u/SaaSpm

Hi guys!! Basically the title lol

Hi everyone!

I'm applying for GKS-U this September, and I have a question about the Study Plan.

My research topic requires a deep understanding of Korean art, architecture, and the historical development of the Korean language. Because of that, in the "Goals of Study and Study Plan" section, I divided my undergraduate program into four years, with a specific objective for each year. Each year's goals build on the previous one, leading to my final objective: creating a public exhibition based on my research.

I'm wondering if being this detailed is actually a disadvantage. Would it make my study plan seem too rigid, or do GKS reviewers generally appreciate having a clear long-term roadmap?

Another concern is that my research depends heavily on being in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, since the cultural sites, architecture, and historical resources I need are located there. Because of this, I'm considering applying only to Type B universities.

Would choosing only Type B universities be a bad strategy for GKS-U, or does it make sense if it aligns with my research objectives?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has applied for GKS or has experience reviewing study plans. Thanks!

Hi everyone!

I'm applying for the GKS-U 2027, and I'm having some trouble converting my Brazilian high school grades into CGPA.

My high school was part of Centro Paula Souza, and instead of using numerical grades on the transcript, we received performance concepts called menções:

MB (Muito Bom / Very Good) = 10

B (Bom / Good) = 8

R (Regular / Satisfactory) = 6

I (Insatisfactory) = 4

After a long process, Centro Paula Souza issued me an official declaration stating this numerical equivalence.

I counted all my final grades and obtained:

MB: 18

B: 23

R: 9

I: 0

This gives me:

Total score: 418

Total subjects: 50

Average: 8.36/10

Percentage: 83.6%

The problem is that Brazil doesn't usually use GPA or CGPA, so I'm confused about what I should write in the GKS application.

Should I:

Write 8.36/10 as my CGPA?

Convert it to a 4.0 scale?

Or simply use 83.6/100, since GKS provides its own GPA conversion table?

I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Aos amigos brasileiros: Socorro

Hei everybody!! I'm from Brazil and I'm planning to apply for GKS-U in 2027 (Embassy Track) for Visual Design. Can you help me tell of ik going the right direction?

My profile:

· GPA: 3.42 / 4.0 (converted to 89/100)

· TOPIK

· English C1

· 1-month Korean training at Dongguk University (Gyeongju campus)

Education & courses:

· Technical degree in Visual Communication

· Branding Manager certificate

· Digital Illustration course

· Garment modeling (1.5 years)

· Cultural Production (200 hours)

Experience:

· Communications Director of student council (2 years)

· Volunteer drawing teacher at Penha Cultural Center (public institution, peripheral community: children, elderly, autistic students)

· Freelance brand identity

· Digital marketing manager for Japanese restaurant chain (5 locations)

Portfolio (I did using the theme I want to study):

· Logo for Hwang To Gil (Korean restaurant in São Paulo); pro bono

· Logo for Centro Cultural Hallyu (Korean cultural center in São Paulo); pro bono

· Brand identity projects applying modular logic of Hangeul (The theme)

Letter of recommendation:

· Director of Korean Educational Center (visual artist, she was my monitor during Dongguk exchange)

Universities I think align best with my theme:

1. Ewha Womans University (Type A), Visual Information Design: My theme is more tradicional and I know, Ewha values heritage, and the connection between tradition and modernity. They also have 2 professors that have similar projects that align with my theme.

2. Sookmyung Womans University (Type A), Visual Design: Sookmyung values more the side of the culture and humanity that I want to bring to my research, unfortunately I don't have more information about their professors, but, according to their site, they're more focused on the human side and creativity (opposing Hongik, that is more for the market)

3. Keimyung University (Type B), Visual Communication Design: They have a strong curriculum on typography and brand design, I also don't have solid information on their professors, but Daegu is a city that give me easy access to other historic cities, like Jeonju, Gyeongju and Chungcheong.

I also have PNU as a wish, but I worry that it'll be too competitive, but my reasons to substitute Sookmyung with PNU would be: REALLY strong curriculum, having two type B in my choices, they have a culture of valuing social work, diversity and creativity. Also really good city to get to others historic cities and museums.

Strengths:

· I already have Hangeul-based projects in my portfolio

· Pro bono work for Korean community in São Paulo

· Real branding experience + volunteer teaching + student council leadership

· Short-term study at Dongguk (Gyeongju)

Worries:

· TOPIK 1

· GPA 3.42

· Should I choose PNU?

P.s: I also plan to use the first year of language training to visit the most museums I can to help with my research.

Do you think this could be competitive? What should I improve the most before applying?

Thank you! 🩷🩷