How To Win GKS

written by

Ace Apolonio
2016 GKS-U Awardee

SCHOLARS
ACADEMIE
Your Guide To Scholarships
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ace Apolonio
I am a 2016 Undergraduate Global

Korea Scholarship Awardee. I

graduated with a BSc in Chemical

Engineering from Yonsei University in

2021. Currently, I work as a Product

Manager in Seoul.

I helped more than 120+ students win

GKS in the last 5 years. I’ve read more

than 1000 essays from both passers

and failed applicants. Because of these

knowledge, I found patterns in the

application that can be used to improve

the applicants’ chances of winning the

scholarship. You will find some of those

knowledge in this ebook.

01
DISCLAIMER

Please note that I am no longer associated with the Global Korea Scholarship
(GKS) or the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) since my
graduation from Yonsei University in 2021. My GKS mentorship program is a
registered entity, distinct and separate from these organizations.

The contents of this short ebook are the culmination of extensive research,
analyzing the experiences of thousands of students who have applied for the GKS
over the past five years.

The purpose of writing this eBook is to assist aspiring students in avoiding

common mistakes during their application process and to enhance awareness
about the scholarship. Additionally, this book aims to promote my mentorship
program, which seeks to democratize the scholarship application process,
particularly for those who are underprivileged and may not have easy access to
such resources. The insights and guidance offered in this book are intended to
help students navigate the complexities of the GKS application with greater
confidence and clarity.

I sincerely hope that you appreciate the time and effort invested in writing this
eBook. My journey and experiences, coupled with the extensive research
undertaken, have been channeled into creating a resource that I believe will be
immensely beneficial for those embarking on the GKS application journey. It is my
earnest desire that this book not only serves as a practical guide but also inspires
and empowers you to pursue your academic and professional goals with
confidence and clarity.

Thank you for your interest and trust in my work.

2
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow
belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

– Malcolm X
TABLE OF CONTENTS

How I Won GKS

Introduction

Chapter I — Personal Statement

Chapter II — Statement of Purpose/Study Plan

Chapter III —Letter of Recommendation

Chapter IV — General Application Tips

A Special Gift For You (Expires on April 30, 2024)

GKS Private Mentorship

Our Communities

Contacts
HOW I WON GKS

Here's a story that I hope encourages you to always give your best, no matter
where you are.

In 2014, I tried to apply to the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for the first time and
didn't succeed. Only the top 2 out of 10 people in the Embassy Track interview
round got the scholarship, and I ended up being the 3rd on the list. This came after
failing three other scholarship programs I applied to, such as MEXT, CGSP, and
Stipendium Hungaricum.

When I found out I was so close to getting the Global Korea Scholarship, I called
the Korean Embassy in the Philippines, asking them to consider me even as a
waitlisted applicant. Unfortunately, they refused. I also contacted NIIED, but they
said they couldn't do anything. I felt desperate because I graduated the year
before, and my parents couldn't afford to support my college education anymore.

I was heartbroken because I believed the scholarship could finally change my life
and my family's situation. I grew up in a poor neighborhood, and my parents
worked abroad for minimum wage. I knew I couldn't rely on anyone else to save me.
After a month of feeling down, I went outside, looked at the moon (quite
dramatically), and told myself that I wouldn't give up until I got this scholarship.
Tears rolled down my face as I imagined what it would be like to study in South
Korea. I could already see myself playing in the snow, something that doesn't
happen in my country, the Philippines. I had a dream, and I was determined to
make it come true.

For the next year, as I waited for the next application round in October for
undergraduates, I studied Korean language and participated in various online
competitions. One of them even led me to win a trip to Japan.

I studied filmmaking, writing, acting, photography, painting, and drawing. One of

the reasons I didn't do well in the interview round was because of my weak English
and communication skills. So, I decided to practice interviewing with my girlfriend
at that time. I owe her a lot because she supported me when I needed it the most.
A year had passed, and the application time came again. I was confident I would
pass the document screening, so I focused on preparing for the interview. When I
entered the interview room, the interviewers recognized me as the nervous guy
from before, struggling with English. But this time, I was different – confident,
smiling, and ready. One of the interviewers asked, "What happens if you don't pass
the scholarship again?" It took me a moment to remember the tough experience
from the previous year, and the question made me think, what if I didn't pass
again?

I wasn't ready for that question, but what I said turned out to be the answer that
mattered. I shared something like, "In the past year, I faced some of the most
challenging failures in my life. Despite that, I persevered. No one else is going to
do it for me. If I don't get this scholarship, it means I'm still not ready, and someone
else is. I'll try again next year. I'll keep trying until you think I deserve it." They
didn't have any more questions, and I left feeling proud. I gave it my all, and I had
no regrets.

A week later, I received a call from a lady. "Congratulations, you've passed the
first round of the Global Korea Scholarship."

I couldn't hold back my tears. I remember my knees giving in, and my grandmother,
who understood what was happening, cried in our little kitchen, hugging me. She
said, "Your life will never be the same, son. You worked hard. I saw you every night
preparing and practicing. I am proud of you."

Jumping ahead a bit, I find myself saying goodbye to everything — my family,

friends, teachers, books, my room, our house, and the neighborhood where a little
boy once dreamed while looking at the Moon on a lonely night.
Now, fast-forwarding another 5 years, I proudly graduated from Yonsei University,
one of the top universities in Korea and Asia.

Today, my plans have taken a slight detour, but I've been in Korea for almost 8
years now. I've secured a stable job in a good company and am also working on
building my own business on the side. Each year, I run an initiative in my
neighborhood where I started feeding young underprivileged children and giving
them gifts on Christmas day. I've upgraded our house, saved enough to start a few
other businesses, including the mentorship program for the Global Korea
Scholarship (GKS). Now, I can assist other students who share the same dreams I
once had.
I don't consider myself special. In fact, the students who didn't get the scholarship
when I applied had better grades, backgrounds, and profiles than I did. What I
believe set me apart was how I presented myself. I rewrote my essay over 100
times, seeking feedback from more than 20 people, including friends and
teachers, to ensure it was the best it could be. With my mentorship program,
students no longer need to go through such efforts. They have access to over 50
essays from previous winners, and I've helped more than 120 students secure the
scholarship by teaching them the proper way to write their essays and prepare
their documents. Many fail simply because they didn't read the guidelines
properly, and I'm here to prevent that from happening and maximize their chances
of success.

I share this not just to promote my mentorship program, but to highlight its value. I
spent four years curating it, recording over 20 hours of workshops covering every
aspect of the application process and all the strategies needed to pass easily.

I hope my story has inspired you. I'm still at the beginning, aware that more
challenges lie ahead. I'll face more failures than victories, but I remain hopeful
because now I have a stronger mindset.
 If you do your best in everything that matters to you, the only inevitable
result is getting closer to your goal. So, whether you fail or not on your
first try, maybe try a second time. Eventually, you’ll exhaust all that stops
you. Success then becomes natural.

– Ace Apolonio
INTRODUCTION

GKS IS A POINT-BASED
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION.
The first thing you need to know about GKS is it’s a point-based system. How do I
know this? Look at this section on the guideline;

The term "total allocated points" refers to a criterion in which each element of the
application is assigned a maximum number of points, cumulatively amounting to
100%. While I do not have direct knowledge of the point allocation for other parts
of the application, my experience over the past five years in mentorship students,
and helping more than 120 of them pass the GKS, has taught me that the essays
are significantly weighted. Based on an educated guess, they might account for
around 30% of the total, and the recommendation letters about 15%. Therefore,
students should prioritize writing strong essays. The other application
components, such as grades, experiences, university, family background, and
country of origin, are fixed and beyond control at the time of application, so
there's no need to worry about them. The aspects you can control include your
Personal Statement, Statement of Purpose/Study Plan, Letters of
Recommendation, University and Track Choices, and Interview performance. I will
reveal some of the secret tips I offer to my students in this short book.
CHAPTER I

PERSONAL STATEMENT
Your personal statement is a crucial component of your application for several
reasons. Firstly, it is estimated to comprise about 30% of the total points
allocation. Secondly, it represents you to the reviewers of your application. It is
your first impression to them. Through your essay, they gain insight into who you
are both as a person and as a student. The way you use language reflects your
intellectual abilities, while the voice in your writing offers them a view of your
perspective on the world around you.

the structure—

Most students write their essays without considering the structure. They follow
the prompts and answer them, but that's just the first step. There are numerous
aspects to writing a Personal Statement (PS).

Structure is one of these important aspects. In my mentorship program, I provide

students with a step-by-step outline, organized paragraph by paragraph, which
they simply fill with sentences. I can't reveal the entire outline due to its
complexity, but your outline should be chronological. Notably, 90% of successful
essays are in chronological order. This method effectively explains career
progression, especially important for graduate-level applicants, and is easy to
read. Therefore, when writing your essay, start with the past, then the present, and
finally, your near-future plans, such as studying in Korea. Avoid detailing your
entire future plans, as these are more suited to your Statement of Purpose/Study
Plan.

Once you have established the structure, review the prompts on the form and
determine their placement. After finalizing the structure and the placement of the
prompts, proceed to fill in the content. This approach is how you should write the
PS.
CHAPTER I

a few more tips—

here are a few more tips for PS taken from a long list of tips I provide to my
students in the mentorship program:

Official Formatting and Style: The visual layout of your essay is crucial. A
minimum font size of 11 ensures readability, while margins of at least 1.27cm
create a clean, professional appearance. Line spacing and paragraph breaks aren't
just about fitting words on a page, they guide the reader's eye and help prevent
fatigue. Imagine reading a dense block of text versus one that's neatly spaced –
the latter is always more inviting.

Effective Introduction: The opening lines are like the front door to your essay. A
compelling first sentence, like “When I was 15, my pet parakeet died in my arms.”
immediately grabs attention. The sentences that follow should build on this,
creating a blend of curiosity and insight, leading the reader eagerly into the heart
of your essay.

Language and Cultural Sensitivity: Respect and understanding of cultural

differences are key. For instance, using “mother” and “father” shows a formal
respect, fitting for an academic essay. When discussing another culture, like
Korean culture, stick to topics relevant to your field. Avoid generalizations or
sensitive historical events unless they are directly pertinent and handled with
care.

Essay Theme Consistency: Your essay should revolve around a central theme
introduced in the first sentence. If you start with a theme of overcoming adversity,
each part of your essay should somehow tie back to this, ensuring a cohesive
narrative that doesn't veer off course.

Tone and Style: An academic essay should be engaging but not casual. Avoid
conversational phrases, rhetorical questions, or overly dramatic statements.
Instead, opt for a style that's informed, clear, and lets the reader see the world
through your lens.
CHAPTER I

Content Balance: An essay is not the place to get bogged down in excessive detail
on one point. It's about balance. If you find yourself writing three paragraphs
about one minor aspect of your topic, it's time to edit down and redistribute your
focus.

Concluding Effectively: The conclusion should mirror your introduction, creating a

satisfying sense of closure. If you started with a theme of resilience through
family challenges, circle back to this, showing how your experiences and
reflections throughout the essay have reinforced or evolved this theme.

Clarity and Brevity: Being concise is key. Overly long paragraphs can dilute your
message. Instead, aim for precision and impact. Every sentence should serve a
clear purpose.

Motivation for Studying in Korea: Generic reasons like “Korea is popular” won’t
stand out. Be specific – perhaps you're interested in Korea’s advancements in your
field, or there’s a particular professor whose work aligns with your research
interests.

Formal Writing Standards: In formal writing, contractions can seem out of place.
Using full forms like “do not” and “cannot” maintains a professional tone.

Plagiarism Warning: Your essay must be your original work. Even unintentional
plagiarism can be a serious issue, so always ensure your writing is uniquely yours,
reflecting your personal voice and experiences.

Professional Experience Description (STAR Format): Use the STAR format –

describe the Situation, the Task required, the Action you took, and the Result
achieved. This structured approach provides clarity and conciseness to your
professional experiences.

Describing Experiences: Don’t just list what you’ve done; tell a story. How did
these experiences contribute to your choice of major or personal growth? For
example, instead of saying “I worked on a project,” explain how that project
challenged you and what you learned from it.
CHAPTER I

Verb Tense Consistency: Consistent use of verb tenses is crucial for clarity. Past
experiences should be described in the past tense, and ongoing activities in the
present tense.

Universal Understanding: Remember that your audience might not be familiar

with local references or jargon. Explain these clearly to make your essay
accessible to a broader audience.

Individual Contributions: Focus on what you specifically contributed to team

projects. This highlights your role and the skills you brought to the table.

College Background Focus: Concentrate on academic experiences and projects

that are directly relevant to your major. This shows your depth of interest and
experience in your chosen field.

Essay Relevance and Precision: Evaluate every sentence for its importance to
your narrative. Remove fluff or redundant statements to make your essay more
powerful and focused.

Avoiding Overused Phrases: Steer clear of clichés. Instead, use fresh and original
language to make your essay memorable and engaging.

Paragraph Formatting: Clear paragraph breaks enhance the structure and flow of
your essay. It's not just about aesthetics; it helps the reader process your ideas
more effectively.

Concrete Reasoning: Be specific about why you want to study in Korea. Connect
your reasons to your academic and professional goals to demonstrate clear,
thought-out intentions.

Thematic Consistency: Keep revisiting your main theme throughout the essay.
This thematic thread should weave through every part of your essay, maintaining a
strong narrative flow.
CHAPTER I

Conclusive Ending: Your concluding paragraph should effectively summarize and

reflect on your main points. It's your final chance to reinforce your message and
leave a lasting impression.

Final Sentence Impact: The final sentence is your closing statement. Make sure it
resonates with the reader, tying back to the theme introduced at the start.

University Name Inclusion: Mention the name of your undergraduate university.

This provides context and adds credibility to your academic background.

Incorporating Time Elements: Use time references (like dates or durations) to give
context to your experiences. This helps the reader understand the timeline of your
academic and professional journey.

Demonstrating Passion through Experience: Show your passion and motivation

through examples of your engagement in your field. This is more effective than
simply stating your interest.

Specific Research Paper Mention: In discussing your college background, detail a

specific research paper you worked on. Describe your role and what you learned,
giving insight into your academic capabilities.

Concrete Examples of Experiences: Use detailed examples to illustrate your

points. This approach provides depth and insight, rather than a superficial listing
of experiences.

Strong Reasons for Choosing South Korea: Your reasons for choosing to study in
South Korea should be specific and tied to your academic and professional
aspirations. Research and articulate why South Korea is the ideal place for your
studies.

Selecting Experiences: Choose two or three significant experiences that are most
relevant to your intended major. Explain these in depth using the STAR format.
CHAPTER II

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Your statement of purpose or study plan essay is not a traditional essay like the
personal statement (PS). It is more of a templated document where you can
address specific topics, such as your language study plan, study goals, detailed
university study plan, and future plans. These are essentially pieces of information
you cannot include in your PS because, if you recall, the PS is limited to past,
present, and near future events. The SOP serves as an extension of this as it talks
about the far future.

the structure—

Language Study Plan

The first section of the Statement of Purpose (SOP) should detail your plans for
language study. Discuss how you intend to study Korean and English, as these are
the primary languages you will use. This section should include intricate details,
such as the number of hours you plan to study, how you will structure your day,
and what resources you will use.

Goal of Study and Detailed Study Plan

In this section of the SOP, I advise my students to separate the 'Goal of Study' and
the 'Detailed Study Plan' for clarity. For the Goal of Study, you need to explain why
you have chosen to study in South Korea as opposed to other countries. What are
your aspirations with your education in Korea? Whether it's working in a specific
company or becoming a researcher, your goals should be detailed. For the Detailed
Study Plan, similarly to the language study plan, describe how you will approach
your classes, including the specifics of your curriculum.

Future Plans

In this part, I instruct my students to divide their future plans into short-term, mid-
term, and long-term goals. These are the plans you have for after your studies in
Korea.
CHAPTER II

a few more tips—

here are a few more tips for SOP taken from a long list of tips I provide to my
students in the mentorship program:

Creation of Visuals, Graphs, and Timelines:

Canva as a Tool: Canva is a user-friendly, free online platform that provides a

wide range of templates and design tools suitable for creating visuals, graphs,
and timelines. It is especially useful for those who may not have advanced
graphic design skills but want to create professional-looking materials. For
example, if you need to create a timeline showing the key milestones in your
study plan, Canva’s drag-and-drop features and customizable templates can
simplify this process.

Utilizing Microsoft Word: Microsoft Word, a commonly used word processing

software, also offers some pre-made designs which can be suitable for basic
visual needs. For instance, if you need to quickly put together a simple graph,
Word can be a handy tool. However, its capabilities are more limited compared
to specialized design software.

Recommendation for External Creation: Despite the availability of these tools,

it’s often recommended to create these elements outside of Microsoft Word
using any program or software you are comfortable with. This is because
external graphic design software usually offers greater flexibility and a wider
range of features. For example, using Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop can
provide more sophisticated design options for creating detailed and
aesthetically appealing visuals.

Specificity in Statement of Purpose (SOP):

Detail-Oriented SOP: An SOP becomes more effective when it is specific and

detailed. This involves breaking down your study plans into precise
components. For instance, rather than saying, “I plan to study hard,” it is more
impactful to state, “I plan to dedicate two hours each weekday evening to
revise the day’s lectures and spend weekends exploring advanced topics in
quantum mechanics using resources such as [specific books or journals].”
CHAPTER II

Inclusion of Specific Details: Incorporate specifics like the titles of the books
you intend to read, the particular research topics you are interested in, and the
exact time you allocate for each activity. For example, “I plan to read ‘The
Elegant Universe’ by Brian Greene to deepen my understanding of string
theory, allocating one hour each night for this purpose.”

Mentioning Names and Locations: To demonstrate that you have thoroughly

thought about your study in Korea, mention specific names of professors
whose work aligns with your interests, the labs where you wish to conduct
research, and the locations you find academically stimulating. For instance, “I
am particularly interested in the work of Professor Kim at Seoul National
University’s Quantum Research Lab.”

Clarity in SOP Sections:

Clear Section Headings: Make sure to include clear headings like “Goal of
Study” and “Study Plan” in your SOP. This helps in making your document more
structured and easier for the reader to navigate. For example, under the “Goal
of Study” section, you might outline your long-term academic and career
objectives, whereas the “Study Plan” section would detail the steps you’ll take
to achieve these goals.

Understanding Goals vs. Plans: It’s crucial to differentiate between your goals
(what you hope to achieve) and your plan (how you will achieve it). A goal might
be “to become fluent in Korean,” while the plan would detail the specific
actions to achieve this, like “enrolling in an intensive Korean language course,
practicing with native speakers for an hour daily, and using language learning
apps such as Duolingo.”

Plan Details: Your plan should include the resources you'll use, the courses
you'll take, and the amount of time you'll dedicate to each activity. For
example, “I plan to take the Advanced Microeconomics course offered by
Professor Lee and allocate 15 hours per week for study and research.
Additionally, I will use resources like the Econometrics Lab and JSTOR for
accessing research papers.”
CHAPTER II

Differentiating Timeline from Study Plan: A common mistake is to confuse a

timeline with a study plan. A timeline is a visual representation of when you
plan to do something, whereas a study plan is about what you will actually do.
For example, a timeline might show that you plan to begin your research
project in September, but your study plan would detail the specific research
methodologies, resources, and key milestones of the project.

Reference to Previous Winners' Essays: Finally, referring to essays of previous

winners can provide valuable insights into what makes an effective SOP.
Analyzing these essays can help you understand the level of detail and clarity
required, and how to effectively structure your own SOP.

Feedback and Revision:

Before finalizing your SOP, seek feedback from mentors, peers, or

professionals in your field. They can provide valuable insights and suggest
improvements. After receiving feedback, take the time to revise and refine
your SOP. This iterative process ensures that your final submission is well-
crafted and polished.

Customize for Each Application:

Tailor your SOP for each application. Research the specific university,
program, and faculty members to understand what they are looking for in a
candidate. Customize your SOP to reflect how your goals and interests align
with what the program offers. For instance, if applying to a university known
for its research in renewable energy, highlight your interest and any relevant
experience in that area.
CHAPTER III

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
The letter of recommendation is another crucial document in your application. It
reveals how you performed as a student from the perspective of an academic
authority. Many students overlook this and simply request their recommenders to
write a generic LOR. It is quite evident which LORs are of high quality and which
are not. A telltale sign of a templated LOR is if the student's name can be replaced
and the letter would still make sense for another student.

the structure—

A letter of recommendation for a scholarship application should follow a

structured and detailed format to effectively convey the applicant's strengths and
suitability for the scholarship. Here's a typical structure:

Introduction:
Writer's Identification: The recommender should introduce themselves, stating
their name, position, and relation to the applicant (how they know the
applicant and for how long).
Purpose of the Letter: Briefly mention that the purpose of the letter is to
recommend the applicant for the specific scholarship.

Applicant's Academic and Personal Qualities:

Academic Abilities: Discuss the applicant’s academic achievements,
intellectual capabilities, and academic potential. This may include specific
examples of academic projects or research.
Personal Qualities: Highlight the applicant's personal qualities that are
relevant to the scholarship. These might include determination, leadership,
community involvement, creativity, or other characteristics the scholarship
values.

Specific Examples and Anecdotes:

Provide specific examples that illustrate the applicant’s qualities and
achievements. This might include particular projects, leadership roles,
volunteer work, or challenges the applicant has overcome.
Use anecdotes or stories to make the letter more engaging and provide a more
comprehensive view of the applicant.
CHAPTER III

Comparison to Peers:
If possible, compare the applicant to peers to emphasize their standing. This
can help the scholarship committee gauge the applicant’s relative strengths.

Connection to Scholarship:
Tailor the recommendation to the specific scholarship. Explain how the
applicant’s qualities and achievements make them a suitable candidate for
this particular scholarship.

Conclusion:
Summarize the key points made in the letter.
Express a strong, unequivocal endorsement of the applicant for the
scholarship.
Provide a way for the scholarship committee to contact you for further
information if needed.
CHAPTER III

a few more tips—

here are a few more tips for LOR taken from a long list of tips I provide to my
students in the mentorship program:

Understanding the quality of a recommendation letter is crucial, especially when it

comes to applications for academic programs or job positions. A strong
recommendation letter can significantly boost your application, while a weak one
might do more harm than good. Let's dive into the signs that indicate your
recommendation letter may not be effective and understand the various levels of
recommendation letter quality.

Signs of a Not-So-Good Recommendation Letter

1. Lack of Specificity in Your Field

If the recommender only vaguely mentions your knowledge and skills without
delving into specifics, especially in the context of your intended field, it's a red
flag. For example, a good letter for a computer science applicant would detail
their proficiency in programming languages or specific projects. A weak letter
might just mention "being good at computers" without any details.

2. Generic Compliments Without Examples

When a letter is filled with generic phrases like "Student A is an exemplary

academic and a born leader" but lacks concrete examples, it suggests a
templated approach. A strong letter would include specific instances, such as how
Student A led a successful group project in a challenging course, demonstrating
leadership and teamwork skills.

3. Interchangeable Content

If your name in the letter can be easily replaced with someone else’s without
affecting the overall message, the letter is likely too generic. Personalization is
key. A letter that says "Student A shows a strong understanding of engineering
principles" is less impactful than one that says "In their final year project, Student
A innovated a cost-effective bridge design that was recognized in a national
engineering competition."
CHAPTER III

Measuring Recommendation Letter Quality

High Quality

High-quality letters come from professors who not only know you well but are also
related to your intended major. These letters not only vouch for your academic
abilities but also attest to your skills and potential in the specific field you are
pursuing. For instance, a physics major would benefit immensely from a letter
from a physics professor who can discuss their research abilities and conceptual
understanding.

Medium Quality

Medium-quality letters might include one from a professor in your major and
another from a different academic area or a university official like a Dean. These
letters are still valuable, especially if they highlight qualities like leadership,
initiative, or other skills relevant across disciplines. For example, a letter from a
literature professor for a biology student might discuss their exceptional research
and communication skills, which are valuable in any field.

Low Quality

Letters from employers, while they can attest to certain transferable skills like
punctuality, teamwork, and professionalism, often hold less weight in academic
contexts. They might not be able to address your academic abilities or potential
for success in a specific field of study. However, they can be useful in cases where
relevant work experience is a crucial part of your application.

In Summary

A great recommendation letter is one that is tailored specifically to you,

illustrating your skills and accomplishments with concrete examples, particularly
in relation to your field of study or work. Recognizing the signs of a weak letter is
just as important as understanding the different tiers of letter quality. Remember,
a well-crafted letter can make a significant difference in the success of your
application.
CHAPTER IV

GENERAL APPLICATION TIPS

Understanding the value of various certificates, awards, and additional documents
in the context of university applications, particularly for specialized fields, is
essential. These items can significantly bolster your application by showcasing
your skills, achievements, and dedication to your field of study. Let's explore the
different tiers of value these documents hold and how to determine which
university offers you the best chance of acceptance.

High-Value Certificates, Awards, and Documents

1. International Competitions or Conferences

Participation in or awards from international competitions or conferences directly
related to your major are highly regarded. They demonstrate not only your
expertise but also your engagement with the global community in your field.

2. Internship
Internships, especially those in organizations well-known in your field, provide
practical experience and show your ability to apply academic knowledge in real-
world situations.

3. Job/Work Certificate
Certificates from relevant employment, particularly in roles closely aligned with
your major, highlight your professional experience and practical skills.

4. Research Paper
Publishing a research paper, especially in a recognized journal, shows your ability
to conduct in-depth study and contribute original ideas to your field.

5. Leadership Positions/Founding an Organization

Holding a leadership role or founding an organization, particularly one relevant to
your major, demonstrates initiative, management skills, and a deep commitment to
your field.

6. Research Assistant Proof

Being a research assistant is a testament to your research skills and subject
matter knowledge, and any proof of this role is valuable.
CHAPTER IV

7. Published Citation
If your name has been cited in a publication like a newspaper for achievements related to your
major, it adds credibility and recognition to your profile.

8. Published Book
Authoring a book related to your field showcases your in-depth knowledge and ability to
communicate complex ideas.

9. High-Quality Portfolio for Art Majors

For art majors, a portfolio displaying your best work is essential. It visually demonstrates your
talent, creativity, and development as an artist.

10. Funding Grants

Receiving grants for your projects or studies, especially from recognized bodies, indicates
trust in your capabilities and the significance of your work.

Medium-Value Certificates, Awards, and Documents

1. Volunteering
Volunteering, especially in roles related to your major, shows commitment to community
service and personal development.

2. Champion/1st Place in Unrelated Activities

Winning in extracurricular activities shows a well-rounded personality, but if they're unrelated
to your major, their academic value might be lower.

3. Speakership/Participation Certificates
Certificates for participating or speaking at events can add value, especially if they are
related to your major or demonstrate skills like public speaking.

4. Online Courses
Certificates from online courses can demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning,
particularly if they're relevant to your field.

5. Online Competitions
Participation in or winning online competitions can be valuable, especially if they are relevant
to your major.

Low-Value Certificates, Awards, and Documents

1. Unrelated Non-First Place Items

Achievements not related to your major and not at the first-place level typically carry less
weight.

2. Online Articles
Writing online articles can be valuable, but they might hold less academic weight unless
published in recognized forums or journals.
A SPECIAL GIFT FOR YOU

This eBook serves as your first step in winning the Global Korea Scholarship.

Throughout this book, I have endeavored to impart a foundational understanding

of the GKS application process, focusing on crafting compelling personal
statements, insightful study plans, and persuasive letters of recommendation.
Moreover, it provides an overview of the nuances of the South Korean educational
and cultural landscape, which is crucial for a well-rounded application.

However, the journey to securing a scholarship like the GKS is intricate and highly
competitive. Only 0.5% of applicants win the scholarship. This guide aims to equip
candidates with a few advanced knowledge to avoid common pitfalls and to start
their journey with a significant advantage. It's a primer, a launchpad for deeper
exploration.

I hope that by reading this ebook that I spent so much time writing, I have gained
your trust that I can help you win GKS too like I did for 120+ students. My students
are now in South Korea, enjoying their new lives. They are now able to help their
families in their own countries. I wish to give you the same opportunity through my
mentorship program.

For this reason, I have decided to give you a gift. I am giving only 100 students a
limited-time offer of 100% discount on your first 7 days in our private mentorship
program if you purchase the monthly subscription. Just go to our website:
https://scholarsacademie.com and purchase the mentorship of your choice and the
7 days trial is applied immediately. Remember you can cancel anytime before your
7 days expire so you don’t get charged. It’s up to you.

The mentorship offers an exclusive access to our mentorship community, previous

winners’ essays, recommendation letters, and country-specific data as well as
essay reviews, profile assessment, and interview training. We cannot wait for you
to join our students in the journey to winning GKS.
GKS PRIVATE MENTORSHIP

My private mentorship for GKS application for both Undergraduate and Graduate
is a culmination of 5 years of studying previous winners and failed applicants. I
have read more than 1,000 essays and reviewed more than 2,000 profiles with a
demographic survey from more than 15,000 applicants through my communities
online.

In the mentorship program for GKS, you’ll receive these benefits to maximize your
GKS application and prevent making mistakes that many students make.

Free for your first month. Use this PROMO Code on checkout: FREE100

Discount expires on April 30, 2024.

Common Application Mistakes That Students Make:

Not writing their essay properly.

Not knowing which university and track will maximize their application.
Not knowing whether their major has a high chance of being accepted.
Not knowing how to strategize their choice of university.
Not knowing how competitive it is to apply for GKS.
Not knowing the questions asked in the interview.
Not knowing what GKS looks for in the application.

Not knowing how to write a proper and strong recommendation letter.

Not knowing which type of recommender will maximize their chances.

Not knowing how to compete with other students despite low grades.
Not knowing how to fill out the forms properly.

Not knowing how to prepare the recommendation letters and where to sign
them.

Not knowing the more than 100 mistakes that other students have committed
in the past that have cost them the scholarship.

These are just some of the mistakes that students make in their applications that
could cost them the scholarship. Many students have come to me for mentorship
and only realized that they committed simple mistakes, such as not signing the
letter properly, not providing the correct number of photocopies, or not
determining which documents needed notarization, consular confirmation, or
apostille.

It's easy to get lost in the sea of instructions and forms, which is why I created this
mentorship program. The goal is for students to focus on writing, ensuring they
have ZERO mistakes, good strategies, and a competitive profile. My role is to
alleviate their worries during the application process and guide and support them
through it. Our community of private mentorship members also helps each other,
so no one feels alone in this journey.

I look forward to your participation in the mentorship program. I hope to be your

guide in your journey to South Korea, a journey that has changed the lives of
thousands of students, including mine. When I passed GKS, doors I never knew
were accessible opened up to me, and I intend to make it possible for you too.
 Testimonials

Here are some notable testimonials of my mentorship program for GKS from my
previous students who are now enjoying their new lives in Korea:
OUR COMMUNITIES

Our Facebook community has over

17,000 members where they receive free
advices and tips and opportunities to join
my mentorship program.

Join here

Our instagram page boasts a lot of my

previous students who passed GKS and
are now living in Korea.

Follow us

Our Discord server allows our members

to interact with each other and receive
updates on other scholarship
opportunies in Korea.

Join here
CONTACTS

Reach out to me personally, and I’ll answer your questions about GKS or our
mentorship program.

Ace Apolonio

@aceapolonio

[email protected]

scholarsacademie.com