Samsung Global Sungkyun Scholarship Scholar Naranjin from Mongolia Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Bachelor's at the Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea

Hello! I am Naranjin. I was born and raised in Khovd province, western Mongolia. Currently, I am a software engineering student at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in South Korea. Growing up, I frequently participated in math Olympiads, which shaped my passion for STEM. I always dreamed of exploring the world beyond my hometown to become someone who inspires others. That ambition, combined with the support of my family, great teachers, and hard work, helped me to get accepted into the FLEX program (a fully funded U.S. State Department exchange program for high schoolers), with 2% acceptance rate. That experience truly opened the path to my international education.

Samsung Global Sungkyun Scholarship Details

I am currently a recipient of the Samsung Global Sungkyun (Type B)  scholarship, which covers my full four-year tuition fees.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Alongside the Samsung scholarship, I was offered the "International Student Excellence" scholarship at SKKU. Additionally, I was selected for the GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) university track at Ajou University and received a first-semester tuition scholarship from Inha University.

Educational Background

My middle and high school experience was defined by staying open-minded and challenging myself through various opportunities that were available in my hometown and beyond. My background in mathematics olympiad and my extracurricular activities were key to my success. These included:

• Academic: Achieving a 5 on the AP Computer Science A exam and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
• Extracurriculars: Participating in the "Girls Code" & “Girls Who Code” programs, and volunteering over 100 hours while in the USA.
• Leadership: Serving in the Leader Pupil Academy in my hometown, where we organized large annual events.

How Did You Find Information About the Samsung Global Sungkyun Scholarship and Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)?

I researched universities globally that offered English-taught programs and strong scholarships. There are various websites that share information about scholarships. But the official university and institution websites are the most reliable sources.

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

To meet the requirements, I self-studied for the IELTS and SAT.

While self-study is important, I recommend attending professional courses if possible, as good teachers can help you improve much faster and save some time for your other parts of the application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Samsung Global Sungkyun Scholarship?

It is very important to start early. I believe my application stood out because of the balance between academic standards and consistent activity. I didn't just study; I tried to use the present opportunities fully to improve myself, which I later reflected in my application and essays:

• I connected my coding projects (like Girls Code, Girls Who Code) with my personal interest in solving problems.
• I used my FLEX exchange year to demonstrate adaptability.
• For the GKS application, I wrote essays that showed how these experiences prepared me for a rigorous Software Engineering degree.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

I am in the English track, meaning my core classes are in English. However, I’ve realized that fluency in Korean opens up many more class choices and social opportunities.

Pro-Tip: If you study in a non-English-speaking country, learn the native language! You will miss out on certain opportunities if you aren't fluent.

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

If I could go back, I would aim for even higher standardized test scores and start my final document preparation even earlier to reduce stress.

• Research Deeply: Understand what each specific university and scholarship committee looks for. Do they value leadership or research more?
• Apply Widely: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to multiple institutions.
• Start Early: Your "story" starts in middle school. Don't miss out on volunteering or local clubs–they matter more than you think!