Welcome to September’s issue of GradProspect, the newsletter for prospective students on UBC’s graduate programs.
This month, we invite you to connect with us at one of our upcoming application advice webinars. We also get advice from our Graduate Student Ambassadors on the differences between their previous degree and graduate studies at UBC, as well as hear faculty advice on how to write a strong statement of interest.
Join us online for grad school application advice
Now that application season is underway for September 2024 entry – we’re hosting a range of online sessions to support you in making your application as strong as possible. Connect with us online on Instagram, LinkedIn and Zoom to hear advice from across the UBC grad school community. Below is a selection of just some of our upcoming sessions, see the full list on our info-sessions page.
AMA — Finding and reaching out to prospective supervisors
Sep 8 at 10 AM (Instagram)
For many research-focused graduate programs you’ll need to find and secure a supervisor before submitting your application. In this AMA we'll explain how you can search for a supervisor and how to reach out once you have found them. We'll also be answering your questions.
RSVP
UBC Grad School info session
September 14 at 10 AM (LinkedIn and Zoom)
In this session we’ll provide a high-level overview of graduate school at UBC and the application process. This session is a great intro to graduate study at UBC.
RSVP
Applying to grad school at UBC
September 20 at 5 PM (LinkedIn and Zoom)
In this session, we’ll break down the graduate school application at UBC. Explaining the process, key application elements and we provide some tips on strengthening your application.
RSVP
Applying to research-focused programs
September 29 at 10 AM (LinkedIn and Zoom)
There are numerous MSc and doctoral research-focused (aka thesis-required) programs at UBC. Typically, these programs have coursework components followed by an in-depth research project or thesis. In this webinar, we focus on applying to such programs and highlight unique application elements
RSVP
How to write a strong statement of interest
An important component of most graduate school applications is the statement of interest. Also known as a statement of intent, it is an overview of your academic and/or professional goals and a description of how these align with the graduate program. This is your opportunity to show your understanding of the field of study, your motivation, and illustrate why you'll be a great addition to the program to which you've applied.
Read our breakdown of how to write a good statement of interest, including some tips on what to do if you get writer's block. Plus check out the video below from Professor Hadi Dowlatabadi.
Learn more about putting together your application to UBC in our Application & Admission section and download our Application Guide.
Ask an ambassador — Are there differences between your previous degree and the one at UBC?
Hear advice from successful applicants to UBC's graduate programs. This month our ambassadors talk about the differences between their previous degree and their current degree at UBC.
First Nations Longhouse turns 30!
Celebrating 30 years, the Longhouse is a "home away from home" for Indigenous students at UBC — offering spaces for everything from community building to smudging, from mental health to academic support.
Student offerings include a study lounge with kitchenette, quiet study room, and various meeting rooms. Meanwhile, academic programming and student-orientated events take place in the Great Hall.
The Longhouse also hosts šxʷta:təχʷəm Collegium, a peer-run space for students to connect with an Elder or UBC professor, make lunch, meet friends between classes, and participate in student-led social activities. Read more.
Latest graduate community news
This month we celebrate thirteen doctoral students and seven postdoctoral fellows who have received awards totaling more than $500K through Vanier Scholarships and Banting Fellowships. We learn about the noise impact on orcas off the BC Coast through research from a recent grad and hear about a UBC study that debunks stereotypes of homeless people’s spending habits. Read more.
Blog — 10 things I wish I had known before I started my PhD
Support groups, networking and the importance of saying 'no', are just some of the things graduate student Ran Xiang (PhD candidate, Art Education) wish they had known before starting their PhD. Read Ran's blog's for insight into life as a PhD student.
Read the blog.