After You Hit “Submit”

What Students (and Parents) Should Know as University Applications Close

As January 15 deadlines loom, thousands of Canadian students are pressing submit—and wondering what happens next. From last-minute applications to the anxious wait that follows, the post-secondary admissions process can feel overwhelming for both students and their families. In this Q&A, Dharm Joshi, Assistant Dean of Recruitment and Admissions at UBC Sauder School of Business, breaks down what really happens once applications are in, how admissions teams review candidates, and what students can do to navigate the months ahead with confidence and clarity. —Noa Nichol

January 15 is a major deadline for many students. From your perspective, what are the most common emotions you see from applicants at this stage of the process?

At this point in the process, we see a real mix of emotions including excitement, relief, anxiety, and often a sense of pressure to get everything right. For many students, this is a significant milestone built on years of hard work and careful choices. It can feel overwhelming because it represents their high school experience and the next step forward. What we try to remind students is that feeling nervous does not mean they are unprepared. It means they care, and that already says a lot about them.

For students submitting applications right up against the deadline, what’s one thing you wish they understood about how applications are actually reviewed?

While some offers are made as students apply–depending on how competitive their application is–every application is reviewed equally regardless of when it was submitted. Submitting earlier can ease pressure for some students, but we understand that individual responsibilities and commitments impact when students are able to apply. All applications received by the deadline are given full and equal consideration. Ultimately, taking the time to be clear, honest, thoughtful and reflective is far more important than hitting submit early.

Once an application is submitted, what happens behind the scenes that students and families might not realize?

Behind the scenes, applications go through a careful, multi-step review process. Files are read by a team of trained admissions professionals who look at both academic information and the broader context of a student’s experiences. It’s not a single person who makes a judgment. It’s a structured process designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and a thorough understanding of each applicant. This takes time, which is why patience during this stage is important.

A common misconception is that Grade 11 results are more important than those in Grade 12. While Grade 11 grades are considered during the initial admission review, maintaining their academic performance throughout Grade 12 is equally important.

Many students worry that a single grade, activity, or missed detail will define their future. How holistic is the admissions process today, particularly at UBC Sauder?

The admissions process today, and at UBC Sauder in particular, is genuinely comprehensive. We don’t rely on a single metric when evaluating applicants. Grades matter, but they are only one part of the picture. Applicants are also evaluated through a personal profile that highlights their commitments and experiences both inside and outside the classroom, as well as competencies such as leadership, communication, community engagement, and self-reflection. One grade or one moment does not define a student. The breadth of students’ experiences matters far more.

What role do supplementary materials—like personal profiles, essays, or interviews—play in helping admissions teams understand an applicant beyond their grades?

Supplementary materials are incredibly valuable because they allow students to bring their application to life. They help us understand how a student thinks, what motivates them, and ultimately what they are going to bring to the UBC Sauder community. Often, these sections provide insight into resilience, adaptability, leadership, creativity, or self-reflection. These are qualities that do not show up on a transcript, but they are the same skills students draw on to succeed at university, and that employers consistently tell us they value in our graduates.

For students who may not feel “perfect on paper,” what qualities or experiences tend to stand out positively during the review process?

Authenticity stands out. We are drawn to students who reflect honestly on their experiences, take responsibility for challenges, and show a willingness to learn. We encourage students to tell their real stories. We don’t need them to paint a perfect picture as we recognize that everyone has different access to resources. While one student may be the president of several clubs, another student may need to work part time to support family obligations. A variety of experiences can demonstrate resilience and adaptability, and we want to hear about them.

Meaningful involvement, whether through part time work, family responsibilities, volunteering, athletics, or creative pursuits, often tells us a great deal about time management, initiative, and character. There is no single right profile, and students do not need to check every box to make a strong impression.

Parents are often deeply invested in this moment as well. What advice would you give families on how to best support students during this final application stretch?

The most helpful thing families can do is provide reassurance and perspective. This process can feel all-consuming for students, so reminding them that one application does not define their worth or future can make a meaningful difference. Encouragement to utilize the resources available to them – whether it’s attending an advising session or reaching out to an advisor directly can have a big impact. Offering practical support, such as helping manage deadlines or creating space for breaks, while allowing students to own their application is often the best balance.

After applications are submitted, what should students be focusing on next—academically, emotionally, or practically—while they wait to hear back?

All three matter. Academically, students should stay engaged and continue to maintain their grades. Emotionally, it is important to step back, reconnect with interests, and maintain balance. Practically, this can be a good time to explore scholarships, housing options, or simply learn more about the programs and pathways that interest them. This is less about contingency planning and more about staying curious, informed, and grounded while they wait.

If students are hearing back from multiple schools, now is also a good time to reflect on the type of community you want to be a part of. While it’s important to choose programs based on alignment with your interests, it’s also invaluable to consider what institutional values resonate most with you.

How has the post-secondary admissions landscape changed in recent years, especially in response to shifting career paths, mental health awareness, and evolving definitions of success?

The admissions landscape has evolved alongside changes in education and the workforce. We recognize that success is not linear and that students arrive with diverse experiences and goals. There is greater awareness of mental health, a broader understanding of leadership and impact, and an acknowledgment that careers today require adaptability, global perspective, and lifelong learning. As a result, admissions processes have shifted to value context, resilience, curiosity, and real-world experience alongside academic achievement.

At UBC Sauder, this evolution is reflected in interdisciplinary pathways like the dual degree programs, which attract students from a wide range of academic backgrounds and prepares them to work across disciplines. We consistently hear from employers that graduates who thrive are those who can think creatively and adapt as roles and industries change.

Looking beyond acceptance letters, what mindset helps students transition most successfully from high school into university life and learning at an institution like UBC Sauder?

The most successful students arrive with an openness to growth. University is not about having all the answers. It is about asking thoughtful questions, learning from setbacks, and engaging with new ideas and people. At UBC Sauder, students who thrive are those who are curious, collaborative, and willing to challenge themselves while seeking support when they need it. That mindset sets the foundation not just for academic success, but for a meaningful university experience.

It’s also worth noting that making friends throughout the university experience is invaluable, as it provides emotional support and encouragement when needed. Those that are putting themselves out there to make friends are likely also comfortable asking for help or utilizing the additional support available at UBC Sauder when needed. We want students to remember that we are here to support them and it’s okay to ask for help.