Top five tips to help you prepare for your UBC Sauder BCom application
Applying to the UBC Sauder’s BCom program can feel like a big step, but with a little preparation, you’ll be ready to show off your best self. To help you feel confident about the process, here are five tips to keep in mind before starting your application.
Take courses you’re interested in
One of the biggest questions students have is about the courses they need to take in high school to be eligible for the BCom program. Contrary to popular belief, UBC Sauder doesn’t have a preference when it comes to your academic background. As long as you meet the basic course requirements, you have the flexibility to explore the subjects that interest you most.
Charis Chan, a recent UBC Sauder BCom grad, shared her advice to students who are interested in applying to UBC Sauder.
"I went into twelfth grade not knowing what I wanted to study, but now, after having graduated from the BCom program, I can’t see myself doing anything else,” says Chan. "If I could give my younger self a piece of advice, it would be to choose courses that genuinely interest you. In the end, your education is an investment in yourself, so focus on subjects that spark your curiosity. If you’re just going through the motions pursuing subjects you’re not passionate about, it won’t have the same impact as exploring topics that truly excite you."
Whether you love science, social studies, or the arts, following your passions in high school can help you stand out when the time comes to apply. Plus, you’ll do better in courses that you’re interested in.
Personal profile: highlight your most meaningful experiences
A big part of UBC Sauder’s BCom application is the personal profile section. This is where you’ll get the chance to talk about who you are outside of the classroom—your extracurricular activities, sports, hobbies, and interests. The personal profile isn’t just about listing what you’ve done; it’s about showing how your experiences have shaped you.
"Don’t overthink your answers," Chan suggests. "Highlight the experiences you are most passionate about or interested in."
UBC Sauder is more interested in the depth and commitment you’ve shown in areas that you’re passionate about than the specific types of activities you’ve done. Whether you’ve been involved in sports, volunteer work, or arts programs, what matters is how you’ve grown and learned from those experiences. Be specific and use details to provide context and elaborate on your answers.
Video interview: be confident and authentic
The idea of a video interview can feel nerve-wracking, but it’s not as scary as it sounds. The video interview is designed to see how well you can think on your feet, and it’s meant to feel like a conversation rather than an exam. You’ll answer two pre-recorded questions, and while you won’t know them ahead of time, you’ll have time to gather your thoughts.
“The interview questions aren’t meant to quiz you on what you know,” Chan explains. "Going into the interview, I reminded myself that the school wants to see how I articulate my thoughts in a calm and succinct way. Be natural and conversational. Look up job interview questions to get a sense of how to answer different kinds of questions. Trust yourself and be confident in the experiences you want to highlight."
Lean into what makes you unique
Everyone’s path to UBC Sauder is different, and the admissions team wants to see what makes you, you. Don’t feel pressured to follow a certain mold or assume that you need to have specific achievements to get in. Every person offers something new and fresh to the table. The program is designed for students from a variety of backgrounds with no prerequisite of prior business knowledge. Simply put, the "perfect" application doesn’t exist.
"Go outside of your comfort zone and try as many new things as you can while you’re in high school to see what you enjoy and like," says Chan. "You may be surprised by what you’ll learn.”
The takeaway? Show what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. The admissions team wants to see how you’ve developed through your activities, no matter what they were.
Do your research
Finally, do your research on the school and the application process. UBC Sauder offers plenty of resources to guide you—from application tips and one-on-one academic advising to info sessions and campus tours. If you’re feeling lost, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
As you work through the application process, remember that the goal is to show who you are—not just as a student, but as a person.
As Chan puts it, "in hindsight, the application is not as intimidating as you think it will be. It’s essentially an assessment of character and an assessment of you, so be yourself—there’s nothing to be afraid of!”
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting an application that truly represents your strengths and experiences. Good luck!