How to begin your business graduate school journey at SNU: tutorial

Applying to graduate school presents an exciting yet intricate adventure for prospective students, although having the right information and resources can make things less complicated.

The building of Seoul National University's graduate school of business administration is pictured. [SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]

Applying to graduate school presents an exciting yet intricate adventure for prospective students, although having the right information and resources can make things less complicated.

For those who wish to study business at the graduate level, Seoul National University's (SNU) business school is an attractive option.

The school offers master's, doctorate and MBA programs under its graduate school of business.

Both have distinct objectives, attracting different types of students.

The MBA program is designed for practical learning in business management, tailored for professionals seeking to advance in the corporate ladder with an emphasis on real-world applications and leadership skills.

The master's and doctorate programs approach the field of business more academically, which is ideal for those pursuing careers in research or academia. The curriculum offers seven specialized areas of study: management information systems, marketing, operations management, organizational behavior & human resource management, finance & insurance, strategy and international management and accounting.

While a whole host of information about admissions at SNU's business school is available online, navigating the application process is daunting regardless.

For those looking to secure a spot at the university's business school, the Korea JoongAng Daily met with some of its current students to listen to their experience with admissions and the school.

A lecture is being held for MBA students at Seoul National University. [SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]

Is SNU's business school the right choice?

One of the specialties of the school is that it offers a wide variety of courses delving into various subjects in the field of business, including accounting and information systems, which are often part of different disciplines at other schools.

Students say the school faculty's efforts to foster a positive rapport with students is another advantage.

"Professors frequently invite students for delightful meals, creating an enjoyable and engaging atmosphere," Egshiglen, an accounting student at the school, said.

Its rigorous curriculum and distinguished faculty are other reasons current students chose the school.

A student who came to SNU after completing undergraduate studies in China said, "As a top-tier university with high professionalism and strong global capabilities, there are many opportunities to expand one's horizons and deepen academic understanding through interactions with global scholars."

"Most undergraduate, master's, and doctoral courses are conducted in English, which strengthens individual capabilities and lays the foundation for overseas research and living."

However, there are certain challenges associated with the program, such as the highly competitive and demanding environment.

"I've personally felt the strain of rapidly escalating expectations from professors, leading to new dark circles under my eyes from trying to meet these expectations," Egshinglen said.

"The program's environment can be conservatively inclined, varying across departments, necessitating cautious communication and conduct. It's challenging, but I think it's probably similar to what's expected in a corporate environment [in Korea]."

Finding necessary information

Gathering detailed information about professors is essential, not just when you apply to business schools but graduate schools in general, as you will be working with a professor who will serve as your advisor.

Looking through information on the university business school's website, which offers details on the curriculum, faculty members and their recent academic accomplishments, is a good way to start.

However, the scope of this information often excludes the nuanced insider perspectives that are equally crucial. Understanding the nature of a professor's interaction and communication with students, dynamics of a lab's research environment and the overall culture within a study group are aspects that are not readily apparent from official websites.

This can be challenging for international students who don't have direct connections or access to detailed insight, with Egshiglen also saying she got recommendations from senior graduate students she knew.

For those who don't have people they can talk to, websites like phdkim.net, a platform for current and prospective graduate students, can be helpful.

The website offers reviews and experiences shared by current and former students, shedding light on what it's like to work with particular professors or within certain labs. There's also brief information about what areas the professors specialize in, with users able to search for professors by their names, university or program name.

Professors are evaluated on five criteria: lab atmosphere, integrity, actual salary, thesis guidance and teaching efficacy.

The credibility of the information is ensured as users are required to verify with their student email, but the actual reviews are kept anonymous.

Preparing for admission

After collecting all the necessary information through websites and personal research, international students can apply for SNU's business school through the global talent admission track.

Applications open twice a year, usually in September and March.

This admission track is solely based on documents and does not involve interviews or tests.

Application for Korean nationals is a bit different, with students applying through the general admission process. This includes a test-based interview, which evaluates how well applicants know the subject of their interest. Some students form study groups specifically to prepare for this test.

Many students acknowledge that it is not easy to get into the school, given its global name recognition and the volume of applications it receives from many exceptional candidates.

However, they say the difficulty of admission may vary.

"From what I know, it is not difficult for those from the same university, regardless of nationality," Egshiglen said.

Having an undergraduate degree from SNU could be an advantage in the admissions process, potentially due to familiarity with the university's academic standards and expectations.

Another significant factor that may be considered apart from one's academic capabilities is language proficiency.

"The business school requires a high level of proficiency in both Korean and English," the student from China said.

"Especially in China, where people fluent in three languages are relatively rare, this can make admission difficult. As a result, there is a pronounced preference for English-speaking countries."

BY STUDENT REPORTER LEE CHE-EUN [kjd.kcampus@joongang.co.kr]