It has been a while since the last time I updated my blog.
I have been extremely busy processing my requirements the past few weeks that I have forgotten about logging everything I have accomplished so far.
So, as the title says.. yes... I got admitted to Soongsil University -- in the Graduate School --- Media Department, taking a Master's in Digital Media degree. I couldn't believe it! God has been good to me...
I will tell you the actual process I had to go through in getting admitted to the university. I can only speak for graduate school students from the Philippines, the process may be entirely or slightly different for bachelor's degrees or students from other countries.
The application can be done online -- but you need to make sure when the admissions open. It depends on the start of the semester, so you make sure that you are ready for it.
Here is a regular academic calendar, make sure to revisit their site for changes:
You may visit this site: https://gradeng.ssu.ac.kr
or you may contact:
Tel: +82-2-820-0258~9
Email: grad@ssu.ac.kr
Location: Westminster Hall 658
Here is the summary of the application process:
Apply online
Pay the application fees
Attend the virtual interview
Wait for their announcement
Submit the requested requirements online and by mail
Pay the tuition fee
Wait for the admission certificate for VISA application
I will explain to you the steps I took in order to complete my application process.
APPLY ONLINE
The very first step that anyone has to take is to check the admission period and apply online. You can go to their website and create an account, similar to the screenshot below.
The actual process is seamless as the site and the school process is very straight forward. You just need to input all of your details and the program you are aiming for.
You will be given an access to the student portal. All the necessary steps and updates are found inside this website.
PAY THE APPLICATION FEES After registration, you will receive a confirmation from the school about your registration and then you will be asked to the necessary application fee for them to proceed with your application. It can be done via a Korean bank or through an international wire transfer. You will get of all these info via email so please check your email regularly.
After paying, you need to email them the payment invoice and wait for a confirmation.. You may also check the status online by logging in to your USAINT student portal. "PAID" will be updated as soon as they received your payment.
ATTEND THE VITUAL INTERVIEW
After a few days or weeks, you will receive a notification from the school about your interview. Similar to this one:
Due to the pandemic, I was interview online via Zoom.
I was interviewed by a panel from the department I am applying for.
The questions are in English and they really speak fluently. So, you didn't have to worry.
They asked me about these areas:
Personal details
The source of your funds
About learning the language
The interview lasted for about 15 minutes. They were not too particular about my major or my qualifications. It is more on surviving the class. The panelists were actually very kind and not intimidating.
After it, all you could do was pray and hope for the best.
WAIT FOR THEIR ANNOUNCEMENT
Upon logging in to the site, you can easily see the status of your application.
PASS will be noticeable understand the assessment block.
With that being said, you need to send the remaining requirement to the school first via email and followed by snail mail.
SUBMIT THE REQUIREMENTS
Prepare the requirements. Again, the documents may be different for each one of us. Please read carefully what documents they are asking for. It can include TOPIK or TOEFL level certifications. Please make sure you are fully prepared.
The things I forwarded include:
Payment receipt
Application form
Study plan
Release of Information Form
Degree certificate (it must be verified through DFA - apostille) (NOTE: This will eat up a lot of your time. You need to book ahead at the DFA office in order to have your document verified. It takes about a week or shorter but you have to secure a slot. There are so many people who are requesting for apostille, so indicate your urgency through email to be given special slot.)
Official transcript (from your school, and must be the original)
Family Relation certificate (birth certificate and letter including family tree)
My ID and my parents' ID
Passport copy
Affidavit of Financial Support (NOTE: if someone will sponsor you, or your parents will, please provide them this)
Financial Document (NOTE: Secure a bank certificate from your bank with at least a million pesos)
I scanned these documents and forwarded and uploaded them to the school. You will be given instructions on what you have to submit and when.
After completing of these requirements, you may now forward it to Korea via DHL or LBC (price ranges from 1.5k to 2k as of 2022). Make sure to send them before the due date, otherwise you will not be accepted.
The address is: Room #658 Westminster Hall, 369 Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Postal Code 06978)
You will know from the assistant if there's any missing document or anything that has to be resent. Please take note and check your email regularly.
PAY FOR THE TUITION FEE
The tuition fee payment period will be posted and all you have to do is wire your payment to the school. Scholarships are also available but it will depend on the grant the school will provide.
In my case I got a scholarship from them.
WAIT FOR THE SCHOOL DOCUMENTS THEY WILL SEND YOU
The next thing you will receive is a set of documents that you will present the Korean embassy in applying for a visa.
They include:
Original Certificate of Admission
Business permit of the school
Certificate of Scholarship
Letter from the school
Acceptance certificate
All you need to do is to keep these documents as they will be requested by the Korean embassy!
I hope you learned something from this blog post.
I wish you good luck!