When Should You Start Preparing for University?

Starting before application season gives a student time to explore programs, check prerequisite courses and keep useful notes about their experiences. The right next step depends on their grade, interests and the programs they may apply to. Begin with one manageable action, then revisit the plan as their goals develop.

Earlier high-school years: explore and build habits

Use this stage to discover subjects and responsibilities you enjoy. Try an activity because you want to learn or contribute, not because someone has promised that a particular title guarantees admission.

Build habits that help you manage schoolwork, seek feedback and follow through on commitments. Keep time for rest and interests that are not organized around applications. You do not need to decide your entire career in Grade 9.

Before senior course selection: check prerequisites

Choose a provisional set of programs and read the requirements for your curriculum. Discuss course choices with your school counsellor before the timetable is fixed. This is a practical reason to start early: some senior prerequisites depend on earlier courses.

Do not assume every university counts grades the same way. UBC’s evaluation guidance describes its use of Grade 11 and Grade 12 academic courses; other institutions and entry routes have their own rules.

Grade 11: keep useful records

Make brief notes about responsibilities, decisions and learning while the details are fresh. Include work, home and community experiences, not only formal clubs. Record dates and hours accurately where an application may ask for them.

Explore program curricula, costs and entry routes. Compare what you would study and what progression requirements apply rather than choosing solely by reputation. Keep your shortlist open to change as you learn more.

Grade 12: work from the current cycle

Create a checklist for initial applications, transcripts, supplements and awards. Use official dates for the year you will enter. Some award deadlines arrive before the general application deadline; UBC’s current calendar shows that distinction clearly.

Read current prompts and authorship rules before drafting. Practice communicating real experiences, but do not prepare an assessed answer from an old question set and assume it will still apply.

What if you are starting later?

Start with the deadlines and prerequisites that matter now. Identify applications you can still complete accurately, then prioritize the earliest dependencies. Ask the school counsellor or admissions office about unclear requirements instead of spending the remaining time on speculative activities.

A short, realistic plan is more useful than trying to recreate several years of commitments in a month. Preserve time for current courses and submit truthful work.

Use support for a specific need

School counsellors, teachers, admissions offices and advisors can help with different questions. AdmissionPrep’s advisors work with students on program choices and application preparation. Consider support based on the work you need help organizing, not on an unsupported promise of admission or scholarship winnings.

Frequently asked questions

Is Grade 9 too early to think about university?

It can be a useful time to explore interests and build habits, but a student does not need a fixed university or career decision.

What should I check before choosing senior courses?

Check prerequisites for possible programs under your curriculum and review course availability and graduation requirements with your school counsellor.

What if applications are already open?

Prioritize current deadlines, required courses and complete submissions. Focus on a realistic checklist rather than inventing last-minute activities.

Sources and next steps

Sources checked October 10, 2026. Use the official instructions for your program, applicant category and entry year when you apply.

• UBC academic evaluation
• UBC application and award calendar