otherSouth Korea · Bachelor’sResearched 0d ago

Computer Science

Seoul National University

PortPath researches criteria from public sources and can be incomplete or out of date. Always verify against the program’s official announcement before relying on it. PortPath never predicts admission chances.

Overview

For Seoul National University undergraduate Computer Science and Engineering, admission is document-based and comprehensive rather than portfolio-driven. SNU states that decisions are made from submitted documents through a comprehensive evaluation of academic proficiency, suitability for the chosen field, language skills, and academic/extracurricular activities. For worldwide applicants using SNU's international undergraduate route, transcripts are mandatory, a Personal Statement and Study Plan is required, Korean or English proficiency must be proven unless the full high-school curriculum was taught in Korean or English, and other standardized tests such as SAT/ACT/IB/A-Level are optional.

Admission criteria

PortfolioLow

This program does not require a portfolio. For Computer Science and Engineering, applicants may upload optional supplementary materials documenting high-school academic or extracurricular activities and awards, but SNU reserves mandatory portfolio submission for Fine Arts, not engineering.

Bar to clear: Not used by this program

Statement of PurposeMedium

SNU requires a Personal Statement and Study Plan. The prompt asks applicants to explain motivation for the desired course, preparation for the course, relevant academic achievements, goals at SNU, and study plan, so the essay is used to judge fit with Computer Science and Engineering.

Bar to clear: Required essay within 3000 bytes, focused on motivation, preparation, achievements, and study plan

Academics & GPAHigh

Academics are the strongest documented factor. SNU explicitly says admission decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of academic proficiency, and official high-school transcripts are mandatory even for applicants who also submit IB or A-Level results. The CSE department also describes successful applicants as those with strong academic ability and talent/passion for the field.

Bar to clear: Official high-school transcript for all semesters, including latest Grade 12 results if still enrolled

Test scoresMedium

Test scores matter mainly through language proof and optionally through additional standardized exams. Applicants must prove Korean or English proficiency unless their entire high-school curriculum was completed in Korean or English. SNU sets minimum thresholds such as TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS Academic 6.0, TEPS 269, or TOPIK level 3. Other scores such as SAT, ACT, AP, IB, A-Level, and national leaving exams can be submitted, but SNU labels them optional.

Bar to clear: TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS Academic 6.0+ or TEPS 269+ or TOPIK level 3+

Application components

Personal Statement and Study PlanOfficial high-school transcriptKorean or English proficiency test report or equivalent proof of curriculum languageOptional standardized test report (SAT/ACT/AP/IB/A-Level/national exam)Optional supplementary materials for documented academic/extracurricular activities or awards

How to stand out

→Use the statement to connect your prior math, programming, or computing preparation directly to SNU Computer Science and Engineering.

→Submit the strongest possible transcript context you have, including rigorous courses and a school profile if grading rigor needs explanation.

→If you are not exempt from language proof, clear the official minimum early and aim above it because language skills are explicitly evaluated.

→Treat optional standardized tests as supporting evidence only; submit SAT/ACT/IB/A-Level results if they strengthen your academic case.

→If you have notable CS-related activities or awards from high school, document them clearly in the optional supplementary materials rather than trying to create an art-style portfolio.

Source confidence

79%Well sourced

Sources

Seoul National University 2026 Spring Undergraduate Admissions Guide for International Students

en.snu.ac.kr/webdata/uploads/eng/file/2025/06/AdmissionsforUndergraduate_Fall2026.pdf

Official SNU guide listing Computer Science and Engineering, required documents, language score minimums, optional standardized tests, optional supplementary materials, and admission criteria.

2026 Fall Undergraduate Admissions Guide for International Students - Seoul National University

en.snu.ac.kr/admission/overview/notice?bbsidx=164704&md=v

Official SNU admissions notice linking the current undergraduate international admissions guide and forms.

Undergraduate Early Admission - Dept. of Computer Science and Engineering, Seoul National University

cse.snu.ac.kr/en/admissions/undergraduate/early-admission

Official department page stating domestic undergraduate selection is based on stepwise review including document evaluation and interview/oral examination, and describing applicants as needing strong academic ability and talent/passion for the field.