Korean Universities vs US College Admissions
Whether you’re planning to apply to the best university in Korea or the top schools in the US, college admissions are a big deal. The competitive nature of university admissions at both US and Korean universities means earning a college admission letter is no easy feat. For first-generation students and international applicants, the admissions process and college admissions requirements may be unfamiliar and overwhelming.
Indeed, the US’s college landscape is unique and in many ways vastly different from that of other countries. However, you may be surprised by some of the similarities Korean universities and US universities share. In this article, we will be comparing higher education in the US with higher education in Korea. We will:
- Explore similarities and differences between US and Korean universities
- Discuss key steps of applying to college in the US
- Review the process of how to apply to Korean universities
- Compare the cost of university in Korea vs the US
- Provide tips for Korean students applying to US colleges and universities
By the end of this article, we hope you have a better picture of what is required to earn a college admission letter from US and Korean universities. Let’s get started with a quick overview of US vs Korean universities.
College in the US vs Korea: Quick Facts
University in Korea is extremely important. Higher education is a requirement for many prestigious jobs, and as such, attending college is a critical step for students aiming for future success. Many students strive to attend the top Korean universities, while others set their sights on studying abroad.
Korean students account for approximately 4.3% of all international students enrolled in US colleges. This is the third-largest majority, after China and India. Clearly, there are many reasons why students from Korea choose to attend school in the US, including the reputation of US schools and future career opportunities.
Trends over the last 10 years show a general decrease in Korean international students choosing to attend school in the US. Potential factors may include the high cost of US universities, as well as the rise of prestigious universities closer to home, such as the National University of Singapore. In the last five or so years, these numbers have held steady, but have grown in the last year.
So, how do Korean universities compare to US colleges? Below, you’ll find a table that provides an overview of higher education in Korea vs the US.
Comparing Higher Education in Korea vs. US
| Korea | United States | |
| Types of colleges | The categorization of Korean universities depends on funding and the type of education and degrees offered: – Private universities – Public universities – National universities – Specialized universities – Industrial universities – Cyber universities – Junior colleges | Similarly, colleges in the US are categorized by funding and types of degrees offered: – Private universities – Public universities – Community colleges – Vocational schools |
| Top rated colleges | According to Best Global Universities in South Korea, as ranked by U.S. News, the best university in Korea is Seoul National University. Other top universities include: – Yonsei University – Sejong University – Sungkyunkwan University – Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | U.S. News’s Best National University in the US ranking puts Princeton University at #1 in US universities. Other top schools include: – Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Harvard University – Stanford University – Yale University |
| Types of degrees | Korean universities offer the following types of degrees: – Associate – Bachelor’s – Master’s – Doctoral | This is the same in the US, where students can earn these types of degrees: – Associate – Bachelor’s (B.A., B.S., B.F.A.) – Master’s – Doctoral |
| Academic reputation | Five Korean universities, including the best university in Korea, are in the top 100 schools globally. In general, Korea is considered a top-performing country in terms of higher education. | US schools have a global reputation as being amongst the best colleges and universities. They attract students from all over the world and are amongst the best performers in research. |
| Curriculum | While studying at university in Korea, students can take both electives and Korean university courses required for their major. However, students typically apply under a specific major and stick with it. While Korean university courses are certainly challenging, most students go on to graduate, leading to high completion rates at Korean universities. | Colleges in the US offer a lot of flexibility in their curriculum. Students can switch majors, double major, and take electives and earn minors in fields unrelated to their major. Difficulty will depend on your selected school and program of study, with some majors and courses being more challenging to ace than others. |
| Career opportunities | The emphasis on attending university in Korea and attaining educational achievement has led to more college graduates than available jobs. In 2023, college graduates made up more than half of unemployed people aged 15-29. | College degrees have essentially become a requirement for many jobs in the US. However, 2% of college graduates are unemployed, and many are “underemployed.” |
Now, let’s look more closely at how admissions to university in Korea differs from colleges in the US.
US College Admissions vs. Korean Universities
In the following sections, we’ll start by exploring the US college application process. We’ll discuss key components of the application process, such as college admissions essays and letters of recommendation. Then, we’ll review important requirements for international applicants as well as some reasons why students invest in college admissions assistance.
While applying to university in Korea has some similarities to the US, there are key differences. Therefore, we will later turn our attention back to higher education in Korea, including trends and what to expect from admissions.
It is interesting to note that one similarity between admissions at US and Korean universities is that they are stratified systems. That is, everything from admissions to graduation rates and earning potential are not equal amongst students of different backgrounds and identities. Certainly, being a strong student does not grant you admission to any university these days. And, a college degree doesn’t guarantee a good job, a fact that holds true for graduates of both US and Korean universities.
Whether we’re discussing university in Korea or the United States, some will say that college admissions are broken. However, for students who do feel passionately about attending college, the process is still necessary. And, for the majority of students, their college experience is undoubtedly valuable in the long run.
So, ready to learn more about admissions to university in Korea and the US? To start, let’s dive into what to expect from US college admissions.
Applying to College in the US
College applications in the US are on the rise, with a 6% increase reported by the Common App from the 2022-23 to 2023-24 admissions cycle. Conversely, college acceptance rates are on the decline. For instance, Yale University’s acceptance rate is down to 3.7%, a historic low.
While the top colleges in the US are ultra-selective, most US colleges actually admit the majority of their applicants. Here is a list of colleges with higher acceptance rates, many of which are featured in the U.S. News’ list of top US universities.
Given the competitive nature of US admissions, many students and families seek out college admissions assistance. That means working with an admissions expert to navigate the many steps of the application process. This includes everything from building a college list, to gathering documents including transcripts and letters of recommendation, to writing college essays.
In general, students apply to multiple colleges, some during early admissions cycles and most during the regular decision cycle. College Board recommends students complete 5-8 applications. However, many students apply to more than 10 schools–some even complete more than 20 applications. The average cost of applying to each school is around $45, however, the schools with more expensive fees average out closer to $78.
Application platforms
Students applying to US colleges will submit all of their applications online. You can apply to schools using:
- Centralized application platforms, like the Common Application, Coalition Application, and Questbridge Application.
- State-based application platforms, like ApplyTexas.
- Public university system applications, like the UC Application, Cal State Apply, applySUNY.
- School-specific applications, like those at MIT and Georgetown.
Which platform you use will ultimately depend on your particular college list. However, since the Common Application allows you to send the same information to any participating schools, it makes applying to multiple colleges easier than ever before.
Applying as a First-Generation Student
The US application process can be overwhelming for any student, especially those coming into the process with no prior knowledge. Being first-gen means being the first in your family to navigate the complicated process of getting into college. That includes discovering what you want in a school, applying to that school, and managing the financial aid process in order to afford attending that school.
In particular, first-generation students are often not able to rely on their families or parents for support. They may feel like they need to figure out the process themselves. Free resources such as CollegeAdvisor’s webinars and articles can help you get better acquainted with the college admissions process. However, nothing beats personalized college admissions assistance. This is especially true when it comes from an advisor who understands your perspective as a student and an applicant.
US College Application Requirements
Now, let’s discuss US college admissions requirements in more detail. Here is a list of common application requirements:
- College admissions essays (personal statement + supplemental essays)
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts and school reports
- ACT/SAT test scores
- Application fees
You can explore these requirements in depth in our article on Understanding US College Admissions.
Typically, students will begin working towards fulfilling these requirements during the summer before their senior year, if not earlier. Early applications are typically due in November, with Regular Decision deadlines following close behind in January.
If a student has applied Early Decision, they will find out their admissions decision in December. If accepted, they are required to attend. If they’ve applied Early Action, they can wait to see if they receive any additional acceptances before deciding which school to attend. Regular Decision applicants will typically receive their admissions decision in March or April. Students have until May 1st to make their final decision and enroll in their selected school.
While some schools are remaining test-optional, others are reinstating their standardized testing requirements. Regardless, having high SAT or ACT scores continues to be an opportunity for students to strengthen their college applications.
Applying as an International Applicant
International applicants must complete additional steps, such as completing English language tests and visa applications. Popular language tests include the TOEFL and IELTS. While there’s certainly time to obtain a visa once you have your college admission letter, the process can still be lengthy and complicated.
Additionally, it’s important to note that all applications and required materials must be submitted in English. This may require the translation of important documents such as transcripts or letters of recommendation. Additionally, students should be prepared to write their essays in English, regardless of if it is their first or second language.
Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Students
The exact requirements will depend on the type of program you are applying for. However, there are some basic university admissions requirements you can expect, whether applying for undergraduate or graduate-level coursework in the US.
First, let’s discuss college admissions requirements in the context of standardized testing. If students did not complete their previous coursework in English, they must take an English Language Test. There are minimum scores for undergraduate and graduate study. Additionally, undergraduate students can demonstrate their readiness with competitive SAT or ACT scores. However, these are not required by all universities. On the other hand, competitive GMAT or GRE scores are required by most graduate-level programs.
Next, we have minimum education requirements. If applying for an undergraduate degree you’ll need to show you’ve successfully completed required high school courses. Essentially, that means you’ve earned a high school diploma or equivalent. Graduate programs have similar requirements: a completed Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. While some schools have minimum GPA requirements for applicants, others do not. Regardless, students will need a high GPA to compete with strong applicants, especially at more prestigious and selective universities.
Overall, international students will need to meet the same university admissions requirements as US applicants when it comes to standing out in the holistic admissions process. Having an advisor who has experience providing college admissions assistance to international applicants can help you feel more confident navigating the process.
In the next section, we’ll switch gears and look at the process of how to apply to Korean universities.
Applying to Universities in Korea
The most challenging part of attending university in Korea isn’t completing Korean university courses–it’s getting in. Unlike in the US, college admission requirements for Korean universities do not include a holistic evaluation process based on college admissions essays, academic records, and letters of recommendation.
Instead, admission to university in Korea is primarily based on a student’s academic records and their performance on the national college entrance exam: the College Scholastic Ability Test.
College Scholastic Ability Test
The College Scholastic Ability Test, known as Suneung, is the yearly test for students pursuing higher education in Korea. While the difficulty of the test has fluctuated since it began in 1994, it is known as one of the most challenging exams in the world. The 8-hour exam is certainly more challenging than the SAT or ACT and is something students prepare their entire academic lives for.
Essentially, your scores on the test determine which schools you are eligible to attend. Certain Korean universities require higher scores than others. The SKY universities, Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, are some of the most prestigious, and selective, Korean universities. Unsurprisingly, they also require the highest test scores.
College admissions requirements for university in Korea
Beyond the CSAT, the university admissions process for Korean universities is relatively straightforward. And, given the importance of higher education in Korea, thousands of students apply to university in Korea each year. Over 75% of the population aged 18-21 received at least a college-level education in 2023.
Historically, when considering which university in Korea to attend, students have sought entrance into the prestigious SKY universities. However, recent trends show some students have been rejecting their acceptances and choosing to study at other Korean universities.
To be eligible for admission to university in Korea, students will need to have completed at least 12 years of schooling. Each university in Korea has their own online application, which students will need to submit along with any required documents.
Admissions to university in Korea are typically divided into early and regular admission. Early admission requirements to Korean universities include school reports, interviews, essay exams, and performance exams. This happens before CSAT scores are released. However, regular admissions at any university in Korea are primarily based on CSAT scores.
If you have questions about how to apply to Korean universities, you are not alone. Just like in the US, there are plenty of college admissions assistance services available to help students apply to university in Korea. This includes private tutors to help students prepare for the College Scholastic Ability Test and maximize their scores.
In the next section, we’ll focus on another key consideration of higher education in Korea and the United States: cost.
Comparing College Costs: US vs Korea
Conquering university admissions is certainly the most challenging step in the college application process. However, gaining admission to your top choice university in Korea or the US does not guarantee a student can or should attend. This is particularly true when it comes to US colleges because of their high costs of attendance.
The cost of college is a major concern for many students, regardless of where they are from or where they choose to attend university. Therefore, cost is an important factor to consider as you approach college applications. While a college degree is a valuable investment in your future, the price tag on that experience and education can vary dramatically depending on the school you end up attending.
In general, the cost of attending college in the US is higher than attending college in Korea. Consider the average US and Korea university tuition rates below:
Tuition rates per year in Korea vs United States
| Average tuition for university in Korea | Average tuition for university in the US |
| Public: $8,700 Private: $11,600 | Public in-state: $10,560 Public out-of-state: $27,020 Private: $37,650 |
In general, higher education in Korea costs significantly less than higher education in the US. This is true whether you’re looking at the best university in Korea, or any other university in Korea. However, like the US, Korea university tuition rates tend to be higher at private Korean universities than at public. Additionally, Korea university tuition rates for a semester may cost more for a 4-year degree than for a 2-year associate’s degree.
However, simply looking at Korea university tuition rates or tuition rates at top US schools is not enough. Remember, the cost of college includes more than just tuition. To get a more accurate picture of what higher education in Korea or the US costs, you’ll need to consider additional costs such as living expenses like housing, food, and transportation. Additionally, you might factor in the cost of returning home when you want to visit your family.
Paying for College in the US
For US citizens, financial aid is generally a given when it comes to the university admissions process. Applications such as the FAFSA and CSS Profile are often noted on the to-do lists for college applications. And, some schools automatically consider qualified applicants for certain merit scholarships.
How much aid a student receives depends on their family’s financial situation, as shown within their FAFSA and CSS applications. Outside of government grants and loans and school-specific grants and scholarships, students can also help pay for school through external scholarships or private loans. With so many options to consider, the financial aid process can certainly be a challenge for many first-time applicants. As such, many students rely on college admissions assistance to help them navigate the process.
Financing college as an international student
However, since international students don’t have access to all the same types of aid, tuition can be more expensive for international students. In particular, international students can’t complete the FAFSA, and therefore don’t have the option of paying for school with government loans or grants.
Instead, students should look to supplement their educational costs with scholarships. Some schools offer specific scholarship opportunities to international students. For instance, Wesleyan University offers the Freeman Asian Scholarship Program, which provides a full four-year scholarship to eleven selected students.
Additionally, there are many scholarships specifically for Korean students. These scholarships include opportunities such as the Korean Honor Scholarship and those offered by the Korean American Scholarship Foundation. Other scholarships are offered for specific fields of study, or look for students with certain interests or identities. Look at scholarship databases, such as those provided by Education USA or BigFuture to find scholarships that align with your interests and college goals.
Tips for Applying to College in US vs. Universities in Korea
At this point, we’ve covered many different topics regarding US university admissions and higher education in Korea. Ultimately, for students who don’t see themselves attending university in Korea, deciding to apply to colleges in the US is a big decision. Here are our top 3 tips for Korean applicants who do end up choosing to apply to colleges in the US:
Application Tips for Applying to US vs. Korean Universities
1. Craft an application narrative
US colleges use a holistic review process to evaluate applications. Instead of looking at college admissions requirements as separate components, consider how they all work together to tell a story. What makes you a compelling applicant, and what makes you a good fit for that particular school?
2. Consider the cost
US colleges are some of the most expensive in the world. Give yourself plenty of time to explore scholarships, and compare the cost of attending different schools on your college list.
3. Leverage research and resources
While applying to US colleges can be daunting, there are plenty of online resources that explore the nuances of college admissions. Consider investing in college admissions assistance to help you find the right fit and make your applications as strong as they can be.
Korean vs. American Universities: A Guide for First-Gen Applicants
In this article, we compared higher education in Korea vs the US. For both countries, we discussed what to expect from college admissions requirements and what it takes to secure a college admission letter. We also discussed rising costs of tuition in the US, and how they tend to be much higher than Korea university tuition rates. Furthermore, we highlighted the importance of scholarships when it comes to subsidizing your education as an international applicant.
If you are a student in Korea interested in applying to US colleges and universities, CollegeAdvisor can help! We offer personalized college admissions assistance, specifically tailored to fit your needs. Our team of college counselors are experts at navigating university admissions in the US. We can help you research schools, write and edit your college admissions essays, submit stellar applications, and answer any and all questions you have about US college admissions.
This article was written by Stefanie Tedards. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
