What Makes You, as an Applicant, Shine?

Best strategies to prepare for UBC graduate studies

You are considering graduate school at UBC, but you don't know where to start. Here are a few tips on how to best prepare your graduate school application.

Start early and do your homework.

If you're thinking about graduate school at UBC, the first thing you want to do is review the graduate degree program list. You can filter programs by faculty, degree level, mode of delivery and program components, or type in keywords to find just what you are looking for.

Each program is different, so it's important to do your research. Know what the admission requirements for the program are and be sure to read the tips and instructions on the departmental/program website. Take a look at our website for application components, admissions requirements and deadlines.

Once you've got that out of the way, it's time to start thinking about your application package. Write a compelling statement of interest that demonstrates, with clarity, your passion and commitment to your area of interest and how your research interests are an excellent fit for the program you wish to join.

Next, you want to think about who your letter writers are going to be. Choose individuals who know you and who are in a position to assess your academic ability and qualifications. These can be individuals who know you professionally or through your studies.

If you're applying to a research-based program, investigate faculty members who work in your area of interest: read their papers, look at projects they are working on with current graduate students, or who they collaborate with. You can use our research supervisor search tool to get a sense of the faculty members on campus who conduct research in an area of interest to you. Find out from the program website if you are supposed to contact potential supervisors prior to applying.

And if you have additional questions about the application process, life in Vancouver, or you want to hear from our current graduate students, check out our upcoming online info sessions.