UBC Personal Profile: Examples, Samples, and Our Best Tips – Part Two

Welcome to Part Two of our guide on the UBC personal profile! In the first part, we covered the basics—what the personal profile is, who needs to submit it, and how it’s evaluated. Now, it’s time to take a closer look at each of the specific questions you’ll need to answer in your application.

In this section, we’ll break down each question, explain what the admissions committee is looking for, and share strategies to help you answer them in a way that highlights your unique strengths and experiences. To make this even more actionable, we’ve included sample essays that show one way to effectively approach each prompt.

Whether you’re unsure where to start or need inspiration for how to structure your answers, we’ve got you covered. With the right approach and a bit of guidance, you’ll be able to craft a personal profile that stands out from the crowd and leaves a lasting impression on UBC’s admissions team.

Understanding the UBC Personal Profile Questions

To help you craft a standout application, it’s important to understand what each of the profile questions is really asking—and how you can respond in a way that highlights your unique qualities, experiences, and potential. In this section, we’ll break down each question, offering guidance on what UBC is looking for and providing tips from our Writing Coaches to help you reflect on your experiences and respond thoughtfully. By carefully considering these prompts and responding with detail and authenticity, you’ll be able to create a profile that truly represents who you are.

The following discussion will focus on the personal profile questions for students applying to programs outside of commerce. If you’re looking for commerce-specific information, stay tuned next week for part three!

1. Tell us about who you are. How would your family, friends, and/or members of your community describe you? If possible, please include something about yourself that you are most proud of and why. (1500 characters)

What it’s asking:

• This question invites you to reflect on your identity and how others see you. It’s about your character, values, and self-awareness.
• You are also encouraged to include something you’re particularly proud of, which could be an achievement or a personal quality.

Things to think about:

• What are the qualities that your family and friends value in you? Are you dependable, creative, empathetic, or a natural leader?
• Consider the impact you’ve had on others. Are you proud of your perseverance, your kindness, or your work ethic?
• Don’t just list traits—illustrate them with examples to give a fuller picture of who you are.

Tips from our Writing Coaches:

• Don’t treat this question like a resume and try to fit all your important traits, values, and activities into one essay.
• Instead, consider choosing one trait or accomplishment that you’re particularly proud of and use an example to illustrate this. Are you proud of your resilience in the face of challenging circumstances? Great, show readers this with an example (like that hiking trip you went on where it rained for five days straight, or that grade 12 pre-calc class you took in grade 11). Think about why you’re proud of this trait, and how others in your orbit view you (did your math teacher notice that you were always the first student in line for office hours, or did your scout leader appreciate your humour during the damp days?)
• Think of this essay as telling a cohesive story.

Sample essay:

If you asked my family, friends, and community to describe me, they’d highlight my dedication and leadership. I’m particularly proud of founding and leading a peer mentorship program at my high school. Recognizing the challenges many students face, I aimed to create a supportive environment where others could find guidance and encouragement. I organized weekly tutoring sessions where senior students assisted students in grades 8 and 9 with challenging subjects like math and science. These initiatives boosted academic performance and fostered a sense of mutual support among students. Witnessing their increased confidence and resilience has been profoundly rewarding.

As the program developed, I sought to improve it by implementing several key changes. To ensure that we were meeting the needs of all students, I introduced a feedback system where both tutors and tutees could share their experiences and suggest improvements. This feedback allowed us to adjust our approach, whether it was providing more personalized support or focusing on different teaching methods. These changes made the program more responsive to students’ needs and contributed to a deeper sense of community. 

This experience has reinforced my passion for supporting others and creating environments where people can thrive. I’m excited to bring this spirit of leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving to UBC, where I look forward to contributing to campus life and continuing to grow personally and academically.

2. What is important to you? And why? (1500 characters)

What it’s asking:

• This question seeks to understand your values and motivations. What drives you? Why do you care about the things you do?
• It’s an opportunity to show what matters to you personally and why you’ve chosen to invest your time or energy into certain things.

Things to think about:

• Consider your values—what principles guide your decisions or actions? This could be anything from environmental sustainability, social justice, or the pursuit of knowledge.
• Think about your passions—what do you dedicate time to, even when there are no rewards or recognition?
• Be honest and reflective—UBC wants to see your genuine self and what makes you tick.

Tips from our Writing Coaches:

• Don’t treat this essay as purely a reflective or philosophical piece.
• Instead, once you’ve chosen what principle or value is important to you, provide concrete examples of it being important in your life. If education is important to you, don’t forget to mention that peer tutoring position you signed up for, or if curiosity is important to you, your essay would be incomplete without mentioning the computer you built all by yourself over the summer.
• Don’t forget to think about how what’s important to you will benefit you (and others) next year at UBC and beyond!

Sample essay:

One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced was adjusting to high school after moving to a new city. I didn’t know anyone, and it was hard to find my place. Instead of letting that make me feel isolated, I decided to get involved by joining the school’s debate team. My old school didn’t have a debate team, and I had always wanted to try it, so even though I was nervous, I saw it as an opportunity.

In the beginning, I felt unsure of myself—there were so many seasoned debaters who seemed much more confident. But I made a point to attend every practice, listen carefully to the feedback, and ask questions. I also took the initiative to research topics, so I could better prepare for debates. Over time, I found that practicing outside of team meetings helped me refine my skills. I also took the time to support my teammates, by giving them constructive feedback and encouraging them before big events. As I contributed more to the team, I began to feel a sense of belonging.

What’s important to me is the belief that challenges are opportunities for growth. Whether it’s academic pressure or personal struggles, I believe it’s how we respond that defines us. Through these experiences, I learned to become more independent and became more empathetic toward others who face their own challenges.

I’m excited to continue growing in new environments, and I believe UBC will provide me with the challenges and opportunities to develop further. I look forward to learning from others and contributing to a community that values growth through perseverance.

3. Describe up to five activities that you have pursued or accomplishments achieved in one or more of the following areas. Please outline the nature of your responsibilities within these activities: (500 characters each)

• Club
• Family/community responsibilities
• Creative or performing arts
• Work/employment
• Athletics
• Volunteer
• Service to others
• Other(s)

What it’s asking:

• This question asks you to list and elaborate on key activities or accomplishments. You should focus on the roles you’ve held, your level of responsibility, and the impact you’ve had.
• You can choose from a wide variety of experiences, so select activities that showcase your involvement, commitment, and leadership potential.

Things to think about:

• Choose activities that are meaningful and impactful. For example, don’t just list a club you were part of—describe your specific role and contributions.
• Include a range of activities that demonstrate different strengths, whether academic, leadership, community involvement, or personal passions.
• Be specific about your responsibilities and any accomplishments (e.g., organized an event, led a team, improved a program).

Tips from our Writing Coaches:

• Use this section to highlight activities you won’t have a chance to discuss in other sections of your profile. Try not to repeat activities or accomplishments throughout your profile (with the exception of question four, which specifically asks that you discuss one or two of the activities listed in this section).
• Remember to focus on what you personally contributed to the activity.
• Don’t forget to discuss what you learned through each activity. This makes a great concluding sentence for each activity description.

Sample essay:

1. Organizing School Talent Show (Club):
I took the lead in organizing my school’s annual talent show, where I was responsible for recruiting performers, coordinating rehearsals, and managing event logistics. I worked closely with a team of students to create promotional materials, arrange sound and lighting, and ensure everything ran smoothly on the day of the event. This experience taught me how to manage time effectively, work under pressure, and collaborate with a large group of people.

2. Volunteering at the Local Food Bank (Volunteer):
Every month, I volunteer at the local food bank, where I assist with sorting donations and packaging food for families in need. I’ve worked closely with a team to organize community drives and ensure that the food bank runs smoothly during peak seasons. This experience has taught me the value of giving back to my community and the importance of addressing food insecurity in a hands-on way.

3. Senior Soccer Team (Athletics):
I’ve been a member of my high school’s varsity soccer team for three years, playing as a midfielder. In addition to practicing multiple times a week, I also help mentor younger players, teaching them new skills and encouraging teamwork. I was also selected as team captain this year, where I helped organize practices, led team discussions, and made sure everyone stayed motivated and supported throughout the season.

4. School Newspaper (Club):
I am a writer and editor for my school’s newspaper. I’ve contributed articles on various topics, from student life to environmental issues. As an editor, I review submissions, provide feedback to writers, and help organize the layout of the paper. This role has strengthened my writing, teamwork, and communication skills. It’s also helped me become more involved in school affairs and learn about journalistic integrity.

5. Babysitting and Family Responsibilities (Family/Community):
As the oldest child, I take on significant family responsibilities, including looking after my younger siblings after school. I also manage household chores, such as meal preparation and organizing family schedules. Babysitting has taught me how to handle multiple tasks at once, stay patient in challenging situations, and be a role model for my siblings. Balancing these duties with school has also helped me develop time management and problem-solving skills.

4. Tell us more about one or two activities listed above that are most important to you. Please explain the role you played and what you learned in the process. You will be asked for a reference who can speak to your response.

What it’s asking:

• This question asks you to provide more detail about one or two key activities that have been especially significant to you.
• You should describe your role in these activities, the challenges you faced, and the personal growth or insights gained from them.

Things to think about:

• Which activities have had the most impact on you, either personally or in terms of your growth?
• Focus on how you contributed and what you learned—this could be leadership skills, teamwork, problem-solving, or resilience.
• Choose activities that are both meaningful and reflective of your values and goals, and be prepared to provide a reference who can speak to your involvement.

Tips from our Writing Coaches:

• We tend to recommend choosing one activity to discuss in this essay so that you can provide enough detail to really answer the question in the limited character count provided.
• Whether you choose to discuss one or two activities this essay should feel like a cohesive narrative.
• If you choose to discuss two activities, think about how they might be linked together. Perhaps you became involved in one activity because of the other (think: becoming a soccer coach after many years of playing soccer), or perhaps the activities are thematically linked (if you wanted to discuss soccer coaching and peer mentoring, the theme could be working with younger students in a leadership role).

Sample essay:

One of the activities that has been most important to me is organizing my school’s annual talent show. As the lead coordinator, I was responsible for overseeing the entire event, from recruiting performers to managing event logistics. 

When I first took on this responsibility, I was excited but also nervous about how much work was involved. My role as the organizer meant that I had to juggle multiple tasks at once, from scheduling rehearsals to ensuring all performers had the materials and support they needed. I also had to communicate constantly with teachers, custodians, and volunteers to ensure everything was in place for the big night.

One of the biggest challenges was managing the time leading up to the event. We had a limited window to rehearse with the performers, which meant I had to be organized and efficient. I created a detailed timeline of events and worked hard to stick to it, making adjustments when unexpected issues came up. There were moments when things didn’t go as planned—like when we faced technical difficulties with the sound system during rehearsal—but I learned that staying calm and asking for help was key. I also realized how important it was to be adaptable and flexible, especially when things didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped.

What I took away most from this experience was the value of collaboration. While I was the lead organizer, the success of the event depended on my team’s input and effort. I learned how to delegate tasks, trust others to do their part, and work together to bring the event to life. It wasn’t just about planning and execution—it was about building a supportive environment where everyone felt motivated and valued. The night of the talent show was a huge success, and the feeling of accomplishment we shared as a team made all the hard work worthwhile.

Through organizing the talent show, I learned the importance of time management, effective communication, and teamwork. These are lessons I will carry with me in the future, whether I’m working on another school project, pursuing a career, or contributing to my community.

5. Additional information: You may wish to use the space below to provide UBC with more information on your academic history to date and/or your future academic plans. For example: How did you choose your courses in secondary school? Are there life circumstances that have affected your academic decisions to date? What have you done to prepare yourself specifically for your intended area of study at UBC?

What it’s asking:

• This question gives you the chance to elaborate on any unique aspects of your academic history or future academic goals that haven’t been covered elsewhere in your application.
• If there’s a particular challenge you’ve faced (e.g., health issues, family responsibilities) that impacted your academic performance, this is the place to explain it.
• It also asks you to reflect on how you’ve prepared for the academic rigours of university and your intended field of study.

Things to think about:

• If you’ve taken unconventional courses, had gaps in your studies, or made specific academic choices (like pursuing a particular academic interest), explain why.
• Consider any challenges that may have affected your academic performance (e.g., personal or family struggles) and how you’ve overcome them.
• Highlight any preparations you’ve made for your chosen field of study, such as relevant courses, extracurricular activities, work experience, or self-directed learning.

Tips from our Writing Coaches:

• This question is often overlooked because it’s listed as “optional”. Do not treat this question as optional!
• Take this as an opportunity to prove to UBC that you know what you’re getting yourself into and that you’re prepared for what lies ahead.

Sample essay:

Throughout high school, I have always gravitated toward literature and writing, which led me to choose courses that challenged and nurtured my passion. I took advanced English classes, participated in my school’s book club, and engaged in creative writing workshops outside of school. These experiences helped me develop a deeper understanding of literature, narrative structures, and critical analysis. I also made a point to read widely—from classic novels to contemporary works—to prepare for an English Literature program at UBC.

These questions collectively aim to capture a well-rounded view of you as an applicant—your character, values, academic preparedness, and your ability to contribute to your community. By taking time to reflect deeply on each one and providing specific, meaningful examples, you’ll be able to craft a personal profile that truly stands out.

Ready to Start Writing Your UBC Personal Profile?

Now that you’ve had a closer look at each of the UBC personal profile questions and learned how to approach them, it’s time to put your ideas into action! Use the tips and strategies from this post to craft thoughtful, unique responses that showcase who you are beyond your grades. The personal profile is your chance to shine, so take your time and make each answer count.

If you’d like personalized feedback and expert guidance, our educational consultants and writing coaches are here to help! Book an appointment with us today, and let’s work together to make sure your personal profile stands out to the UBC admissions team.

Plus, stay tuned for Part Three of our series next week—specifically for commerce students! We’ll be diving into the unique aspects of the Commerce application and how to tackle the personal profile with a focus on business-related skills and experiences.

Ready to take the next step? Get in touch and let’s get started on your path to 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.