University is a great place to notice the best parts of who you are and how they can kickstart you into an amazing journey, doing what you're most passionate about!
So what does it look like to get started?
So what DO we look for when you apply?
There are many ways to inspire us with your application, but here’s a few good ideas from our faculty:
- Write up a compelling statement about your career goals or potential contributions.
- Tell us any relevant planning, planning research, work experience, or volunteering
- You could distinguish yourself in your CV, including publications, leadership, and public engagement
- Tell us about how your lived experience has motivated you to apply
- Give strong reference letters from former professors or employers
Need some advice?
You know how it is: you've read the brochure, you've gone through the website, and you're excited, but you still have some questions. You need that human touch.
Our website is made with all your most common questions in mind, but for anything you're still wondering...
Just ask!
Our faculty, staff, and student reps love it when you ask questions. Have a question?
Asking questions actually makes for really fun events!
If you have questions about coming to UBC, "you're not alone" is an understatement! UBC hosts lots of Q&As for people coming aboard. SCARP also hosts some Q&As around the time you're considering joining or in the process of applying. We relay UBC and SCARP Q&As our Events listing.
School Q&A sessions especially always become more than the sum of their parts: it starts with curiosity, but always turns into a fun event. At their heart, our infosessions are your first chance to stand in community with the people about to become your peers, as well as with some of the amazing people who will teach and support you.
Get thinking about Planning
The SCARP Reading List
One of our favourite FAQ at UBC SCARP is whether we have a summer reading list for students who might want to do some Planning-related reading. We're delighted to share some of the work that's inspired us. This list evolves over time!
Indigenous Contexts
Every School at UBC considers deeply the context of the land upon we live, work, and gather. Planning and SCARP especially consider these contexts and what they mean for the past, present, and future.
UBC SCARP is situated on Musqueam Land, and SCARP has a thriving partnership with Musqueam Indian Band. This partnership goes beyond living in a good way on Indigenous lands, to creating curriculum and student/nation partnerships together.
This always starts with understanding the context of where you are. This short film illustrates much of the story of this land and its people.
Watch cəsnaʔəm, the city before the city
Some more pre-arrival resources
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