Like many Korean students, DJ aspired to attend a university in Seoul, home to the country’s top institutions. Despite having an above-average high-school GPA of 4, DJ’s grades and college entrance exam scores weren’t competitive for universities in Seoul. Faced with two options – settling for a lower-ranked school or spending another year preparing for the entrance exam – DJ sought a different path.

Upon discovering the UBCE program, DJ convinced his parents to let him enroll and embarked on a journey to the United States. In Boston, he dedicated himself to improving his English skills while maintaining a strong GPA at UMASS Boston. During his sophomore year, DJ applied to transfer schools and was accepted by both the University of Wisconsin Madison (US News ranking no. 35) and George Washington University (US News ranking no. 67). DJ chose George Washington University, known for its business program and a network of Korean alumni. From navigating the rigid Korean education system, DJ transformed himself in America, surpassing his expectations.