If you are planning to apply for undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC), you may be wondering if you need a reference letter. The answer is yes, UBC requires a reference letter from every applicant. In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to write a reference letter for UBC undergraduate and answer some frequently asked questions.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter for UBC Undergraduate
Writing a reference letter for UBC undergraduate can be challenging, but with the following tips, you can make the process easier:
1. Understand the Purpose of the Letter
The purpose of the letter is to provide insight into your academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success in college. It should describe your strengths, achievements, and any challenges you have overcome.
2. Choose the Right Referee
Your referee should be someone who knows you well academically and personally. They should be able to provide specific examples of your skills, abilities, and accomplishments.
3. Follow the Guidelines
UBC provides specific guidelines for the reference letter. Make sure to follow them carefully and provide all the required information.
4. Be Specific
Provide specific examples of your achievements, skills, and abilities. This will help the admissions committee to understand your potential for success at UBC.
5. Avoid Overgeneralization
Avoid using vague or overgeneralized statements about your abilities, such as “she is a great student” or “he is a hard worker.” Instead, provide specific examples of your accomplishments.
6. Be Professional
The letter should be written in a professional tone and format. Avoid using slang, informal language, or humor.
7. Edit and Proofread
Make sure to edit and proofread the letter carefully. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Examples of Reference Letters for UBC Undergraduate
Example 1: Applying for Arts Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter on behalf of Jane Doe, who is applying for the Arts Program at the University of British Columbia. I have had the pleasure of teaching Jane in my English Literature class for the past two years, and I can confidently say that she is one of the most talented and dedicated students I have ever had.
Jane is an excellent critical thinker and writer, and she has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the literary works we have studied. She is also an active member of our class discussions and contributes thoughtful insights into the readings we have analyzed. Her passion for literature is evident in her insightful essays and research papers, which are always well-researched and well-written.
I have no doubt that Jane will excel in the Arts Program at UBC. She is a dedicated and hardworking student with a deep love for learning. I strongly recommend her for admission to the program.
Sincerely,
Professor John Smith
Example 2: Applying for Engineering Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for admission to the Engineering Program at the University of British Columbia. I have known John for three years as his academic advisor and mentor, and I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most talented and hardworking students I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
John has a natural aptitude for mathematics and science, and he has consistently achieved top grades in all his courses. He has also demonstrated exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field of engineering. He is a self-motivated and proactive student who takes initiative and goes above and beyond in his academic pursuits.
Moreover, John is an excellent team player and has demonstrated his leadership skills in various extracurricular activities. He has been a key member of our robotics club, where he has designed and built several award-winning robots that have competed successfully in national competitions.
I have no doubt that John will excel in the Engineering Program at UBC. He has the intelligence, skills, and motivation to succeed in this challenging field. I highly recommend him for admission to the program.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane Smith
Example 3: Applying for Business Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter to recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to the Business Program at the University of British Columbia. I have known Sarah for three years as her supervisor at the marketing department of XYZ Corporation, and I can attest to her exceptional business acumen and leadership skills.
Sarah has a remarkable ability to analyze complex business problems and develop effective strategies to address them. She has been instrumental in several successful marketing campaigns at our company, which have resulted in increased market share and revenue growth. Her ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with customers and stakeholders has been a key factor in our company’s success.
Moreover, Sarah is a natural leader who has led several cross-functional teams to achieve their goals. She has excellent interpersonal skills and can motivate and inspire her team members to perform at their best. She is also a proactive learner who is constantly seeking new knowledge and skills to improve her performance.
I am confident that Sarah will excel in the Business Program at UBC. She has the knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities to become a successful business professional. I strongly recommend her for admission to the program.
Sincerely,
Ms. Emily Brown
Example 4: Applying for Science Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter to recommend Michael Lee for admission to the Science Program at the University of British Columbia. I have known Michael for four years as his science teacher, and I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most intelligent and curious students I have ever had.
Michael has a natural talent for science and has consistently achieved top grades in all his science courses. He is particularly interested in biology and has conducted several independent research projects on topics such as genetic engineering and biotechnology. His research skills are exceptional, and he has presented his findings at several local and national science fairs.
Moreover, Michael is an active member of our school’s science club, where he has organized several science-related events and activities. He is also a volunteer at the local science museum, where he shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for science with visitors of all ages.
I have no doubt that Michael will excel in the Science Program at UBC. He is a dedicated and motivated student who has a passion for discovery and innovation. I highly recommend him for admission to the program.
Sincerely,
Ms. Susan Wong
Example 5: Applying for Computer Science Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jason Chen for admission to the Computer Science Program at the University of British Columbia. I have known Jason for three years as his computer science instructor and mentor, and I can attest to his exceptional programming skills and creativity.
Jason has a remarkable ability to solve complex programming problems and develop innovative solutions. He is particularly interested in artificial intelligence and has developed several machine learning algorithms that have shown promising results. His programming skills are exceptional, and he has won several awards at local and national coding competitions.
Moreover, Jason is an active member of our school’s coding club, where he has organized several coding-related events and activities. He is also a volunteer at the local coding boot camp, where he mentors aspiring programmers and shares his knowledge and expertise.
I have no doubt that Jason will excel in the Computer Science Program at UBC. He has the intelligence, skills, and creativity to become a successful computer scientist. I highly recommend him for admission to the program.
Sincerely,
Professor David Lee
Example 6: Applying for Kinesiology Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter to recommend Jessica Kim for admission to the Kinesiology Program at the University of British Columbia. I have known Jessica for several years as her sports coach and mentor, and I can confidently say that she is one of the most talented and hardworking athletes I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
Jessica is an exceptional athlete with a natural talent for sports. She has participated in several local and national competitions and has won several medals in track and field events. Her passion for sports is evident in her dedication and hard work, and she has served as a role model for her peers.
Moreover, Jessica is also an excellent student, with a strong academic record and exceptional leadership qualities. She has been a key member of our school’s sports council, where she has organized several sports-related events and activities. She is also a volunteer at the local sports camp, where she mentors aspiring athletes and shares her knowledge and expertise.
I have no doubt that Jessica will excel in the Kinesiology Program at UBC. She has the talent, dedication, and leadership qualities to become a successful sports professional. I highly recommend her for admission to the program.
Sincerely,
Coach David Lee
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who should write my reference letter for UBC undergraduate?
A: Your referee should be someone who knows you well academically and personally, such as a teacher, guidance counselor, or employer.
Q: Can I submit more than one reference letter?
A: UBC requires only one reference letter, but you may submit up to three letters if you wish.
Q: How long should the reference letter be?
A: The reference letter should be one to two pages long.
Q: Can I write my own reference letter?
A: No, you cannot write your own reference letter. The letter should be written by someone else on your behalf.
Q: How should the reference letter be submitted?
A: The reference letter should be submitted electronically through the UBC online application portal.
Q: What should I do if my referee cannot submit the letter by the deadline?
A: You should contact UBC admissions office and explain your situation. They may be able to provide you with an extension or an alternative solution.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for UBC undergraduate can be challenging, but by following the tips outlined in this article, you can make the process easier. Remember to choose the right referee, follow the guidelines, be specific, and edit and proofread carefully. With a well-crafted reference letter, you can increase your chances of getting admitted to the program of your choice at UBC.