My name is Zhanna, and I am a Global Talent Scholar at Seoul National University. I will be studying in the Department of Economics, one of the most selective and popular programs among applicants.
I graduated from the National School of Physics and Mathematics in Almaty, where I was awarded the title of valedictorian. Academically, I was always surrounded by ambitious students, but for me, it was also important to contribute beyond the classroom. I served as the school’s Minister of Development, coordinated international competitions and projects, and became part of the Kazakhstan Youth Chapter of the WFF, hosted by UN FAO.
For me, applying abroad was about finding an environment where I could grow academically, challenge myself, and gain a foundation that would later open doors to global companies and international organizations.
Why I Decided to Study Abroad
I studied in a school where the environment was competitive and ambitious from the beginning. Starting from middle school, I was surrounded by students who wanted to aim higher and think beyond local opportunities.
That influenced me a lot. I wanted to study in an international environment and receive a strong education, especially in economics. For me, it was important to find a university that would not only give me a degree, but would immerse me in a community deeply invested in progress, personal growth, and shaping the future.
Why South Korea and Seoul National University?
I applied only to South Korea, although I also received offers from universities in China and Kazakhstan. I wanted an unconventional yet highly ambitious path. Asia is developing very quickly, and I felt that studying there would give me access to a dynamic and competitive environment.
South Korea also has a deep personal meaning for me because I am ethnically Korean. Applying there was both a deliberate academic decision and a step connected to my identity and background.
I applied to only two universities in South Korea, and Seoul National University was my main choice. For me, SNU stood out because of the kind of community it represents; also, it is the top university in South Korea. I wanted to be surrounded by people who are not simply going with the flow, but are actively trying to change the world around them.
Choosing Economics
Choosing my major was not easy. I looked at the curriculum of several universities and realized that economics was the most interesting option for me. My math teachers gave us advice that stayed with me: choose a degree that genuinely interests you, not just one that sounds practical.
My connection to the field developed organically. Initially, most of my learning happened through extracurricular activities, technical projects, and personal exploration. Later, when I looked deeper into what economics actually includes, I realized that my analytical interests and decision-making patterns were already connected to the field.
SNU’s Department of Economics attracted me because of its immense academic strength and reputation. The program has strong ties to international financial institutions, the public sector, and research opportunities. In the future, I hope to explore internships and work with international organizations, including UN-related institutions.
Application Process
The application process to South Korean universities is different from the Common App. In my experience, it was not necessarily harder, but it required a lot of attention to detail.
The most difficult part was bureaucracy. Applicants need to prepare every document carefully, including proof for extracurricular activities and awards. Deadlines are also extremely strict. If you miss something or submit late, you may simply be removed from the application process.
Another important point is that the application window can be very short. In my case, the process took place through a specific website, where I had to upload all required documents. Because of that, it is important to follow official sources and prepare everything in advance instead of relying on general information from other people.
I submitted my application in March with a perfect 5.0 GPA and an overall IELTS score of 7.5. While I also took the SAT, my scores arrived after the deadline, meaning my admission was secured entirely by the core strength of my portfolio, honors, CV, personal statement, and recommendation letter.
Academic Profile & Extracurriculars
In my opinion, universities in Asia, including South Korea, place a strong emphasis on GPA and academic merit, especially for admission and scholarships. Strong academics are very important.
However, academics alone are not always enough. Applicants also need to show leadership skills and the ability to adapt to a new environment.
In my application, I showcased a diverse portfolio: regional and national stages in robotics and olympiads, letters of appreciation from corporate internships, and extensive student leadership roles. One of the most distinctive elements of my profile was my early engagement as a member of the national youth chapter of WFF, hosted by the UN FAO, while still a high school student.
My extracurriculars started quite early. Since eighth grade, I had been involved in volunteering. I was also the editor-in-chief of our school magazine, participated in different competitions, and took on leadership roles. I think this helped show that I was not only academically strong, but also active and responsible outside the classroom.
Personal Statement
SNU required one personal statement. Compared to U.S. essays, the personal statement for South Korean universities felt more formal and academic. It was less about writing a creative personal story and more about clearly explaining my academic background, research potential and motivation for choosing my major.
In my personal statement, I tried to connect specific experiences from my background to why I wanted to study economics at SNU. I think this is important because choosing a major should feel like a conscious decision, supported by your past experiences and interests.
Korean admissions committees value specificity and logic. Your essay should not feel random; rather, it should show why your chosen field makes sense for you.
Scholarship & Financial Aid
I was accepted as a Global Talent Scholar. The scholarship covers full tuition. From what I know, the acceptance rate for this scholarship is very low, and I do not know many students who received it this year or in previous years.
In general, South Korea can be a good option financially because application fees and living expenses may be lower compared to some other countries. There are also different scholarship programs, including GKS and university-based scholarships.
I chose to apply directly to universities rather than through GKS because it felt more comfortable for me and because the chances seemed higher. GKS has limited quotas for each country, while direct university applications may provide more flexibility.
For SNU, the scholarship I received was merit-based. They did not require bank statements or detailed financial documents from me. Other universities may have different scholarship systems, including need-based options, but in my case, academic merit was the main factor.
Competitiveness of SNU
Seoul National University is extremely competitive, especially for Korean citizens. While the acceptance rate is higher for international applicants, it remains a highly selective institution.
A few students from Kazakhstan were accepted to SNU this year; however, to my knowledge, I am the only one entering the Department of Economics. Given that economics is one of the most prestigious and intensely competitive programs at the university, this made the acceptance even more meaningful to me.
When I later visited the campus, the strength of the environment became even more apparent. Many influential figures, including national leaders, have graduated from SNU Economics, and the rigorous academic atmosphere felt deeply inspiring.
Looking Forward to SNU
What excites me most about SNU is the environment. The campus, the resources, the people, and the academic culture all create a place where students are expected to think deeply and work hard.
SNU also offers exchange opportunities at strong universities around the world, including institutions in the Ivy League and other top global universities. However, exchange is also competitive. Students need strong academic performance, and the courses they plan to take abroad must be approved by the university.
I am also interested in research opportunities and internships. Since SNU is a research university and has strong connections with major Asian and global corporations, I hope to use these resources actively during my undergraduate years.
If I Could Do Something Differently
If someone had asked me this question right after I visited the campus, I might have said that I wished I had studied even harder. Seeing the level of the university, the campus, and the people made me realize how much SNU demands from its students.
But now, looking back, I do not think I would change anything. My hard work started around eighth grade, but it was not solely about studying intensely. I also tried to build consistency and discipline as my core skills.
That is what helped me the most. I did not suddenly build my application in one year. It was the result of years of staying involved and working hard
Advice for Applicants
My main advice is to believe in yourself, but also understand that belief needs to be supported by work. Getting into a top university abroad is difficult, and if you want to aim high, you need to work harder than most people around you.
At the same time, it is important to have backup plans. Having a Plan B or Plan C does not mean you do not believe in your dream, it just simply means you are thinking strategically.
For students applying to South Korea, I would also advise being very careful with documents and deadlines. Prepare proofs for your activities, follow official sources and do not leave anything until the last moment. Most importantly, your application should make sense. Your major, activities, personal statement, and future goals should be connected. Universities should be able to see that you are a strong student, but also they should get an impression that you understand why you are choosing this path.
