UBC Personal Profile: Examples, Samples, and Our Best Tips – Part Three – UBC Sauder Specific

Welcome to Part Three of our guide on the UBC Personal Profile! In Part One and Part Two, we laid the foundation by covering the essentials of the personal profile and helping you tackle the specific questions asked in your application. Now, we’re diving into the final part of the series, which focuses on the personal profile essays required for applicants to the Bachelor of Commerce program at UBC’s Sauder School of Business.

In this section, we’ll walk you through the key elements of the Sauder-specific essays, break down what the admissions committee is looking for, and provide strategies to help you craft compelling responses. Whether you’re hoping to showcase your leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, or ability to thrive in a collaborative environment, we’ll give you the tools to highlight your strengths in a way that aligns with Sauder’s values and admissions criteria.

Let’s get started on making your application stand out with essays that reflect your potential for success in the world of business!

1. 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? (1500 characters)

What it’s asking:

• This is a classic “problem-solving” question. It asks you to demonstrate how you approach challenges, think critically, and learn from experiences.
• The admissions team wants to see how you handle adversity, adapt to new situations, and reflect on those experiences.

Things to think about:

• Choose a specific situation in which you faced a challenge, whether academic, personal, or in extracurricular activities.
• Focus on the steps you took to address the problem, any obstacles you encountered, and the outcome of your actions.
• Reflect on the lessons learned—did you develop resilience, improve your communication skills, or gain new perspectives?

Tips from our Writing Coaches:

• The biggest problem we see with this essay is too much time talking about the problem and not enough time discussing the resolution and what students learned.
• We often recommend students write long first drafts, so if you’re well over the character count on your first draft (or even your second or third), that’s okay, but once it comes time to cut words, look to the exposition (the part where you explain what the problem was). Can you cut out some details here so that you have more room for your reflection at the end (which is arguably the more important part of this essay!)

Sample essay:

During high school, I was part of the organizing team for a charity event aimed at raising funds for a local homeless shelter. A few weeks before the event last year, we discovered that our primary sponsor had backed out, leaving us with a significant financial gap. We were on a tight deadline, and I knew this situation would require quick thinking and collaboration from our entire team.

Instead of panicking, I took the lead in organizing a team meeting where we discussed how we could turn the situation around. We decided to launch a social media fundraising campaign and reach out to local businesses for smaller sponsorships. I worked closely with my team to divide the tasks: some of us focused on crafting messages for our social media platforms, while others contacted local businesses to request donations. Throughout the process, we all communicated constantly, keeping each other updated on progress and troubleshooting any challenges that came up. The teamwork and flexibility of our group made a huge difference, and we managed to exceed our fundraising goal by 20%.

This experience taught me the power of teamwork and creative problem-solving. By collaborating effectively, we were able to find a solution that not only met our original goal but also made a greater impact than expected. I also learned that leadership is not about doing everything yourself but guiding and motivating others to work together toward a common objective. This experience reinforced my interest in business, as I saw how important collaboration, adaptability, and communication are in achieving success, especially when facing unexpected obstacles.

2. What do you think is the most serious challenge that our world faces today? What steps should we take as individuals, and collectively as a society to address it? (1500 characters)

What it’s asking:

• This question asks you to identify a major global challenge and reflect on how it can be addressed, both by individuals and society as a whole.
• UBC is looking for students who can think critically about the world’s most pressing issues and propose realistic, actionable solutions.
• The question invites you to demonstrate your awareness of social, environmental, or political problems, and your ability to consider how change can be achieved at both the personal and collective levels.

Things to think about:

• What global issue do you believe is the most urgent or impactful challenge? This could include topics like climate change, social inequality, global health crises, or political instability.
• Explain why the challenge you’ve chosen is significant. What are its consequences, both in the short and long term? Consider how it affects people, economies, or ecosystems on a global scale.
• Think about specific actions that individuals and society as a whole can take to address this issue. This could include changes in behavior, advocating for policy change, or spreading awareness. Consider the role of governments, organizations, and social movements. Think about policy changes, global cooperation, or technological advancements.

Tips from our Writing Coaches:

• First, take a look at your activities. Are you involved with any causes that you genuinely care about? What problems do these causes help solve?
• Students can often get hypothetical with questions like this (If I could help, I would help…), but there needs to be something tangible to connect to. Offer concrete steps or solutions. Think about how this issue relates to your values or future academic/career goals. Can you connect the challenge to the work you hope to do in the future?

Sample essay:

One of the most serious challenges our world faces today is income inequality. A growing divide exists between the rich and the poor, with millions lacking access to high-quality education, healthcare, and housing. This inequality leads to instability and conflict, requiring both systemic change and individual action.

As individuals, we can contribute by supporting initiatives that help reduce inequality. I personally have taken steps to address inequality in my own community. I volunteer regularly at local food banks, where I help sort and distribute food to families facing financial hardship. I’ve also worked with a youth mentorship program that helps students from underprivileged backgrounds access educational resources, providing tutoring and guidance. While these actions may seem small, I believe that they can help provide essential resources and empower individuals to improve their lives and communities.

However, to truly solve income inequality, systemic change is needed. Governments must prioritize policies that increase access to education, raise the minimum wage, and provide affordable healthcare. Businesses must offer fair wages and create inclusive work environments. As a future business leader, I believe it’s crucial to advocate for ethical practices that address inequality while supporting long-term growth.

Solving income inequality is challenging, but essential for a just and stable world. Both individual actions and collective efforts are necessary to create opportunities for all. If we reduce the wealth gap, we can build a more equitable future.

Take Your UBC Personal Profile to the Next Level

Now that you have a comprehensive guide to writing the Sauder-specific essays for your UBC Personal Profile, it’s time to put these strategies into action. Remember, the goal is to craft responses that demonstrate your academic achievements and showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and potential for success at UBC. With the insights you’ve gained from Part One, Part Two, and this post, you have all the tools you need to write a standout personal profile.

As you start drafting and refining your essays, keep in mind that clarity, authenticity, and a well-structured narrative are key. Check out this blog post, which has some helpful tips for refining your essays at the last minute.

In addition to your written essays, remember that applicants to the Bachelor of Commerce will also need to complete a video interview and all UBC applicants are required to provide references as part of the personal profile process. Be sure to check UBC’s official website for more details on these components and any specific requirements or deadlines.

Still feeling unsure about your essays or need a second set of eyes to ensure they’re polished and impactful? Consider booking an appointment with one of our dedicated writing coaches or experienced educational consultants. With expert feedback and personalized advice, you’ll be able to take your personal profile to the next level and present your best self to UBC’s admissions team.

Good luck with your application, and remember—this is your chance to shine and show the admissions committee what makes you a perfect fit for Sauder and UBC!

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.