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The University of British Columbia is a place of mind. With its 200 programs – ranging from accounting to zoology – the university consistently ranks among the top three research universities on Earth. UBC’s faculty and alumni have won seven Nobel Prizes, 68 Rhodes Scholarships, and 64 Olympic Medals. Two of Canada’s former Prime Ministers are UBC alumnus – including Kim Campbell, the first – and to date, the only – female Prime Minister of Canada. Finally, UBC is Canada’s first university to meet the Kyoto Protocol’s environmental targets. Less than half of those who apply to UBC are accepted to attend – so, you might be wondering how to get into the University of British Columbia.
The UBC admission process is comprehensive. The application process is on par with the university’s competitive reputation. UBC believes students who flourish, not only excel in academia, but do so because of their experiences and ambition. I can recollect putting together my own application; it was difficult. Nonetheless, critical thinking and self-reflection attributed to my admission. I learned a lot from this process. See my admissions guides for SFU and UVIC for more information or hit contact on my profile.
UBC’s online application platform is direct, efficient, and lengthy. Note: it is in your best interest to indicate your first and second-choice programs. I have summarized the university application process into this simplified UBC application guide. Use these tips to ensure your application is on the right track.
Quantitative
Without question, UBC’s academic requirements are competitive – especially for its Bachelor of Commerce under the Sauder School of Business. Admission is granted to students standing in and above the 90th percentile. With an increasingly global student population, there is an English Language Admission Standard. If you’re an international applicant, a TOEFL of 90 or better; however, if you do not meet the English Language Admission Standard, but believe that you have the proficiency of a native English speaker, you can a request a waiver to be submitted to elas.waivers@ubc.ca before March 15th 2015.
Qualitative
Grades are a concern of many, however, we must believe that we are gifted for something. The most important section of the UBC application is the Personal Profile. With seven questions, the aim is for the admissions committee to determine if you fit with the culture of UBC. This section asks you to elaborate on the journey you underwent to reach your achievements. UBC is interested in knowing which obstacles you have conquered, which lessons you have learned, and how ambitious you really are. To gauge this development, one interesting question asked in the UBC online application is:
“In 200 words or less, tell us about an experience, in school or out, that caused you to rethink or change your perspective. What impact has this had on you?”
The theme surrounding this and the remaining questions is in homage to UBC’s motto – a place of mind. University is your opportunity and privilege to challenge the status-quo. It is a place to understand the construction of our globally integrated economies. As an example, here is an excerpt of my supplemental application to Queen’s Commerce in 2011, where I completed my Master’s in International Business:
“From my experience, in studying and working overseas, I have learned that mastering inter-cultural communication is critical for the success of an international career. I acquired the initial theory and practice of this skill through my academic requirements. However, the classroom environment alone did not quench my thirst; I searched for experiential learning opportunities to increase my preparedness for an international real-world business setting. From the resources available in my undergraduate, I completed a student work-term at the Department of Commerce for the United States Consulate. I was introduced to research and analysis to benefit bi-lateral trade in the renewable energy sector. This newly acquired knowledge – coupled with my previous international experience of studying in Denmark – aligned my capabilities for a second student-work term in business development and market analysis in Mumbai, India. Submerged in the culture of this developing country, I learned to swim fast – in order to tackle the challenges in adapting to a unique culture, considerably different than my own. Through this, I saw improvements to my abilities in understanding and communicating across the Indian culture-and-commercial context…”
Finally, you are required to provide the names of two references who can recommend your preparedness for study at UBC. Possible references include an employer, community member, coach, teacher or alternatively someone who knows you well – someone who can speak on behalf of your aforementioned activities and experiences. Altogether, the application is tough. I have worked together with students both formally and informally – providing insights on how best to craft their application. To answer your additional questions or assist with your application to UBC, visit my profile and hit contact.
And that is how to get into the University of British Columbia.
Key Dates
UBC Application Deadline: February 3rd 2015
High-School Grade Submission: February-April
Admission Decisions: February-May
International Application Deadline: March 15th
Admission Offer Acceptance Deadline: June 2nd
how to get into the university of british columbia
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