How a Vietnamese Creative Technology Management Student Won the Full Admissions Scholarship to Earn a BSc in Creative Technology Management at Underwood International College, Yonsei University

My name is Minh Le, and I’m from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Creative Technology Management from Underwood International College at Yonsei University. In high school, I was part of an English-specialized class, but when it came time to choose a major, I became interested in the growing field of technology. I chose this degree because it offers a unique blend of technical subjects, like coding and data analysis, and management courses. It was the perfect program for someone like me who was curious about tech but didn’t have a strong coding background.

Admissions Scholarship Details

I received the Admissions Scholarship from Underwood International College at Yonsei University. This scholarship covers full tuition for four years, provided that recipients maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher each semester.

Educational Background

I came from a non-specialized high school, so maintaining a strong GPA was one of the key things I focused on. It's important to aim for the highest GPA possible to build a solid academic record. However, based on my experience, GPA alone wasn’t the deciding factor. I also took the SAT, participated in various extracurricular activities, and wrote strong application essays. These aspects played a significant role in my admission, showing that while GPA is important, it's not everything, but still, it’s recommended to keep it high.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Yonsei University?

I relied on a lot of research, guidance from seniors I met through extracurricular activities, and information from scholarship forums.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Yonsei University?

I used existing scholarship forums, searched with relevant keywords like “full scholarship,” and gathered information directly from the school’s official website.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I took the SAT and the SAT Subject Test in Math. To prepare, I used recommended textbooks, Khan Academy, and other SAT study materials.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Admissions Scholarship?

One key piece of advice to help manage stress and anxiety, especially when you're overwhelmed by too much information, is to first focus on completing the essential requirements, such as standardized test scores, IELTS/TOEFL, portfolio, and other core materials. While preparing for those, you can also begin researching schools in parallel. That’s how I managed the stress during my own scholarship application process.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Yonsei University?

Since I studied at a liberal arts college, I had the opportunity to take a wide range of interesting courses, including topics like gender in Korea. Being part of an international college also allowed me to meet and connect with people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom I’m still in touch with even after relocating to Europe for work. Networking was one of the highlights of my time at Yonsei. One thing to note is that although the institution operates in English, learning Korean is still highly recommended. It helps you better connect with the local culture and navigate everyday situations, as language barriers can still arise.

How Do You Rate Yonsei University Academically and Why?

I would rate it a 7 out of 10. Some courses are academically challenging and competitive to get into, while others are more straightforward and can be learned directly from textbooks. I recommend researching the specific program you're interested in, not just the institution itself, because a high-ranking university doesn’t always guarantee a high-quality program.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

All classes at Underwood International College, Yonsei University are conducted in English, making it a great option for international students who want to study in Korea without needing to know Korean.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I’m confident that I’m not the most academically gifted nor the one with the most awards or outstanding activities, but my application was consistent. The story I told and the activities I highlighted all focused on a single theme, making it easier for the school to understand who I am and how I can contribute to the institution.

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

Multi-tasking. When I applied for scholarships, I waited for everything to be perfect before moving on to the next task. For example, I would wait until I got a perfect SAT score before starting to research schools. I learned the hard way that there’s never a perfect time to start something, so my advice is to just go for it. Interestingly, there are many factors beyond test scores that can make your application stand out. Instead of focusing solely on achieving a perfect score, make sure to also dedicate time to other important parts of your application, such as essays, extracurricular activities, and portfolios.

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

Focus on creating a consistent theme throughout your entire application. Underwood International College at Yonsei University has a diverse student body, so they appreciate unique and unconventional perspectives that stand out. Also, be sure to thoroughly research the school and the program, and clearly demonstrate why and how you would benefit from them. Lastly, remember the timeless advice: show, don’t tell.