reading the essays that got me into UBC!

Summary

In this engaging YouTube video, a student shares their personal UBC application experience, discussing their journey and insights gained from writing their essays. They reflect on the challenges of community involvement during the pandemic and the importance of self-motivation in language learning. The student highlights their role in various initiatives, including a non-profit organization to support the unhoused, and their leadership in addressing food insecurity at school. They offer tips for prospective applicants, emphasizing authenticity and personal growth in their essays. The video concludes with a light-hearted touch, encouraging viewers to connect for further support.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker introduces their YouTube channel and shares a personal experience about their UBC application essay, despite ultimately choosing to attend Cornell University.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that the university application process is holistic, and one single essay or component doesn't determine success.
• 😀 The speaker offers to help others with their applications by reading over essays and answering questions, providing encouragement to prospective students.
• 😀 In the first essay, the speaker shares how they took the lead in organizing events for their school's student council during the pandemic, aiming to boost morale and create a sense of community.
• 😀 The speaker highlights their growth through a self-study schedule they developed to become fluent in French, learning through articles, conversations, and French music.
• 😀 In the second essay, the speaker explains how they adapted to a new high school by embracing their energetic personality, joining a food security club, and making meaningful connections with peers.
• 😀 The speaker describes their initiative of founding the Go Giver Foundation, a youth-run non-profit distributing meals and hygiene kits to the homeless, focusing on the importance of community service.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the importance of concise writing in application essays, stressing that each sentence must add value due to strict character limits.
• 😀 The speaker advises applicants to focus on growth and specific outcomes, not to be too boastful, and to demonstrate collaboration in their experiences.
• 😀 The speaker shares their personal struggle with perfectionism during the application process and the value of proofreading essays, while also encouraging applicants to trust their own voice and writing.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video was for the speaker to read their UBC application essays and provide insights about the application process, particularly for the Soder School of Business.

Why did the speaker choose to apply to Cornell University instead of UBC?

The speaker decided to attend Cornell University but expressed that UBC is a really good school.

What role did the speaker hold in their school during the pandemic?

The speaker was the co-president of their school student council and was actively involved in planning events to uplift school morale during the pandemic.

How did the speaker describe their experience with the student council?

The speaker described their experience as collaborative and inclusive, noting that they worked hard to connect students and increase engagement through various initiatives.

What challenges did the speaker face while learning French?

The speaker initially struggled with French conversations but overcame this by creating a self-study schedule and practicing consistently, ultimately gaining proficiency.

What is the Go Giver Foundation, and what inspired its creation?

The Go Giver Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by the speaker to distribute meals and hygiene kits to the unhoused in the downtown east side, inspired by concerns for those affected by the pandemic.

What was the significance of the speaker's adjective 'jumpy' in their self-description?

The adjective 'jumpy' reflects the speaker's cheerful and energetic personality, which they believe helps them adapt to new situations and build connections with others.

What advice did the speaker offer for writing application essays?

The speaker advised to focus on three main points: show personal growth, avoid being cocky, and ensure clarity without unnecessary background information.

How did the speaker feel while writing their application essays?

The speaker experienced emotional challenges while writing their essays, often feeling overwhelmed and doubting their chances of acceptance.

What did the speaker emphasize as important qualities for business school applicants?

The speaker emphasized the importance of collaboration, community involvement, and the ability to articulate personal experiences and growth in a concise manner.