Hyemin Kang arrived at St. Paul American School in 2022 as a 9th grade student. What followed over the next four years was a journey of academic rigor, self-discovery, and the quiet, consistent work of building a future she believed in.
This spring, that work paid off in a way few students ever experience: acceptance to Seoul National University, Korea’s most prestigious institution, along with offers from Yonsei University, Korea University, Hanyang University, and Sungkyunkwan University.
The Moment
Seoul National University was the first to release its admission results. Hyemin recalls the moment vividly.
“Since Seoul National University is considered the most prestigious university in Korea, I honestly wasn’t expecting to be accepted. When I first saw the result, I couldn’t believe it. I read it over and over again before it finally felt real. It felt like all the stress, anxiety and uncertainty I had been carrying throughout the application process disappeared at once.”
She will be attending SNU’s College of Business Administration, a program that stands out for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and the quality of students it attracts.
Academic Preparation
Hyemin completed 9 Advanced Placement courses throughout high school, a demanding load that shaped both her academic abilities and her sense of direction.
AP Microeconomics – AP Macroeconomics – AP Calculus BC – AP Statistics – AP Environmental Science – AP Psychology – AP English Language – AP Computer Science – AP Biology
“Economics and Statistics especially strengthened my interest in business and helped me develop analytical thinking skills,” she reflects.
“Learning how to study efficiently and adapt to challenging material has been one of the most valuable lessons from my AP experience.”
More than Grades: Demonstrating Genuine Passion
When it came to her application, Hyemin focused on something beyond academic transcripts: she made sure Seoul National University could see a consistent, authentic interest in business.
“When other documents proved academic dedication, in my essay I really emphasized the experiences I had in school that shaped my interest in business. Demonstrating consistent interest in the major I selected was something I focused on more than anything else.”
That interest grew from real experiences at St. Paul: projects analyzing markets, studying consumer behavior, and engaging with real-world business questions. “I realized how much I enjoyed studying how organizations make decisions and create value,” she says. “These experiences confirmed that business was the field I wanted to pursue.”
The St. Paul Difference – Freedom to lead, space to grow
For students with ambitions beyond their immediate environment, the culture of a school matters as much as its curriculum. For Hyemin, St. Paul’s support went well beyond the classroom. Through student-led organizations, she was able to take on leadership roles, explore her interests, and pursue meaningful projects, all of which became part of her story as an applicant and as a person.
She also points to the influence of Mr. Ethan, a teacher whose encouragement helped open doors she might not have walked through on her own. “He recognized my enthusiasm for economics and business and consistently encouraged me to explore those interests further. His support made learning enjoyable, and gave me opportunities to challenge myself in ways I might not have otherwise considered.”
“One of the things I appreciated most about St. Paul was the freedom students have to create and lead clubs.”
What Hyemin would tell the next Eagles
“While achieving strong grades is certainly important, I believe what matters even more is having genuine passion and interest in your chosen field of study. Competitive universities want to see not only academic excellence, but also evidence that you have actively explored and developed your interests over time.”
“If you’re still unsure about what you want to study, it’s not too late. Take the time to discover what excites you. Once you find that interest, don’t be afraid to explore it fully — through clubs, projects, leadership roles, competitions, or independent learning. The more deeply you engage with your passions, the stronger both your application and your personal growth will be.”
We are incredibly proud of Hyemin’s achievements, and the St. Paul community is looking forward to watching her succeed at Seoul National University.
“While achieving strong grades is certainly important, I believe what matters even more is having genuine passion and interest in your chosen field of study.”
