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How Maria Got the GKS – A Success Story

  • Writer: GoKorea Study Staff
    GoKorea Study Staff
  • Jun 29
  • 2 min read

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🌍 Introduction – Who Is Maria?


Maria Hassan is a 22-year-old student from Alexandria, Egypt, who dreamed of studying in Korea—but like many students, she thought her GPA wasn't good enough. With determination, smart planning, and a powerful personal statement, she proved that you don’t need a perfect score to win the GKS.


🎓 Maria’s Background


Maria graduated from a public high school in Egypt with a GPA of 2.7/4.0, just above the GKS minimum. She had no Korean language skills and no previous study abroad experience. What she did have was a deep interest in Korean business culture and a desire to specialize in international management.


She knew she had to play her cards wisely.


💭 Why She Wanted to Study in Korea

“Korean companies are expanding globally, and I admire their focus on innovation and discipline. I wanted to understand their business mindset—from the inside.” – Maria

Maria had been following Korean companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and CJ Group for years. She also admired how Korean universities combined academic rigor with global exchange programs.


🛤️ Her GKS Journey: Step by Step


  1. Learned about the GKS scholarship through a friend and found GoKorea Study

  2. Took the free eligibility quiz and realized she met the basic requirements

  3. Chose the University Track and looked for regional universities with business programs

  4. Focused on writing a compelling personal statement about her goals and why she chose Korea

  5. Submitted her application to a university in Gyeongsangbuk-do

“I knew I had to stand out somehow. I couldn’t change my GPA, but I could tell my story with honesty and passion.”

⚠️ Challenges She Faced


  • Low GPA: She worried this would eliminate her instantly

  • No TOPIK score: She couldn’t afford to take language classes in advance

  • Doubts from others: Even her school counselor told her to “be realistic”

But she stayed focused.


🧠 Her Winning Strategy


✅ Chose a less competitive region for better odds

✅ Highlighted her unique motivation and link to Korean business

✅ Clearly explained her future goals and how a Korean degree fits

✅ Followed the GKS document guidelines word by word

✅ Asked a professor to review her statement before submission


✨ Tips from Maria to Future GKS Applicants


  1. Be honest in your personal statement—don’t try to sound perfect

  2. Explain your weaknesses and how you plan to grow

  3. Don’t aim only for Seoul—regional universities are amazing too

  4. Don’t wait until the last week to write your essay

  5. Ask for help: from teachers, seniors, or GoKorea Study


✅ Conclusion


Maria didn’t have perfect grades, perfect language scores, or unlimited resources.But she had vision, courage—and a plan.

“If I could do it, you can too.”

👉 Want to be the next Maria?

 
 
 

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