As a Grade 12 student gearing up for university applications, you’ve probably already been focused on your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, maybe you even checked out our recent blog post to determine what UBC looks for. But if you’re planning to apply to the University of British Columbia (UBC) for the Fall of 2025, there’s another crucial piece of the puzzle that you’ll need to pay close attention to: the UBC personal profile. This part of the application is your chance to stand out, show who you are beyond your transcript, and give the admissions committee a deeper look at what makes you unique. Whether you’ve volunteered for a cause, led a school project, or overcome personal challenges, the personal profile is your platform to tell your story.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the UBC personal profile: what it is, who needs to submit it, how it’s evaluated, and most importantly, how you can make sure your profile stands out in the competitive UBC admissions process. In part two, coming later this week, we’ll provide helpful examples and our best tips to help you craft a compelling and memorable personal profile that highlights your strengths and achievements.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
What is the UBC Personal Profile?
The UBC personal profile is a key part of the undergraduate application process for students applying to the UBC. Unlike standardized tests or transcripts, the personal profile is your opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your grades. It allows the admissions team to assess your unique experiences, skills, values, and how you’ve contributed to your community.
Who Has to Write the UBC Personal Profile
If you’re applying to any undergraduate program at UBC for Fall 2025 (or beyond), you will be required to submit a personal profile. The personal profile is mandatory for all applicants except for applicants of the Bachelor of Design in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urbanism. This includes students applying to UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan.
How is the UBC Personal Profile Evaluated?
The personal profile is evaluated based on several criteria that highlight your potential as a well-rounded and engaged student. UBC looks for applicants who not only excel academically but also demonstrate leadership, initiative, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Rather than focusing solely on your grades or test scores, the admissions team at UBC uses the personal profile to better understand your character and achievements.
UBC evaluates your personal profile through your responses to a series of questions that assess:
Engagement and Accomplishment
- How do you pursue your interests and manage your responsibilities outside of class?
- What are your most significant contributions and accomplishments, in your eyes or your community’s?
- Whether it’s a major achievement or an everyday task (e.g., caring for a sibling), how have your experiences shaped you?
- Provide specific examples of what you’ve done and what you’ve learned from those experiences.
Leadership
- Have you taken on responsibilities that benefited others or your community?
- What have you learned about yourself and others through these activities?
- Leadership can be formal (e.g., president of a club) or informal (e.g., helping in your community).
- Focus on the impact and lessons from your leadership roles, not just the title.
Substance
- Have you taken time to reflect on the questions and answered them thoughtfully and meaningfully?
- Is your personal profile detailed and insightful, or does it feel superficial or clichéd?
- UBC reviewers are reading thousands of profiles—ensure yours stands out with well-developed ideas and clear content.
Voice
- Does your personal profile authentically reflect who you are and how you communicate?
- Is your voice your own, or does your profile sound generic and similar to others?
- Aim for a profile that feels genuine and showcases your individuality.
These factors are reviewed alongside your academic record to create a holistic picture of who you are as an applicant. While there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer, your responses in your UBC personal profile should give the admissions team a clear sense of your strengths and experiences.
Take Action Today: Maximize Your UBC Personal Profile Success!
Now that you have a solid understanding of what the UBC personal profile is, who needs to write it, and how it’s evaluated, you’re one step closer to crafting a standout application. But don’t stop here—stay tuned for Part Two, coming later this week, where we’ll dive deeper into each Personal Profile question, provide detailed tips, and share sample essays to guide your responses. If you’re looking for a few extra tips before then, check out our recent reel about the UBC personal profile.
In the meantime, if you want personalized feedback, expert advice, and extra support, our educational consultants and writing coaches are ready to help. Book an appointment with us today and take your personal profile to the next level!
Admissions is a dynamic field and process. This post was written in November of 2024, and the information discussed was accurate at the time of writing, but that information may be different when you are reading this post. Please check each institution’s website for the most recent information.
