UBC Scholar, Satvik from India, Receives $180,000 in Scholarships to Study Finance at the Sauder School of Business in Canada

Hi everyone! My name is Satvik Khurana, and I’m a fourth-year student at the UBC Sauder School of Business, specializing in Finance with a minor in Economics. I grew up in New Delhi, India, and moved to Canada in 2022 to pursue my undergraduate studies.

Initially, choosing a business degree was more a process of elimination than a clear decision. However, over time, I discovered a genuine interest in exploring the diverse areas of business, especially the intricate connections between finance, economics, and global trade policies. I enjoy analyzing how different countries approach economic and trade issues, and how those decisions shape markets and influence the business landscape.

Scholarship Details

In 2022, I was fortunate to receive a $180,000 CAD scholarship to attend the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, BC. This award was a combination of three major scholarships: the International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES) worth $80,000, the Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) Scholarship worth $80,000, and the one-time Outstanding International Student (OIS) Award worth $20,000.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Ohio University- $38,000 (Ohio Excellence Scholarship -$4,500 annually; Ohio Trustee Award- $5,000 annually)

Educational Background

CBSE Board in India

10^th grade- 96%

12^th grade- 95.2%

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of British Columbia?

I took a highly independent approach to my applications. I didn't rely heavily on traditional college counselors or advisors. Instead, I invested a significant amount of time in conducting my own comprehensive research into the institutions, programs, and application requirements, which allowed me to tailor each submission effectively.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and the University of British Columbia?

Initially, I wasn't aware that the University of British Columbia (UBC) offered scholarships to international students, so I simply focused on the standard application process for UBC.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

I took the SAT and IELTS. With 2022 being a test-optional year, I did not end up using my SAT scores, and that worked out for me because I did not invest that much time in studying for it due to my extracurricular commitments.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarships?

I didn't really prepare specifically to apply for the scholarship itself. However, I'd say that something that significantly helped my overall application was that I spent a considerable amount of time perfecting my essays. This involved multiple rounds of revisions to ensure my personal narrative was both authentic and compelling, effectively highlighting my experiences and unique perspective. Additionally, I actively sought advice and gained invaluable insights by speaking with seniors from my school who had successfully gone on to study abroad. Their firsthand knowledge about application expectations, interview processes, and the transition to a foreign university provided a critical edge that ultimately strengthened my candidacy

How Is (was) Your Experience at the University of British Columbia?

My experience at UBC Sauder has been amazing till now, especially being surrounded by such amazing faculty members and like-minded peers. I would highly suggest applying for the co-op program here, which will open a lot of doors for you after you graduate.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it showcased a genuine balance between strong academics and holistic personal development. While good grades are certainly foundational, they aren't everything. I cultivated a good rapport with my teachers, which resulted in them writing truly nice and specific recommendation letters that spoke to my character, not just my transcript.

On a personal level, I dedicated time to balancing my academics with leadership and service. I was an active part of my school's student council, where I learned to prioritize and maintain a healthy balance between my studies and my commitments outside the classroom.

Finally, for the business school, I focused heavily on my communication skills. I spent a lot of time perfecting my essays to ensure my personal narrative was compelling. Most importantly, I believe I answered the video essay perfectly, demonstrating the professional, clear communication that is so important in the business world. This combination of leadership, strong personal endorsements, and polished communication likely made a memorable impact.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the entire process again, I would definitely start a bit earlier. Specifically, I would dedicate time in my early high school years to deliberately explore my niche and try out a wider variety of new things without prematurely committing to a single path. Coming to university made me realize there truly is a place for everyone, regardless of their specific interests or non-traditional background, and I wish I had embraced that freedom sooner.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My biggest piece of advice would be to go out, try a lot of different things, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. By taking risks and navigating challenges yourself, you build the resilience and perspective needed to overcome future hardships, qualities that really stand out in an application. This might sound broad, but doing things that you genuinely enjoy is crucial. In a competitive environment where many peers have similar grades and extracurriculars, don't feel shy about choosing a different, more authentic route. That individual path is what will differentiate you and ultimately lead you to a great place.