 
• Business Technology Management 
• Entrepreneurship 
• Finance 
• General Business Management 
• Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management 
• Marketing 
• Operations and Logistics 
• Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources 
• Real Estate 

Each of these options has specific GPA requirements and Year 1 and 2 course requirements (check those out here ), and each requires 12-18 course credits from courses taken in Year 3 and Year 4, depending on which specialization is chosen.

Once completed, your transcript will show a Major in Business with your specialization selection noted on the transcript. 

Students also can also choose a concentration to complement their specialization. These are :

• Business Analytics
• Business Law
• Sustainability and Social Impact
• International Business  

Each of these Concentrations require 12 credits in courses that go beyond the specific degree requirements, and they teach in-demand skillsets. These credits are counted towards elective requirements in the BCom degree. 

There’s also the option to do a joint Major in Business and Computer Science , called the BUCS program, as well as Computer Science. This is a great choice for someone who’s interested in a career in business and information technology. 

For a detailed breakdown of each specialization, as well as the requirements and course offerings for each, visit this page .  

UBC Sauder Course Offerings 

As mentioned above, Sauder courses help students build a comprehensive understanding of all areas of business and management, while becoming experts in their specialization later on. 

In Year 1 , you’ll take courses that are a bit broader , allowing you to build that strong foundation . Here are the required first year courses:

• Business Fundamentals (COMM101)
• Values, Ethics, and Community (COMM105)
• Introduction to Qualitative Decision Making (COMM190)
• Application of Statistics in Business (COMM191)
• Management and Organizational Behaviour (COMM192)
• Business Communications I (COMM196)
• Principles of Microeconomics (ECON101)
• Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON102)
• Differential Calculus with Applications to Commerce and Social Science (MATH100)

For a detailed description of each of these courses, visit this page . In addition to these required courses, students will also take non-Commerce elective courses. At the end of Year 1, students must complete a total of 30 credits .

In Year 2 , you’ll focus on establishing a working knowledge of business fundamentals while taking these required courses: 

• Career Fundamentals (COMM 202)
• Managing the Employment Relationship (COMM203)
• Logistics and Operations Management (COMM204)
• Introduction to Management Information Systems (COMM205)
• Financial Accounting (COMM293)
• Managerial Accounting (COMM294)
• Managerial Economics (COMM295)
• Introduction to Marketing (COMM296)
• Introduction to Finance (COMM298)

For a detailed description of each of these courses, visit this page . In addition to these required courses, students will also take non-Commerce elective courses. At the end of Year 2, students must complete a total of 31 credits .

Then, in Year 3 and Year 4, students must take the courses required to complete their specialization (‘option’). See the course offerings for each specialization here .

If you have questions about these courses and what it’s really like to take them, connect with one of our Youth Coaches , who are Sauder alumni and ready to share their experiences and study strategies with you.

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UBC Sauder Degree Requirements

Sauder has put together a helpful degree progression timeline so you can make sure you’re satisfying all the requirements for your BCom degree. Check it out here and here . 

Just remember that requirements can change depending on your progression, whether you’re doing a co-op, etc. so do your research and make sure you’re meeting all the requirements for the degree. 

Our advice? Don’t be overwhelmed by the endless course list and GPA and course requirements. Just do your best, focus on one thing at a time, and before you know it you’ll earn that BCom degree! 🙂

UBC Sauder School of Business Ranking 

As of April 2022, the University of British Columbia is ranked 46th best university in the world , as well as 19th among North American universities . It’s also in the top 40 globally.

The UBC Sauder BCom program is ranked at the #1 best business program in Canada and is ranked 35th in the world for business and economics by 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and 38th in the world for business and management .

  UBC Sauder School of Business, Image Credit 

UBC Sauder School of Business Tuition 

Attending the Sauder BCom program at UBC can be pretty pricey, but based on how prestigious and well ranked this program is, the cost is definitely worth it. 

When considering how much it’ll cost to attend, remember that your fees will vary depending on your course load, year of study, and other factors. 

Here is the tuition for someone with a full course load in the Sauder BCom program: 

Year 1 students in 2021/2022 paid:

• Domestic Students – $5,729.10 CAD
• International Students – $53, 254.50 CAD

Year 2-4 (2022-2023) paid:

• Domestic Students – $8,489.40 CAD
• International Students – $55,384.50 CAD

In addition to tuition there are other fees and costs, such as student fees , as well as other costs associated with attending university like residence, books, food, parking, public transportation, etc. These costs can be an extra $15,000 CAD or more .

Check out U of T’s planning and budgeting tool here and for a comprehensive list of other fees, visit this page and this page .

UBC Sauder Scholarships and Awards 

We know that all the costs associated with going to university can seem super overwhelming. Luckily, there are dozens of opportunities to win some money to help with these high costs. 

Last year, the University of British Columbia gave over $15 million to incoming first year students! 

COACH’S TIP : Did you know that UBC is among the few universities in Canada to offer scholarships to international students? Every year, they give more than $30 million to international students from more than 105 countries. That’s HUGE if you want to attend Sauder but are worried about the high costs associated with international tuition fees. Learn more about financial assistance opportunities for international students here and connect with a coach to learn how you can get some of this money for yourself!

Here are some of the UBC awards available to Canadian students that you might want to consider applying for: 

• Awards for Indigenous students
• Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program
• Loran Awards 
• Presidential Scholars Awards
• Schulich Leader Scholarships
• UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards

UBC Sauder School of Business also has many funding opportunities for BCom students specifically. Here’s the list:

• Bachelor of Commerce International Entrance Scholarship: Valued at up to $20,000, for international students
• Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation Scholarship: Valued at cost of current tuition
• Sheldon Trainor-De Girolamo Scholarship in Commerce: 2 scholarships valued at $4,200 each
• HSBC Bank Canada Sauder School of Business Entrance Award: Valued at $2,000
• BMO Entrance Award for Aboriginal Students in Commerce: Valued at $10,000
• Real Estate Council of British Columbia Scholarship: Valued at approximately $8,550
• Faculty Advisory Board Bachelor of Commerce Entrance Scholarship: Valued at $10,000

To learn more about each of these scholarships and the requirements, deadlines, and criteria to apply, visit this page .

Did you know that we’ve helped our students win more than $5 million in scholarships ?! Connect with a coach to get the full list of scholarships for Sauder and learn how you can get some of this cash for yourself 🙂

UBC Sauder Co-op

Doing a co-op gives second and third year BCom students the chance to make money, gain valuable experience and professional skills, and build a strong professional network, all while completing their BCom degree.

With this co-op, students find their own placement , and work for 4 or 8 month terms ( with 420 hours per term), and they’re graded as a pass/fail evaluation . These full-time work placements for domestic and international students. 

A co-op provinces experiential and hands-on learning in your chosen field, while earning an average monthly salary of $2,817-$4,156 . That’s pretty awesome! 

To learn more about the UBC Sauder BCom Coop program, visit this page .

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UBC Sauder School of Business Contacts 

If you need help during the application process or you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Here’s the contact information for UBC Sauder School of Business:

​​UBC Sauder School of Business

University of British Columbia

Henry Angus Building

2053 Main Mall

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z2

Telephone : 604-822-8333

Email : [email protected]  

Don’t forget! Our Youth Coaches are always here if you need any help with the admissions process, the application, preparing for first year, and anything in between! Contact us here.

UBC Sauder School of Business Graduate Programs & Continued Studies

If you’re interested in continuing your education after you receive your BCom, the UBC Sauder School of Business has plenty of options for graduate studies , diplomas , professional development , and more. These will all help you become even more of an expert in your chosen field and open up more professional opportunities down the road.

UBC SAUDER GRAD SCHOOL

Here are the available Master’s programs at UBC Sauder:

• Full Time Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA)
• International Master of Business Administration (IMBA)
• Master of Management 
• Master of Business Analytics 
• Master of Science in Business

UBC Sauder also has a PhD program in Business Administration if you’re seeking a career in teaching and research.

To learn more about UBC Sauder’s graduate programs and for a full description of each program, visit this page .

UBC SAUDER DUAL DEGREES

If you think you are interested in continuing your education beyond your Bachelor’s Degree, we highly recommend that you explore the Bachelor + Master of Management Dual Degree . This is a program that lets you combine your UBC undergraduate degree (it doesn’t have to be in business) with a Master of Management from UBC Sauder , completing it in 4.5 years .

The Master’s programs above can also be combined as Dual Degrees : 

• Master of Business Administration + Master of Business Analytics
• Master of Business Administration + a Law Degree
• UBC Sauder-HKU Dual Degree

To learn more about UBC Sauder’s dual degrees, visit this page .

UBC SAUDER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & DIPLOMAS 

In addition to the many graduate programs offered at the UBC Sauder School of Business, there are various professional development opportunities, diplomas, and even real estate programs that students can pursue after their BCom.

Here are the professional development programs offered:

• Continuing Business Studies
• Executive Education 

Here are the diplomas offered: 

• Diploma in Accounting Program
• Diploma in Marketing and Sales Management

Finally, Sauder offers real estate credit programs as well as licensing registration courses for those who want to pursue a career in real estate. There are also Ch’nook Indigenous Business Education programs, like the Aboriginal Management Program , Ch’nook Accelerated Business Program , and Ch’nook Scholars Program . 

For more information about these programs, visit this page . If you’re unsure whether continuing your post-secondary education beyond the BCom is right for you, connect with a coach for support and to explore your options. 

UBC Sauder – A Day in the Life

Want to see what the UBC Sauder BCom program is really like? Check out this video by one of our Youthfully Insiders for an exclusive sneak peek:

Is Sauder your dream? We can help.

Common Questions from Students About the UBC Sauder BCom Program

Is ubc sauder hard to get into.

Sauder is consistently ranked among the best business schools in North America and the world, with Maclean’s University Rankings listing it as the #1 business program in Canada in 2022 (and also the last five years!). 

It should come as no surprise then that admission to UBC Sauder is highly competitive . 

The application process reflects the selective nature of the program : besides high school transcripts, applicants need to complete a Personal Profile and video interview to showcase their skills, experiences, and interests, and prove that they’d be a great fit for the program. This can be a lengthy and stressful process.

While meeting the basic admission requirements listed on the Sauder website doesn’t necessarily guarantee admission , you definitely want to ensure that you put forward your best application by excelling in your grade 12 classes, being involved in your community and causes you’re passionate about, and doing a good job showcasing such involvements in your essays and video interview responses. If you take the time to work on each of these things, you can increase your chances of admission success. 

This process might seem super hard, but just know that we’re always here to help — and trust us, it will be worth all the effort when you get your acceptance letter from UBC Sauder!

What is UBC Sauder known for? 

Besides its location in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with breathtaking campus views of both the ocean and the mountains, UBC Sauder is known for its world class business education ! 

Different factors contribute to the high quality of the program, but here are a few factors that set Sauder apart from other undergraduate business programs:

• Hands-on, experiential learning: BCom classes at Sauder go beyond textbook theories. You’ll learn how to write a resume and cover letter, prepare for job interviews, work in groups (sometimes with colleagues from other programs/ faculties), present to an audience, write business plans, put together an IPO offering, become proficient in Excel (beyond the typical SUM, AVERAGE formulas), and even visit a real court proceeding. At Sauder, no two courses are the same experience, and you’ll receive a very practical, well-rounded education that will prepare you well for the real corporate world. 
• Industry-led mentorship programs : Besides the traditional internship and co-op programs typically found in any business school, UBC Sauder offers both school-run and student-managed mentorship programs that provide specialized preparation and training for students interested in certain career paths, led by alumni or professionals working in the fields. Check out Sauder’s Portfolio Management Program , which is arguably one of the best mentorship programs in the country for students interested in capital markets and investment banking, as well as the Strategic Consulting Mentorship Program , as examples. The list of mentorship and specialty programs available at UBC Sauder grows longer every year!
• An incredibly international experience: UBC in general and Sauder specifically boast a very diverse student body, with students from all over the world contributing their perspectives and ideas in the classroom. UBC Sauder also has a very extensive exchange program which will allow you to experience a business education that’s truly global in nature. 
• World-renowned faculty: UBC Sauder is ranked #16 for business research excellence in North America, which speaks volume to the quality of the faculty (aka your instructors and professors). You’ll have the opportunity to not only learn from them in the classroom, but also participate in their research (as research assistants), or lead a research project under their guidance! UBC Sauder’s Commerce Scholars Program is a unique program (if not the only one in Canada!) that provides training and research opportunities to undergraduate students, where students get to work with their faculty mentor on a business research project. 

How do I pick a specialization/option at UBC Sauder BCom? 

It might seem overwhelming at first, but just remember that you have time to figure out which of the ten primary specializations/options interests you. 

In your first two years at Sauder, you are required to complete foundational business courses as well as introductory classes in each of the specializations. These first two years not only provide a solid and well-rounded foundation for your future career in business, but also allow you to develop an appreciation for the nature of each specialization and find out which specializations suit your strengths and interests . 

Another great way to learn more about each specialization is hearing directly from industry professionals working in that specialization. Take advantage of networking events, company, and industry info sessions organized by Sauder Business Career Centre and student-run specialization clubs (such as the UBC Accounting Club, UBC Finance Club, UBC Marketing Association, to name a few – there’s at least one student club for each specialization out there!). These will help you explore your interests more and learn more about career paths for graduates in each specialization. These events are also a great opportunity to hear from alumni and industry professionals how it’s actually like working in a particular field or career. 

It’s also worth noting that you have the option to pursue two specializations as well. Many students do a double specialization in Finance and Accounting, or Business Technology Management (BTM) and Finance (BTM pairs well with pretty much any other specialization, given the undeniable role of technology in any sector nowadays). And don’t forget, the staff and faculty at Sauder are always there to help if you are having trouble deciding and need some guidance. 

What are the classes like at Sauder Commerce? 

Classes at UBC Sauder are both challenging and engaging . 

The majority of students who have gone through the first year at Sauder would share that Sauder classes are significantly more difficult than their high school materials , which, for many, might have been unexpected at first. 

While the nature of each class varies depending on the subject and the professor, certain elements are common for every class , such as group projects (because teamwork is pretty much a given in any job these days), presentations (when you present in a Sauder class, you’re expected to don a suit or business attire), and active participation both in classroom discussions but also on online learning platforms. 

In other words, Sauder classes tend to be very “hands-on” and require a great deal of work! The majority of foundation courses in Year 1 and 2 are large in size, with lectures taking place in massive lecture halls and tutorial sessions held by teaching assistants in smaller groups. As you progress into specialization classes, the class size tends to be smaller. Regardless of the class size, take advantage of office hours where you can meet your professors and teaching assistants one-on-one to solidify your understanding of the class materials and foster relationships with them (some professors and teaching assistants actively work in the industry, so it’s always a good idea to know them personally!). 

You’ve Got a Dedicated Coach in Your Corner

For over a decade, we have worked with thousands of students to help them achieve more than they ever thought possible. 

Our coaches have a strong success rate supporting students as they apply to UBC Sauder BCom, among other top university programs.

 Our 1-on-1 Youth Coaching fills that gap that most high schools miss. We can help you build self-awareness through probing questions and assessments, set bigger goals to elevate your extracurriculars and future career plans, and improve skills that matter on supplementary applications, such as interviewing, written communication, critical thinking, and creativity. 

We use a coaching methodology, called ‘full student’ development, that’s been proven to increase your chances of admission to top-tier universities and obtaining competitive jobs/internships. 

So, what are you waiting for? Fulfill your post-secondary potential with the mentorship and coaching you’ve always wanted! 🙂

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Your admission requirements

Admission to UBC is competitive, and your requirements change depending on your degree and campus of choice. All applicants must meet UBC’s general admission requirements and English Language Admission Standard.

Canadian high school applicant requirements >> International high school applicant requirements >> International Baccalaureate applicant requirements >> University or college student applicant requirements >> Mature student applicant requirements >>

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English is the primary language of instruction at UBC. Before you’re admitted, you must demonstrate a minimum level of English. There are nine different ways to meet this requirement, such as completing four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in Canada. If you haven’t yet met the requirement, you may be interested in one of our academic English development programs.

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How to Apply

We invite you to apply to UBC to be part of an incredible community of problem-solvers and innovators. Even as undergraduates, our students are making a difference in the world – through their involvement in student engineering design teams , contributions as co-op students and innovative capstone projects . 

We'd love for you to join us. Here are the steps involved in applying to UBC to study engineering as an undergraduate student.

Step 1: Admission Requirements

Step 2: Application Process

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Step 4: Tuition and Scholarships 

Step 1: find out if you meet our admission requirements.

If you want to study engineering at UBC, you will be applying to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering) degree. The admission criteria vary and depend on factors that include: 

• If you attended high school in Canada or  internationally .
• Whether you want to study at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan .
• If you self-identify as an Aboriginal person .
• If you are transferring from one of our Engineering Transfer Programs .
• If you are transferring from another UBC Faculty or post-secondary institution .

Check if you meet our admission requirements:

• Read What courses do you need to get into engineering ? to learn about some of the high school credits we’re looking for.
• Head to UBC Admissions   for details on courses you need to have completed, general grade point averages, English language requirements and more.

What to do if you don’t meet our admissions requirements

If you don’t meet our admission requirements and you would still like to study engineering at UBC, you can pursue a few options. Depending on your circumstances, these could include:

• Applying to our Engineering Transfer Program and completing first year at one of nine partner universities and colleges.
• Upgrading your high school courses to get the credits you need in Physics, Chemistry, Math or English.
• Applying to Vantage One Bachelor of Applied Science if you don’t meet the  English language competency requirement.

Next steps if you meet our admission requirements

If you think you meet our admission requirements, great! Check out the steps below to learn what’s involved in applying to UBC. 

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the application process 

UBC has a centralized application process. That means that no matter what Faculty you are applying to, you will submit your application to UBC Admissions. 

You can find all the information you need to know about applying to UBC on the UBC Undergraduate Programs and Admissions application instructions page.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about the application process:

• Applications will open in October of the fall before you wish to begin at UBC. 
• You can start the application before the deadline . Simply save your application while it is in process and return to it later.
• You will be asked to submit transcripts and other documents after you submit your application, so you do not need to have final grades for your current courses.

As part of your application, you will be asked to:

• Answer a series of questions about yourself and list your top two choices for what degree you want to study and where you want to study (UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan). If you definitely want to pursue engineering, you should indicate Bachelor of Applied Science (Engineering) for both options and then either UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan as your first choice (with the other campus being your second choice).
• Submit a  personal profile , which requires short essay responses. 
• Share the names of two references .
• Pay a non-refundable application fee
• High school transcripts
• International Baccalaureate results
• Advanced Placement exam results
• Proof of English language competency
• Post-secondary transcripts      

These details are explained step by step on the UBC Undergraduate Programs and Admissions application instructions.  

Learn more about UBC Engineering

You likely have some questions about UBC Engineering. A great way to learn more is to sign up for our annual open houses   or one of our many events . These events cover a wide range of topics, from learning more about what engineering is all about to insider admissions tips!

More about UBC Engineering

Learn more about our foundation year program , which sets you up to make an informed choice about which engineering specialization is best for you.

Explore the 14 programs on offer at UBC Vancouver and four programs at UBC Okanagan . You will apply to your specialization at the end of first year.

Chat with a student about their experience.

Follow our Engineering Stories Team on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube to see what life is like as an engineering student.

Step 3: Keep track of deadlines and submit your application

The online application portal for UBC for the Winter Session (September to April) opens in early October. Remember that you can start your application and save it while it is still in process. Just make sure you submit before the deadline !

Application Deadlines

The deadline to apply for September entry is January 15 . However, you need to apply earlier if you want to be considered for scholarships and awards or for first-round offers of admission.

Early October: Online application open

November 15: Award application deadline for international applicants who want to be considered for the  UBC International Scholars Program awards .

December 1 application deadline for: 

• International applicants up for a UBC International Scholars Program award 
• Canadian citizens and permanent residents to be considered for the  Presidential Scholars Awards and  UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards .
• High school students studying a Canadian curriculum who want to be considered for a  first-round offer of admission .
• Canadian post-secondary applicants who want to be considered on the basis of interim transcripts.

January 15 : Application deadline.

You can find all the important dates on admissions deadlines at Dates and deadlines . 

Document deadlines

After you’ve submitted your application, UBC Admissions will email you to let you know which documents you are required to submit and when. The documents required will vary depending on your level of studies, location and program. 

• Review the Dates and deadlines page for the important dates to keep in mind.
• Select the category that best describes your education background to learn how to submit your documents .

Step 4: Learn about tuition and scholarships 

Your tuition fees will depend on whether you are a canadian student or international applicant, as well as how many courses you are taking:.

• Find out more about tuition fees
• Estimate your total fees with the cost calculator    

Want to learn about scholarship and funding opportunities? Learn more about: 

• University-wide scholarships, bursaries and awards
• Engineering-specific scholarships  

Remember that you will need to submit your application ahead of the December 1, deadline for admission to the upcoming    school year if you want to be considered for certain scholarships.

As a student, you can also earn while you learn by:

• Participating in Applied Science Co-op , where you will benefit from paid, relevant work experiences with leading employers.
• Pursuing other work experience opportunities, including Work Learn and undergraduate research .

A UBC Engineering degree is an investment in your future. Unlike other professional degrees, you can start working in your field immediately after you finish your undergraduate education without having to complete additional post-secondary studies. Find out why engineering might be the most versatile undergraduate degree and how UBC Engineering sets you up for success .

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Engineering is one of the most rewarding careers

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Prospective student events, ubc engineering: everything you need to know, take your next steps.

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How to tackle essay-based exams

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Regardless of whether they exhilarate you or exhaust you, essay-based exams are the backbone of testing in some faculties.

I used to think that just flipping through my notes was enough to study for essay-based exams—I would just write about what I remembered from the class, right?

Not so much. This type of exam does give you some flexibility in what you choose to write about, but it also requires careful studying beforehand and adjustments to how you approach essay-writing during the exam—not to mention a healthy dose of stamina to get you through.

Essay-based exams are challenging, and, as an undergrad, I often came out of them feeling like somebody had rearranged my brain with an electric mixer. However, having to prepare for and write one usually helped me understand the big picture of the course better.

You don’t have to learn to love them, but figuring out how to approach these kinds of exams can make them more manageable.

Strategically prepare with case studies and theory

Studying for an essay-based exam isn’t quite like studying for a multiple choice test . While both have their challenges, writing essays when you have a limited amount of time requires you to do a lot of active preparation beforehand. 

1. Use the review sheets to study efficiently

Most courses I’ve taken with essay-based exams have also provided a review sheet with topics and information about the exam beforehand.

This means that you often don’t have to review the entire course in depth to do well. If the professor gives you a list of say, 15 topics, and you know that there’s going to be 5 essay questions on the test, and you only need to write 3 essays in total, you can do a bit of math to figure out how many topics you’ll need to study to be prepared. 

Each essay question will probably require knowledge of more than just one topic in the course, but strategically focusing your studying can make you better prepared for the questions you’ll actually answer on the exam. 

2. Focus on flexible case studies

In courses like political science and history, I liked to spend a good portion of my prep time reviewing case studies that can be adapted for a number of essay topics. Prepare at least 3 or 4 case studies for each essay, with some backup. 

You can use these in different combinations depending on the essay question—you won’t have time to go extremely in-depth in the essay, but make sure you know the main points and how the case study relates to the theory of the course.  

3. Find links between examples and theory

Don’t neglect studying the theory—what have your course readings been arguing? Do you agree or disagree with them? It’s okay to have opinions that differ from the readings, but make sure you can back your arguments up with evidence. 

Consider what the overall themes of the course have been—how do all the topics link together? How can you link case studies together with course themes and theory?

Additionally, check out these tips if you're preparing for an English exam specifically!

Maintain a good pace while writing the exam

Once your preparation is done and you’re writing the exam itself, make sure you keep track of the time. If you have 2 hours to write 3 short essays, don’t spend 90 minutes perfecting your first essay only to realize you have half an hour to write both the second and third. 

Give yourself a few minutes at the beginning to read through the questions and plan your essays. Space out the essays so you have some time at the end as well—this gives you a bit of breathing room if you end up spending longer on a section or want to do some minor edits at the end. 

Commit to your thesis 

Whenever I wrote essays for assignments, I inevitably ended up readjusting my entire paper after I got further in my research and figured out what I actually wanted to focus on. While that freedom is nice when the due date is a week or two away, you won’t have the flexibility to change your thesis after a bit of writing in an exam scenario.

If you get halfway through your essay and feel you should've picked a different argument, you likely won’t have time to go back and restart. Whatever you end up writing, commit to it and be confident in your arguments—you’ve studied hard, so sell what you know!

Adjust your writing

The TA or professor marking your exam isn’t expecting a hyper-polished, publishable result here—they want to see that you can craft a solid argument and that you have a perspective on the course material. 

Of course, syntax, grammar, and  punctuation are still important, but keep your writing simple and to the point. Getting the information across is more important than showcasing your most eloquent writing. Focus on writing clear, straightforward sentences that reflect your understanding of the course, and save straining for colourful synonyms for your papers.

Lastly, don’t sweat the introduction and conclusion. All you need are a few sentences—the marks are in the discussion.

Writing essay-based exams takes practice, but with the right preparation you’ll find they’re a great way to cap off your understanding of the course!

Header photo credit: Paul Joseph / UBC Brand & Marketing

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Apply to Science One

If you're ready for an interdisciplinary, community-based first-year science experience at the University of British Columbia, you're ready to apply to Science One.

Science One has a separate application process from UBC undergraduate admission. Start by creating an account and application on the UBC undergraduate admissions site . You can then simultaneously work on that application and the separate Science One application. To start your Science One application, click on the link on the right. To log in you can use your EPBC credentials or your CWL if available, or you can request a one time link using your email address and student number. Admission to the Faculty of Science at UBC (Vancouver Campus only) is a prerequisite for admission to the Science One Program.

Enrolment in Science One is limited. Admission is based on your demonstrated interest in science, our assessment of your essay, as well as your academic record. The Science One online application system will open December 1 .  Students are encouraged to submit their Science One application early as applications are reviewed by the Science One Committee in the order that they are received.  Early admission may be offered to outstanding applicants before April 30, provided their applications was received no later than April 15. Applications received after April 30 may be considered but will not be evaluated on the same basis or with the same priority as those received before April 30. Students accepted into the program will be contacted by Science One via email. Students receiving an offer of admission should confirm acceptance via their Science One application.  

Students applying from outside Canada

AP and IB programs are globally recognized. If you attended an AP or IB program please enter your grades with your application. If you attended school (Grades 11 and/or 12) outside of Canada and outside of an AP or IB systems, you are not required to record any grades on the Science One application. You may submit your Science One application with an approximate 600-word essay along with any other information. We will refer to the UBC system for your courses and grades once they have been evaluated by the UBC Admissions office for BC equivalency with your Application for Admission to UBC. 

As part of completing the online application for Science One, all applicants must provide an approximately 600 word essay (575 - 625 words) addressing one of the following questions:

• Does knowing science make you a better person?
• Which scientist - past or present - would be most helpful if both of you were stranded on a deserted island?
• Can mathematics be more beautiful than art?
• Does the value of science depend on its practical applications?

Your essay will be judged on content, imagination and creativity, style, and clarity of exposition. This is where your curiosity, maturity, personal views and interest in science can shine! Your text should be original. Please do NOT send us additional materials, references or research papers.

Admission Requirements

At least 75% in English 12 or English Literature 12 (or equivalent) is required.  Students who have not achieved this minimum English requirement may still apply for the program. They may be asked, however, to provide writing samples that will be evaluated by Science One professors. 

Completion of Physics 11 and Chemistry 11 (or equivalent). Completion of Biology 11 or 12, Physics 12 and/or Chemistry 12 (both are highly recommended for success in Science One, but those in AP or IB programs may only have to take one), Pre-Calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12, and Calculus 12, each with a minimum of 80%. If you are missing either Chemistry 12 or Physics 12, please contact us.

IB-HL or AP studies in the subject areas above also satisfy the requirements to Science One. IB-HL Mathematics or AP Calculus (AB or BC) provides the necessary calculus background. IB-SL Mathematics with a grade of 5 or better is also suitable. It is to your advantage to have taken one or more of the core subjects (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Calculus) at the AP or IB level. However, transfer credits (including those based on AP or IB studies) will not exempt you from participating in any part of Science One.

Attaining a grade of at least 80% on the Cambridge O-levels satisfies the English 12 requirement for Science One. 

Applications from students studying outside of Canada who will have completed the prerequisites are also welcomed. The preparation of these students for Science One will be judged on a case-by-case basis. International students entering Science One are expected to complete UBC Jump Start in August. JUMP START is a first-year transition program for new international and Aboriginal students.

Your admission to Science One is based on preliminary information provided by you and your school. A drop in high school marks after application may indicate a weakness in your background. If any of your marks dropped by more than 2-3%, or if you have not met all of our requirements after marks are finalized, we should be contacted immediately to discuss strategies for academic success.

Missing Requirements

Are you missing calculus 12 (or bc equivalent).

• Are you going to miss the minimum 75% in English 12 or English Literature 12?

Are you missing Biology 11 or 12 (or BC Equivalent)?

Are you missing physics 12 chemistry 12 (or bc equivalent).

Historically the majority of incoming Science One students have had an introductory course in calculus (Calculus 12 or a locally developed equivalent course). This subject is now a requirement for admission to Science One. The syllabus for Science One has been prepared assuming that the students will be completely at ease with the fundamental ideas of Calculus and will have master key computational skills. Self-study will not be sufficient in this case. Therefore, if you are not currently taking this course, you must complete it through summer school or distance education before classes start in September.

Are you possibly going to miss the minimum 75% in English 12 or English Literature 12 (or BC Equivalent)?

Since writing skills are an important aspect of Science One, you must have at least 75% in English 12 or English Literature 12 (or equivalent) for admission to Science One. This Science One requirement is the higher of the school or provincial examination mark in BC and other provinces with similar government examinations. If there is any doubt that your mark will not be 75% or higher, please contact us and we will arrange you to submit writing samples to the admissions team.

Students in the Cambridge system who do not achieve at least 80% on their O-level English must contact Science One.  If there is any doubt that your mark will not be greater than 80%, please contact us and we will arrange you to submit writing samples to the admissions team.

The Faculty of Science has a Communication Requirement. Students admitted directly from secondary school are required to take at least one of the ENGL courses or WRDS 150B in their first year if eligible to do so. For more information on the Faculty’s requirement, click here .

Biology 11 or Biology 12 (or BC Equivalent of either) is acceptable to meet the Biology Requirement for Science One. If you lack both, you must complete either Biology 11 or Biology 12 (or BC Equivalent) through summer school or distance education before classes start in September. The syllabus for Science One has been prepared assuming that the students will be completely at ease with the material usually covered in these courses and self-study will not be sufficient in this case. Acceptance to Science One is on the condition that a grade of at least 80% is achieved. 

To be properly prepared for Science One students are expected to have Physics 11, Chemistry 11, and both Physics 12 and Chemistry 12 (or equivalent courses). Science One has been designed assuming that the students will have exposure to the material usually covered in these subjects. However, with the prevalence of IB and AP course, and the increased number of course offerings in high school, we are aware that some students might not be able to take all of Biology 12, Calculus 12, Physics 12 and Chemistry 12. In some cases we will consider waiving either Chemistry 12 or Physics 12 and recommend self-study. More commonly, we will recommend to meet this requirement by completing these courses through summer school or distance education before classes start in September. If you are missing one of the courses, please contact Science One. 

Step One: Apply to UBC

Start by making sure you've applied to UBC  in the Faculty of Science. UBC Application for Admissions opens in early September and closes on January 15.

Step Two: Apply to Science One

Science One online application opens  December 1 . Students are encouraged to submit an application early. Applications received after  April 30  may be considered but not with the same priority as those received before  April 30 .

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

UBC Science acknowledges that the UBC Point Grey campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Science One

Faculty of science.

How UBC grades your broad-based admissions essays

UBC is looking for leaders and with a strong sense of self and community who take initiative, according to its marking rubric for admission essays.

The university has refused to comply with the BC Supreme Court and Information and Privacy orders to release the rubric, which The Ubyssey requested via the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act four years ago. It was provided to the paper by a person who wishes to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the document.

Read the rubric in its entirety here.

The rubric asks graders to mark essays based on how well they display certain attributes. In approximately 1,000 words, the ideal applicant would have a sense of self and community, problem solving and resilience, intellectual readiness and expression, leadership and initiative, and achieving goals.

Each attribute gets its own page to let graders know exactly what to look for in applicants’ essays. For example, the leadership page lists complimentary adjectives that could describe a leader — e.g., “focused,” “confident,” “influential” — and some examples of situations that could demonstrate leadership ability — e.g., “ability to motivate and inspire others.”

To grade the application, each of the listed attributes are ranked on a scale from 0 to 5. Detailed descriptions of how answers might exemplify each rating can be found on each attribute’s page of the document.

Among other considerations, markers are told to take into account each applicant’s age and potential access to opportunities, and to flag areas of concern, such as mental health or other circumstances which may require additional support. Flagging an application, according to the rubric, has no effect on the chances a student will get in.

UBC admission stats 2016/17: Averages, acceptance rates and more

Markers are instructed not to take grammar, punctuation and spelling into account when grading an applicant’s submission.

“You should be focused on the thoughts and intentions of the applicant’s responses. For instance, you should not penalize applicants for using an incorrect verb or tense,” the rubric says, noting that English dialects vary between Canadian and worldwide communities.

According to UBC Director of Undergraduate Admissions Andrew Arida, the rubric is updated on a yearly basis “as the university seeks to enhance the process.”

Arida said that an average of 75 to 80 per cent of the decision to admit someone to UBC is still solely reliant on grades. Somewhere between one in five and one in ten students would not be admitted without the broad-based admissions process.

“It depends on the faculty and how competitive the program is and the introduction of other admission policies,” he wrote in an emailed statement.

UBC’s opinion vs. the BC Supreme Court’s

The Ubyssey has pursued UBC’s rubrics for how broad-based admissions (BBA) are graded for the past four years .

One of the initial reasons the university rejected our freedom of information (FOI) request cited the section of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act that deals with “disclosure harmful to the financial or economic interests of a public body.”

Implementing broad-based admissions cost UBC about $1.76 million, according to Arida.

“There would be cost associated with amending the system to ensure it remains viable if the rubric is released. The cost of returning to grades-only would be substantial. However, the cost to the student body, to its diversity and to those who might not otherwise have a chance to pursue their studies has an impact that cannot be measured in dollars. There is a huge lost opportunity cost because it would reduce access to UBC,” he said.

Judge Loryl Russell, in the section of her BC Supreme Court decision that dealt specifically with that claim, wrote that “it is clear that the BBA process is not like an exam where a student must demonstrate their knowledge of the concepts taught by an educational institution, and where maintaining the secrecy of the questions and answers is essential to the fairness and integrity of the testing.” UBC appealed this decision.

“Even if it were reasonable to conclude that disclosure of the rubrics necessitates abandoning the BBA process ... UBC did not provide information that satisfies me that this could reasonably be expected to harm its financial or economic interests,” wrote Russell.

UBC Director of Public Affairs Susan Danard wrote in an emailed statement that “releasing the BBA application scoring guides would allow prospective students to tailor their answers and exaggerate or misrepresent their experiences to meet UBC’s requirements, which would seriously harm the ability of the university to evaluate applicants fairly.”

The email also noted that The Ubyssey is publishing these documents “at [our] own risk.”

Russell wrote: “Given the nature of the information in these rubrics, I am not convinced that disclosure would make exaggeration, misrepresentation or false information any more prevalent or harder to detect than they currently are. Therefore, I do not accept that it is reasonable to believe, as UBC does, that disclosure of the rubrics would significantly diminish the predictive value of the BBA process, and that the only alternative is to abandon the BBA process.”

This article has been updated to clarify the fact that flagging an application, according to the rubric, has no effect on the chances a student will get in.

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Online Application System

Our online application system (OAS) is an essential part of how we run our admissions for the MD Undergraduate Program and how we will communicate with you during the admissions process. The application system houses a copy of all the messages we send to applicants. We recommend checking your messages for important updates from the Admissions Team about your application. 

Note: We send both general messages and messages to specific applicants. It is your responsibility as an applicant to check your email and/or review the Communications tab in the application system for new messages. 

Useful Resources

We encourage you to review these resources prior to beginning your online application.

• Applicant Guide: The online application is long and requires very specific information. The Applicant Guide is here to help you. Read it before you begin and refer to it as you fill in each section of the application.
• Documentation Checklist: A list of all required supporting documents to include with your application.

The online application for the 2023/2024 cycle is now closed.

Update (September 21, 2023): If you are unable to login through this link, please try resetting your browser cache and/or try Private Browsing or Incognito mode. Alternatively, you can try different browsers to connect in the case that the previous solutions fail.

Note that Internet Explorer is not compatible with the online application system so please use Firefox, Chrome, or another internet browser.