UBC Sauder Alumni Share Insights: Essay Positioning and Interview Preparation

Based on real experiences studying at UBC Sauder and application planning expertise, we'll guide you through the program features, suitable directions, and application highlights for Sauder and Rotman Commerce.

I. How to choose between Sauder and Rotman?
UBC Sauder | Broader scope, more practical

Specializations cover finance, accounting, technology, entrepreneurship, real estate, supply chain, and other fields, with paid Co-op and a joint Business and Computer Science program available.

Suitable for those who:

Value Co-op and practical experience;
Wish to keep more professional options open;
Focus on technology, entrepreneurship, real estate, or supply chain;
Plan to develop their career in Vancouver, the West Coast, or the Asia-Pacific market;
Hope to explore a "business + technology/data" path.
Rotman Commerce | Stronger finance orientation

Leveraging Toronto's financial hub, it excels in finance, economics, accounting, and consulting, boasting extensive corporate and industry resources.

Suitable for those who:

Target finance, investment banking, accounting, or consulting;
Excel in mathematics, economics, and quantitative analysis;
Wish to engage with banks, consulting firms, and corporate headquarters;
Possess strong self-learning and competitive abilities;
Are willing to proactively seek internships and build industry networks.
II. Key points for UBC Sauder essays
1. Problem Solving & Resilience

Employ the STAR+R model:
Situation—Task—Action—Result—Reflection
Suggested proportion:
Background 20% | Action 40% | Reflection 40%

Focus on demonstrating how you analyze problems, proactively break through challenges, and the cognitive growth gained from experiences.

2. Community Impact & Sauder Fit

Highlight your genuine contributions to schools, clubs, or communities, and explain how you plan to continue and expand your impact in the future, linking it to Sauder courses, programs, and student organizations.

3. Activity List & Deep Dive

Select 5 representative experiences, focusing on 1-2 in-depth, showcasing your actual role, key actions, and personal growth.

III. Key points for interview preparation

Video interviews mainly assess:

Structured Logic
Emotional Intelligence & Reflection
Authenticity

Common training areas:

Why UBC Sauder BCom?
How do you handle team disagreements?
How do you face failure and challenges?

The specific platform, question types, and timing for Fall 2027 will be based on the official requirements for that year.

Gaoling Education Application Planning

We provide students with:

Overall study abroad application planning;
Personal competitiveness assessment and positioning;
Academic, extracurricular, and application roadmap design;
Core essay planning and in-depth refinement;
Video interview and mock training.

Students and parents planning to apply for Fall 2027 UBC Sauder, Rotman Commerce, and other top North American business schools are welcome to message us for a one-on-one application assessment and planning.

Plan ahead, position precisely, and systematically improve.
Let excellent experiences be seen, and true potential be understood!