personal statement seoul national university

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How to Get Into Seoul National University: Admissions Process and Tips

Ranked as one of the best global universities, Seoul National University has been leading in technology, innovation, research, and culture since its foundation in 1946. The university is home to over 27,000 students at three campuses located in the center of Seoul. In addition to the 15 undergraduate colleges, one graduate school with 106 programs, and 12 professional graduate schools, Seoul National University offers a vivid campus life with libraries, study rooms, lounges, bookstores, and many other learning facilities.

Seoul National University promotes learning with several programs, including student exchange and Korean language programs. Although the main medium of instruction is Korean , there are English-taught courses available for non-Korean speaking students. These courses are usually from engineering and business colleges.

In this article, we will share the steps for the admission process to Seoul National University and tips for a successful application.

Admissions Process at Seoul National University

As discussed earlier, getting into Seoul National University might be challenging considering its acceptance rate . Yet, one should not get the assumption that it is impossible. Every year, SNU looks forward to accepting new students, whether they are domestic or international applicants.

When applying as an international student at Seoul National University, the requirements and documentation may change. Therefore, it is critical to follow the admission timeline to make sure to complete all steps. The following five steps will guide those eager to plan their future studies at Seoul National University. Please keep in mind that undergraduate and graduate admissions can differ.

Step 1. Prepare Documents for Online Application

Preparing the necessary documents may take longer than planned, so applicants must act in advance and prepare the required documents. It would be wise to make a checklist at the beginning to stay organized. Required documents include an online application form, personal statement , student plan, proof of English or Korean language proficiency , certificate of graduation and official transcript, copy of passport, and other optional documents.

The graduation certificate and academic transcript vary if the applicant is applying for undergraduate or graduate programs. Applicants for the undergraduate program must submit their high school certificate and transcript of records, whereas applicants for graduate studies – master’s or doctoral degrees- must submit their college degrees and transcripts. It is important to remember that all documents must have official English or Korean translations depending on the applied program.

Depending on which program they apply to, some applicants can be obliged to submit portfolios or standardized tests as a part of their applications.

Step 2. Pay the Application Fee and Submit References for Recommendation Letters

Applicants must pay the application fee to complete the online application and submit the recommendation letter requests. This means paying the fee first must be prioritized to progress. The application fee is around KRW 70,000 for undergraduate and KRW 90,000 for graduate applications.

After the payment, the university will automatically mail the applicant’s referees with the instructions. All the applicants must submit their initial required documents stated in the first two steps by the beginning of March, for the fall admissions.

See More: Korean Universities with No Application Fees

Step 3. Submit the Original and Hard copies of the Documents

When reviewing the documents and application forms are done, the admission committee will announce successful applicants. Qualified students will then have to submit the original documents within the set deadline by post.

Step 4. Decide and Enroll after the Announcement of the Final Admission Decisions

After detailed screening and evaluation, final admission decisions will be announced through the online portal. Applicants must log in with their date of birth and application number on the university’s admissions website .

During the final admission, students are required to proceed with the tuition payment and Korean visa insurance procedures by following the guidance of the university.

How to Apply in Seoul National University (Undergraduate Admissions for International Students)

Tips to Get Into Seoul National University

Getting into Seoul National University is never easy, even for applicants who believe they have the necessary skills and success. By considering the following tips, though, chances may go up. Here are the three tips to be admitted to Seoul National University.

Tip 1. Provide Details about your Social Activities

SNU has set high standards for admitting new students. Considering it is among Korean universities with a low acceptance rate , it is essential to acknowledge that every detail about the applicant is evaluated. An ideal student will not only have high academic achievement but also demonstrate his/her soft skills and social competence. Applicants with any sports, arts, or leadership activities should share the details in their applications to stand out.

Tip 2. Have the Motivation to Live and Study in South Korea

If you want to get into Seoul National University, you need strong dedication. Living and studying in South Korea can bring about many challenges, such as language difficulty and adaptation to the culture. Therefore, applicants must realistically state their motivation and passion for pursuing their academic activities in the country in their statement of purpose. Having any experience in South Korea-related activities or learning the Korean language can be a good representation of the applicant for the reviewers.

Tip 3. Mention any Research or Project you Conducted in Previous Studies

Whether related to the program applied or not, showing any additional academic activity or social project may make one applicant stand out above plenty of others. Thus, we suggest applicants mention such activities in their application to build a good image.

It is without a doubt that entering Seoul National University will provide unique opportunities to any of its students, but nothing comes without a price. Each student is carefully reviewed for admission, so it will take a lot of work. As shared in the article, with smart steps and tips, chances will be more likely for applicants to get into the university. Make sure to check out Seoul National University Scholarships to prepare your finances for your studies abroad.

We hope that this article on how to get into Seoul National University: admission process and tips is helpful! You may also find these open courses from universities around the world! Don’t hesitate to go over our Study in Korea page for more articles about Korea!

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personal statement seoul national university

Here’s How You Can Study at Seoul National University as an International Student

If you’ve ever watched a K-drama with overachieving and brainy characters, chances are, they might have gone to Seoul National University (SNU) .

The prestigious institution has been name-dropped in several Korean series, be it mystery drama Sky Castle or the latest Netflix legal hit Extraordinary Attorney Woo . Known as the top university in South Korea, SNU has been synonymous with academic success, even in the fictional scene.

But how exactly can you get into this high-ranking school? For international students who want to follow in the footsteps of their favorite leads, it could certainly be in the cards. Scroll down below for what you’ll need to be on the road towards that coveted SNU diploma.

READ: How to apply to study in Seoul National University in Seoul, South Korea

How do you know if you’re eligible.

Foreigners (a.k.a. those who had their entire schooling outside of South Korea and aren’t a Korean citizen) fall under the International Admissions II category.

For undergrad applications , only applicants from government-accredited high schools will be credited. Qualification exams for college entrance, home schooling, and cyber learning systems won’t be acknowledged for applications; however, for those who did cyber learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then you can be eligible if you submit an explanatory statement or documentary evidence .

If you’re lacking a semester in school because you transferred to a different education system or you skipped a grade and graduated early, don’t worry — you’re still eligible, but you’ll also have to submit documentary evidence.

If you’ve applied for more than six times for the next school year’s early admissions, then you won’t be able to apply any longer. Applicants who’ve already been accepted to any Korean university for the same school year will also be ineligible.

Do you need to be fluent in Korean?

While it isn’t technically required, knowing the Korean language will be a great deal of help. Some classes offer instructions in English, but you’ll have to contact the corresponding department or college to make sure.

What are the requirements?

Checked off the list so far? Then you’ll need to prep these necessary documents in Korean or English.

Application form - You can fill this up on SNU’s official website. Personal info like names, date of birth, and graduation date should be highlighted/marked with a colored pen before uploading.

Personal statement and study plan - This should be limited to about 1,500 Korean letters or 600 English words. It shouldn’t include detailed personal information (names, occupations, etc.) of the applicant, applicant’s parents, and relatives.

Two recommendation letters - Keep this under 600 English words, too. Only submissions sent through the online recommendation website will be accepted, as submission through mail, email, and fax will be invalid.

SNU recommends a recommendation from a counselor , but if you don’t have any, you can submit two letters from two different instructors, including regular teachers, principal, or vice principal .

Just like the personal statement and study plan, the letters shouldn’t include detailed personal info about the applicant and their family members.

Proof of Language Proficiency - You will have to submit scans or screenshots of one or more of the following documents to prove your proficiency in Korean or English.

For Korean, TOPIK score reports for level three or higher, or level four or higher at language centers of Korean universities

For English, TOEFL iBT with a score of 80 or higher, IELTS academic band score of 6.0 or higher, or TEPS score of 269 or higher

Standardized test results with Korean or English-related subjects

Official certificate of enrollment (elementary, junior and senior high school)

Official transcript (elementary, junior and senior high school)

For students who haven’t graduated yet, the most updated transcript will do.

Official high school (expected) graduation certificate

If the school doesn’t issue this, you can submit either a certificate of enrollment, transcript, or an official document (confirmed by authority of school) with the applicant’s expected graduation date.

After the preliminary admissions decision, applicants will have to submit document numbers five to seven with an Apostille (usually issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs) or authentication issued by the Korean Embassy or Consulate.

Applicant’s certificate of nationality - This can be a scanned copy of an unexpired passport. If you’re a dual citizen, you’ll also have to submit proof.

Certificate of fact on entry and exit - The certificate shows the dates you have entered and exited South Korea, which you can get from a regional district office. Without it, the official documents from your elementary and high schools can work as a substitute.

Power of attorney for issuance of the certificate of fact on entry and exit - You can download the template on SNU’s website .

Standardized test scores (optional) - This includes SATs, British GCE A-Levels, and the like.

School profile - This is a free-form document that’ll include info on your previous or current school, including curriculum, advanced courses, number of students, average grades, entrance rate, etc.

Proof of language proficiency other than Korean or English - This one should have the principal’s formal seal or signature. Otherwise, you can submit an explanatory document.

Supplementary material - You can upload up to 10 of these, such as proof of extra-curricular activities, awards, etc.

If you’re applying to the College of Fine Arts or the College of Music, you’ll have to submit a portfolio of your work and a pledge .

What’s the criteria for admission?

Admission will be evaluated through the documents applicants submit. But for certain colleges and departments, there may also be interviews, exams, and/or performance tests that you’ll have to take.

Is there a quota for international students?

As of 2022, there isn’t a preset quota when it comes to students from different countries.

How much is the application fee?

The application fee costs 70,000 Korean won or approximately P2,977 .

How about the tuition?

It depends on the college and/or major. For the Fall 2022 tuition standard, colleges like Humanities, Social Sciences, Business Administration rank the least expensive with 2,442,000 Korean won (about P104,000). A four-year medical degree, however, will cost about 5,038,000 Korean won (about P214,400). For the full fees, you can always check out SNU’s site.

Do they offer any scholarships?

Yes! International students with a 2.4 GPA or higher are eligible for one.

Ready to manifest your SNU student dreams? For more info, head to the university’s website . Good luck!

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Tips for Writing a Good Personal Statement

Study plan for south korean universities.

When applying to study in South Korean universities, you will be required to submit a personal statement or study plan as part of your application. This is your chance to showcase your passion, experience, and goals, and convince the admissions committee that you are the right fit for their program. In this article, we will provide you with tips for writing a good personal statement/study plan for South Korean universities.

1. Be Clear and Concise

Your personal statement/study plan should be clear and concise, and should focus on your academic and career goals. Avoid using overly technical language or jargon, and make sure that your writing is easy to understand. Use examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and make your statement more engaging.

2. Highlight Your Achievements and Experience

South Korean universities place a strong emphasis on academic achievement and extracurricular activities. Use your personal statement/study plan to highlight your achievements and experience, and explain how they have prepared you for further study. This could include research projects, volunteer work, internships, or other relevant experiences.

3. Demonstrate Your Passion and Motivation

South Korean universities are looking for students who are passionate and motivated about their chosen field of study. Use your personal statement/study plan to demonstrate your enthusiasm for your subject, and explain why you are interested in studying it further. Discuss your long-term goals and how your studies will help you achieve them.

4. Tailor Your Statement/Plan to the University and Program

Each South Korean university and program is unique, and you should tailor your personal statement/study plan to the specific institution and program you are applying to. Research the university and program in advance, and highlight how your interests and goals align with their academic offerings and values.

5. Seek Feedback and Edit Your Statement/Plan

Writing a good personal statement/study plan takes time and effort. It is important to seek feedback from friends, family, or a professional editor, and to edit your statement multiple times. Make sure that your statement is free of errors, and that it is polished and professional.

In conclusion, writing a good personal statement/study plan for South Korean universities requires careful thought and preparation. By following these tips, you can create a statement that showcases your achievements, passion, and motivation, and convinces the admissions committee that you are the right fit for their program. Good luck with your application!

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July 16, 2024
Personal Statement

A study personal statement is a written essay that helps you communicate your values to an admission committee. It tells your reviewer why you’re a good fit for the course and what addition you’ll make as a student.

When applying to Seoul National University, you’re faced with the task of writing a personal statement as part of your admission requirements. Through this statement, you have to address why you chose Seoul National University in the UK. So, we are presenting a sample that was written by one of our experts to guide you when writing yours.

P.S: This Seoul National University Personal Statement provided here is solely for educational purposes, do not copy it. If you need assistance writing yours, click here to hire our experts today .

Table of Contents

Why You Should Choose Seoul National University

Since its foundation in 1946, Seoul National University has been the undisputed leader of higher education in Korea and has established a global reputation. Its graduates have long served as leaders in Korean society and the international community.

How You Can Get Admitted to Seoul National University

How does SNU decide whom to admit? Admission decisions are based on several factors, including academic achievement such as grade point average (GPA), study plan, personal statements, letters of recommendation, as well as other achievement records and/or descriptions of specific qualifications.

Being born into a family where my father and two older male siblings are very successful businessmen has been one of my two greatest motivations. The second is learning about visionary men like Azim Premji, who transformed his father’s million dollars worth of a company into one worth multi-billion dollars. I strongly believe that keeping a positive and innovative mindset like Azim Premji can allow me to take my family business to an enviable height. With this mindset serving as my major drive, upon completing my Junior Secondary School, I joined the commercial class in senior secondary school with strong backing from my father. During my senior secondary school days, subjects such as commerce, accounting, mathematics, and economics were my most cherished subjects.

To get closer to my dream, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree programme in Business Administration at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, in 2015. During my studies, course modules like trade and commerce, financial management, and human resource management piqued my attention in the discipline of Business Administration. The desire to build an efficient human resource and acquire a deeper exposure to business proficiency became my major drive to apply for an MBA programme at Seoul National University.

During my undergraduate studies at the University of Ilorin, I was part of a project group tasked to present a term paper on the challenges of confounding African start-ups. With my level of enthusiasm and passion, I was appointed the group leader of my team. Having carefully assessed the strengths and weaknesses of my team members, I was able to coordinate members to work on certain areas of the term paper based on their capacity. In the end, we carried out comprehensive research centered around the challenges of African start-ups while also offering possible solutions to the challenges. Our term paper was adjudged to be the best by the lecturer in charge, and our manner of presentation also saw us earn very high marks in our continuous assessment test for the semester.

Upon completing my Bachelor’s degree programme at the University of Ilorin, rather than joining my father’s company, I decided I would take on the experience of a new and neutral environment. With this in mind, I joined a soap manufacturing company in my country as a branch manager. During my time at the company, my problem-solving, sales generation, and customer relation capacity were tested. A commendable performance review at the end of each business quarter proved that I had been able to apply my academic and practical experiences to solve real-life issues. Within the period of my application for the MBA programme at Seoul National University, I am undertaking the SAS Visual Business Analytics on Coursera to prepare me for the rigorous academic exposure ahead.

However, my choice of South Korea is down to my deep attraction to the vibrant Korean culture. While my country, Nigeria, and South Korea may share economic relations, the fact that South Korea has acquired fascinating economic growth that has continued to make it a world beater will allow me to understand the Korean economy more closely. Korea is also the destination for modern technological advancement; no wonder companies like Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have continued to dominate the world’s gadget space. Learning that the country also offers a revolutionalized health sector that has made it the hub of easy access to quality and affordable health care makes it an alluring prospect. Upon close inspection, I discovered that the country now possesses high-tech medical diversification in Osong and Daegu, making it a frontrunner in the world’s bio-industry space.

My reason for choosing Seoul National University is also down to a few justifications. To begin with, the Seoul National University is among some of the world’s top 30 universities despite not belonging to a core English-speaking state. In addition, the MBA programme gives international students the chance to link up with many successful alumni members of the school to share ideas and impactful strategies. Owing to its world-class status, studying at Seoul National University will allow me to possess a degree of international standard that will stand me toe to toe with many of the business industries’ best heads.

Overall, I strongly believe that upon completing the one-year MBA programme at Seoul National University, I’ll get the chance to improve on standards set by the business-driven minds in my family and also help take some of the family businesses to a much greater level. I believe that my problem-solving skills, academic and practical exposure, and insatiable drive to bring about innovative change will allow me to cope easily with the challenges of studying in Asia’s most admired university.

Seoul University Tuition Fee

As a national institution, Seoul National University offers the opportunity to receive the best education at a low expense with the average tuition fee being 6,000 USD per semester . Please note that tuition fees vary according to a student’s major and the number of credits taken.

Free Personal Statement for Seoul National University Personal Statement PDF Download

Download a free copy of the Seoul National University Personal Statement PDF version .

Note: This file is solely for educational purposes and should not be copied.

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Need Assistance Writing Your Seoul National University Personal Statement?

If so, contact Fasthire today . We’ll look into your application and compose a good personal statement for your application. We have professionals who are skilled in helping students compose their study and visa statement of purpose/explanation and we’ll be ready to assist you right away. You can either use our regular, or express service depending on the urgency of your need.

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How to Write the Seoul National University Personal Statement

Seoul National University is one of the most coveted schools in South Korea. It belongs to the SKY group of schools, which consists of Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University.

These schools are considered South Korea’s elite “Ivy” school equivalent.

It’s hard to get accepted into any of the three, let alone Seoul National University. Even some of the most competitive students will find that getting accepted is difficult. However, the Seoul National University personal statement process is also crucial. Writing a strong personal statement can make or break your acceptance.

So, you need to make sure your SNU personal statement isn’t just strong. It needs to be better than what other students have.

This guide will cover everything you will need to know about how to write the Seoul National University personal statement. Additionally, it briefly covers other important details like their acceptance rate, the ghostwriting trend, and how to get better writing help than others.

Oh, and don’t forget: if you’re looking to receive help with your Seoul National University personal statement, feel free to consult with us for a free 30-minute phone call . We’ve helped students like yourself get accepted into some of the most highly-rated schools in the world.

Table of Contents

How to Answer SNU’s Short Answer Personal Statement

How to answer snu’s personal essay question, how to answer snu’s study plan essay question, how hard is it to get accepted into seoul national university (snu) what about as an international student, can i hire someone to write the seoul national university personal statement for me, how to get help with your seoul national university essay.

Professional College Application Help.

Below we’ve deconstructed and analyzed the best strategy for answering the Seoul National University Personal Statement essay questions. While SNU essays may wildly differ from one another in topic, these rules generally apply to all students.

Below we’ve pasted the SNU short answer personal statement questions.

Please describe any unique characteristics of your school or distinctive qualities to your secondary education. Give a brief account of the curriculum and mention any set of courses which were instructively significant in shaping your current academic interests. Please briefly elaborate on any of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below. In relation to your academic interests and personal perspectives, please briefly explain your motives and scholastic purposes for applying to the department of your choice. Seoul National University short answer personal statement questions

Let’s go over these one at a time.

Please describe any unique characteristics of your school or distinctive qualities to your secondary education. Give a brief account of the curriculum and mention any set of courses which were instructively significant in shaping your current academic interests.

When reading this prompt, ask yourself this: what is SNU actually asking of me in this prompt? While you can answer the question in a literal way, keep in mind that the admissions office is also screening your responses for characteristics and personality traits that they want on their campus.

They’re going to analyze your response to make an inference of your character and temperament, then see if it matches with their school culture.

So, when you mention “unique characteristics” of your school or secondary education, listing off random traits that make it special is probably not going to cut it. Rather, try to give an answer that demonstrates the depth of your analysis of the school. In other words, avoid superficial answers and aim for profound ones that require creativity to conjure.

For instance, mentioning how you took all the hardest classes and how they taught you a lot about Biology, Calculus, and American Literature is probably not going to show the depth of appreciation for your classes. Instead, an answer like this would show that you have a deeper level of appraisal for your classes. Here’s an example of a statement about your curriculum that may work well. We also translated this into Hangul below.

“My classes were a hodgepodge of questions rather than answers; for, whether it involved Mathematics or American Literature, it was the inquisitive nature of exploration that truly brought on profound thought. It helped us students wrestle with the topics we learned and even share diverse perspectives from multiple lenses.” “제 수업은 답변보다는 질문이 뒤죽박죽이었습니다. 수학이든 미국 문학이든 진정으로 심오한 생각을 불러일으킨 것은 탐구의 탐구적 성격이었습니다. 이는 학생들이 우리가 배운 주제에 대해 씨름하고 심지어 다양한 내용을 공유하는 데 도움이 되었습니다. 여러 렌즈의 관점.” Seoul National University Personal Statement –Short Answer Question About Characteristics of School and Secondary Education Example Excerpt Pt. 1

Oh, and don’t forget to tie this back in with your academic pursuits and major. Try to draw from the themes and motifs of your answer and correlate them with how they may help you explore your field at SNU.

Let’s take the previous example again and expand on it. Again, we translated the statement to Korean below for your reading convenience.

“Interestingly enough, learning about the industrialists who ‘built America’ and the controversy hanging over their legacies opened up not just questions of business and finance, but ethics and philosophy as well. It’s created an interminable bridge betweent the liberal arts and quantitative finance/business. And, I believe this has added a level of sophistication and higher appreciation for business beyond a textbook level; it’s translated to my passion for business at SNU, and hopefully I may apply this knowledge to my future ambitions in laterally expanding my family’s business.” “흥미롭게도 ‘미국을 건설’한 산업가들에 대해 배우고 그들의 유산에 대한 논쟁이 비즈니스와 금융뿐만 아니라 윤리와 철학에 대한 질문까지 열었습니다. 이는 교양과 양적 금융 사이에 끝없는 다리를 만들었습니다. 그리고 이것이 교과서 수준을 넘어 비즈니스에 대한 더 높은 수준의 정교함과 더 높은 이해력을 더해 주었다고 믿으며 이는 서울대학교에서의 비즈니스에 대한 나의 열정으로 해석되었으며, 앞으로 이 지식을 우리 가족의 사업을 측면 확장하려는 나의 야망에 적용할 수 있기를 바랍니다. .” Seoul National University Personal Statement –Short Answer Question About Characteristics of School and Secondary Education Example Excerpt Pt. 2

Please briefly elaborate on any of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below.

For this prompt, the same rules apply. You want to think about what the admissions officers at SNU are actually asking you here.

Do they care that you love basketball? What about your solar panel production project? Or, how about when you interned at Goldman Sachs?

Well, sorta. But, in the context of college admissions, they are primarily using the personal statement section to draw out and infer holistic characteristics and personality traits that they can derive from your statement. You can talk about the great achievements you’ve made during your extracurricular activities and the awards you’ve won. You can also talk about the achievements you’ve made in personal projects or job experience!

But, you shouldn’t forget to write about the small details that show more of your personality. One such detail you can write about includes the things you’ve learned from your experience that have shaped the way you think. Talking about these demonstrates a learning personality that is open to understanding more about your industry without being too narrow-minded.

Here’s an example of a statement doing exactly that. The translation of the statement in Hangul is below again.

“I was fortunate enough to have the chance to work with my father at his law firm as an intern. Of course, as an intern, my job included primarily rudimentary tasks of accounting and bookkeeping for my manager. However, it was during this time that I had the chance to learn a lot about the legal industry, problems with marketing bottlenecks, and other circumstances that opened my eyes to how sophisticated the market really is.” “저는 운이 좋게도 아버지의 로펌에서 인턴으로 일할 수 있는 기회를 얻었습니다. 물론 인턴으로서 제가 맡은 업무는 주로 관리자를 위한 회계 및 장부 업무와 같은 기초적인 업무였습니다. 그러나 이때였습니다. 법률 업계, 마케팅 병목 현상 문제, 시장이 실제로 얼마나 정교한지 눈뜨게 한 기타 상황에 대해 많은 것을 배울 수 있는 기회가 있었습니다.” Seoul National University Personal Statement –Short Answer Question Extracurricular or Work Experience Example Excerpt

The useful thing about this statement is that it reveals to admissions officers the kind of personality that you have during your experience. In this case, admissions officers can see that your personality is open and willing to learn despite being put in a position of rote work. You’re not prone to taking the easy way out and would be happy to learn more beyond your position, showing your intellectual curiosity.

Now, you can still talk about the great stuff you’ve done and the awards you earned. Leadership positions and awards all sound great, make no mistake.

But, many of these can be faked. It’s personality and temperament that truly stands out. Why? Well, it’s because modern college admissions processes are very often faked and based on falsehood. Most applications have extracurriculars and work experiences that are “fluffed up” and not merit-based. So, demonstrating your personality through the SNU personal statement essay is crucial.

In relation to your academic interests and personal perspectives, please briefly explain your motives and scholastic purposes for applying to the department of your choice.

This is a tricky one.

You’re going to need to describe why you want to attend SNU for the department and major. Now, this can seem quite obvious: you want to get accepted into a SKY school because it’s one of the best institutions. So, why you want to go into SNU for your major should be a given. After all, almost all students in Korea would be enamored to attend; and, SNU has a reputable and respected notoriety abroad.

So, this brings us to a difficult position. How do we answer “Why do you want to attend SNU for your major?”

When you’re trying to answer this prompt, SNU is measuring your ability to articulate a clear path for future career prospects. They want to see whether you can write a well-fleshed-out description of the dreams and aspirations you wish to actualize. The key here is to show SNU that you have a realistic plan for the future. Don’t be vague. Be as specific as possible without being verbose.

Here’s an example of a statement that’s specific and articulate when answering the SNU motives and scholastic purpose prompt.

“…It’s exactly why I plan to pursue Seoul National University for computer science. I wish to attend to expand my knowledge in a rigorous, competitive environment. For, an environment like this is exactly what would provide me the lateral thinking needed to create better ideas for future programming startup projects. In particular, I wish to develop a project implementing the use of artificial intelligence to measure and quantify linguistic phenomena such as semantic shift. It’s the implementation of utilitarian computer science logic for unraveling linguistic language mysteries. And, Seoul National Unviersity and the department of… …그것이 바로 제가 서울대학교 컴퓨터과학과에 진학할 계획을 세운 이유입니다. 나는 엄격하고 경쟁적인 환경에서 지식을 확장하기 위해 참석하고 싶습니다. 왜냐하면 이와 같은 환경은 미래의 프로그래밍 시작 프로젝트를 위한 더 나은 아이디어를 창출하는 데 필요한 측면적 사고를 나에게 제공할 것이기 때문입니다. 특히 의미 변화와 같은 언어 현상을 측정하고 정량화하기 위해 인공 지능을 활용하는 프로젝트를 개발하고 싶습니다. 언어학적 미스터리를 풀기 위한 실용적인 컴퓨터 과학 논리를 구현한 것입니다. 그리고 서울대학교와 학과…” Seoul National University Personal Statement –Short Answer Question About Motives Example Excerpt

Again, we pasted the essay prompt below. This time, it’s SNU’s personal essay prompt.

This personal essay helps us become acquainted with you in ways different from courses, grades, test scores, and other objective data. It will demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. Given your personal background, evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or; discuss some issue of personal, local, or international concern and its importance to you, or; describe a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. We are looking for an essay that will help us know you better as a person and as a student. SNU Personal Essay question

There are a few things SNU’s personal essay question is asking for. And, they quite literally tell you in the prompt itself.

First, they want to know more about your personal qualities outside of grades and quantitative academic performance. (They even say this twice! Once in the beginning and a second time in the last sentence!)
Next, they want to see how capable you are of organizing your thoughts coherently. That is, they want to see compelling writing mastery.
Talk about and assess an important experience, achievement, or risk you took.
Talk about a problem or issue at the personal, local, or international/global level and why it’s important to you.
Discuss someone who had a major influence on you and talk about said influence.

Let’s cover these one at a time.

First, let’s talk about SNU’s insistence on knowing you as a person. They mentioned the importance of getting to know you outside of your academic performance and marks twice. This goes to show just how important the holistic elements of your application are.

So, you DON’T want this essay to be a bragging essay.

This essay is not about impressing the admissions officers with how great your achievements were. They will already know this from the rest of your application. Instead, use the topic of your choice to highlight personal qualities about yourself such as your dedication to honesty, your passion for diversity, and your strong sense of justice for the common person just to name a few.

Second point: the admissions office wants to know that you are capable of sophisticated levels of articulation. That means your sentences should be able to use strong vocabulary when appropriate. You’re not peppering your essay with advanced words just to impress them. And, you’re not trying to woo them with purple prose and hyperbole. You just want to have strong writing that’s advanced and conveys profound ideas in a streamlined manner.

Now, let’s talk about the 3 choices of topics you can pick from.

If you talk about an experience, risk you took, or achievement you had, we believe it’s important to focus on the thing no one pays attention to. For instance, if you choose to write about risk, don’t just write about how the risk paid off. That’s just obvious. Focus on the mental wrestling it took to persuade yourself to take the risk too. Talk about the way you debated with yourself in your head before working up the courage. These are all elements seldom seen in essays. They won’t just make you stand out; you’ll also show an element of you to admissions officers that is seldom seen in students.

Discussing an issue at a small or large scale for your SNU personal essay question shows admissions officers your priorities. Your choice of issue says a lot about the things you value in the world. For instance, advocating for affordable education demonstrates a strong sense of social justice and care for those who are less fortunate. However, you can temper these passionate flames with utilitarian logic and practical thinking. Quantitative approaches and practical solutions to these problems show you have a mature problem-solving mindset that isn’t just stuck in emotion alone. It makes you a well-rounded applicant who values both the emotional aspects of advocacy as well as the practical operations management elements.

Lastly, let’s explore the “someone who had an influence on you” topic. This is one of the best topics to choose from the SNU personal essay question. If you don’t know which topic to choose, we recommend this one. Why? It’s because it’s a great way of showing humility and a learning temperament, which are crucial for long-term success. SNU wants students who show promise of future success. You can’t get there without the right personality and character traits. Showing your admiration for others proves you’re someone who learns from others by watching and abstracting. Additionally, you show maturity for your age in recognizing and accepting you have much to learn from others. And, your reverence would prove useful as a mindset that lets you appreciate others and their strengths, especially when you can grow from them and apply them in a cross-disciplinary manner.

Here’s an example essay excerpt answering SNU’s personal essay question.

“I wrote a fantasy short story novel. It’s no Game of Thrones, that’s for sure; for, I’ve still much to learn about writing from other people’s perspectives. And, I still haven’t quite mastered the art of vivid imagery without shoehorning every word in the dictionary. Nonetheless, writing creative fiction was a risk I had to take. It’s the inexorable labor of a creative mind to grow weary of the weight of fantasies brewing in my mind. And, I needed to empty the contents of said fantasy into paper. I didn’t know whether it would succeed; but, I was quite surprised with just how much feedback I received from my small readership. In fact, it grew to a substantial handful; and, I’m ever so grateful to learn from their critiques while I improve my creative writing ability.” “저는 판타지 단편소설을 썼습니다. 왕좌의 게임이 아니라는 것은 확실합니다. 왜냐하면 다른 사람의 관점에서 글쓰기에 대해 아직 배울 것이 많기 때문입니다. 그리고 아직까지 생생한 이미지의 기술을 익히지 못했습니다. 그럼에도 불구하고 창작소설을 쓴다는 것은 내가 감수해야 할 위험이었다. 내 마음 속에 피어나는 환상의 무게에 지쳐가는 것은 창조자의 거침없는 노동이다. 그리고, 나는 그 내용을 비워야 했다. 판타지를 종이로 표현했습니다. 성공할지는 모르겠지만, 소수의 독자층으로부터 많은 피드백을 받은 것에 상당히 놀랐습니다. 실제로 꽤 소수로 늘어났고, 지금도 그렇습니다. 창의적인 글쓰기 능력을 향상시키는 동안 그들의 비평을 통해 배울 수 있어 감사합니다.” Seoul National University Personal Statement –Personal Essay Prompt Example Excerpt

Lastly, we have SNU’s Study Plan essay prompt. As always, we pasted the prompt below for your viewing convenience.

Please explain in some detail your purpose in studying at Seoul National University and your plans for study. Be as specific as you can regarding your academic interests and the curriculum you expect to follow in achieving your goals. SNU Study Plan essay prompt

This one is a rather straightforward prompt. But, it’s still crucial nonetheless; and, we heavily recommend you brainstorm your answer a lot before writing.

SNU’s study plan essay question is their way of saying, “You need to know what you want to do in the future.” It’s not helpful (nor competitive compared to other students) to be wishy-washy about your interests and academic pursuits. You should have a clearly articulated plan for what you would like to do in the coming years at SNU. In particular, you should be able to connect SNU’s curriculum and its details to your future plans.

Making a future startup? Cool! How do the classes correlate with the success of your future startup?

Want to work for your parents’ company in the future or work in the same industry? Great! How will SNU’s classes teach you to make the most of your experience, maximizing your chances of success?

But, here’s a major problem: most people at this age have no idea what they want to do in the future. In fact, they seldom know the right path toward achieving it.

That’s actually why we recommend you speak with a professional college admissions consultant and reflective editor who can listen to your unique background and needs. We’ve done this for countless students to get them accepted into some of the most prestigious universities in the world. In this case, we would help you brainstorm the right topics and ideas to write and show admissions officers how well-formulated your future plans are. (And, more importantly, how SNU’s classes and curriculum would supplement it.)

Below is an example format for SNU’s study plan essay. Again, it’s an excerpt and not a whole essay.

“I love to think of myself as an altruistic person. But, not in the self-absorbed and self-congratulatory way. Rather, I’ve always wanted to make the most of my hard work, brains, and passion to do the most good for the world. It’s “squeezing the lemon for all the juice it’s worth” in a metaphorical sense. However, over time I’ve come to realize this Maximizing-Return-on-Investment perspective of altruism is best achieved by leveraging the power of Economics and Business. For, it’s the modern marvel of business and economy that truly allow us to do the most good. This is exactly why I wish to pursue [_____] at SNU. For, classes such as [_______] and [_______] align perfectly with the kinds of ambitions I would like to achieve in the future. In particular, I wish to dive into the electronics and hardware industry; I believe the atomization of hardware and Electrical Engineering components could launch scientific development and societal productivity to unimaginable heights, ones that would certainly lift many out of poverty through advanced computing. And, It’s classes like [_______] that can help me create a startup business that dives into this niche. [_______] would have… “ “나는 나 자신을 이타적인 사람이라고 생각하는 것을 좋아합니다. 하지만 자기 몰입적이고 자축적인 방식이 아닙니다. 오히려 항상 최선을 다하기 위해 노력과 두뇌, 열정을 최대한 활용하고 싶었습니다. 세상에 좋은 일입니다. 비유적인 의미에서 “가치 있는 모든 주스를 얻기 위해 레몬을 짜는 것”입니다. 그러나 시간이 지남에 따라 저는 이타주의의 투자 수익 극대화 관점이 힘을 활용함으로써 가장 잘 달성된다는 것을 깨닫게 되었습니다. 경제와 경영학 우리가 진정으로 가장 좋은 일을 할 수 있게 해주는 것은 경영과 경제의 현대적 경이로움입니다. 이것이 바로 제가 서울대학교에서 [_____]을(를) 공부하고 싶은 이유입니다. [_______], [_______] 등의 수업은 제가 장래에 이루고 싶은 야망의 종류와 완벽하게 일치하기 때문입니다. 특히 저는 전자 및 하드웨어 산업에 뛰어들고 싶습니다. 나는 하드웨어와 전기 공학 구성 요소의 원자화가 과학적 발전과 사회적 생산성을 상상할 수 없는 수준으로 끌어올릴 수 있다고 믿습니다. 이는 확실히 고급 컴퓨팅을 통해 많은 사람들을 빈곤에서 벗어나게 할 것입니다. 그리고 제가 이 틈새 시장에 뛰어드는 스타트업 비즈니스를 만드는 데 도움이 될 수 있는 것은 [_______]과 같은 수업입니다. [________]는…”

Seoul National University Personal Statement –Study Plan Prompt Example Excerpt

Few students get accepted into Seoul National University. However, an even smaller number of students get accepted as international students.

SNU had a total of 29,065 students enrolled. 446 of them were international students.

While the numbers online are all over the place, SNU’s acceptance rate is considered slim. But, perhaps not so much as the United States’ top-tier Ivy League admissions rate of low single digits.

Now, this can be a bit misleading. A higher acceptance rate at SNU does not equate to a better chance of getting accepted. This is due to the school’s prerequisites before applying.

Korean universities often embrace a scoring prerequisite system. They have 커트라인(cut-line) and 안정권 (safety point). Students who score less than the cut-line in their Korean college entrance exam (CSAT, 대학수학능력시험, Suneung) have a significantly “nearly non-existent” chance of acceptance. Scoring over the safety point increases your chances.

Recently, Korean university standards have changed to include elements outside academics. Nonetheless, students who don’t meet the 커트라인 (cut-line) simply don’t apply because their chances are so slim. They choose to apply to schools they know they’ll have a higher chance of acceptance at.

This fills the Seoul National University admissions pool with often the most selective and capable students, spiking the acceptance rate more than it otherwise would if average students applied.

So, if you see Seoul National University having a higher acceptance rate from online sources, don’t inflate your hopes. It’s harder to get in than you expect, and even more so for international students.

Now, here’s an important thing to note: SNU, like other schools, is implementing more holistic admissions.

This means they’re considering non-academic elements like extracurriculars and essays more than they used to a few years ago. Make no mistake: academic performance and test scores are still paramount. But, solid extracurriculars and a set of well-written personal statement essays may increase your chances of SNU accepting you.

There’s just one problem: practically all Seoul National University applicants will have people helping them write their SNU personal statements for them. And, they’re your competition.

Let’s discuss a bit about the SNU personal statement ghostwriting problem (and what you can do to compete.)

Look, we’re just being really honest here.

Almost (and by that, we mean about 90%) every Seoul National University applicant is hiring a college consultant or essay writer. They’re paying them to edit, revise, and often write the whole essay for them.

Why? Well, let’s face it. It’s a SKY school. This is their only chance at getting into the best school in the nation. It’s their only chance to truly bring pride and joy to their family. It’s their one chance to be the envy of their peers. This moment determines whether everything they’ve worked so hard for will be worth it.

Of course they’ll cheat!

Of course, they’ll have people write their essays for them.

And, it’s totally understandable.

When the stakes are so high, academic integrity goes right out the window. Confidence in your ability to write and articulate a solid response also goes out said metaphorical window.

Students often hire writers from prestigious college admissions consulting companies that craft delicate essays. And, ultimately, they are your competition.

For SNU to accept you, you’ll need to write the personal statement essays better than the admissions pool. And, your competition has some of the best writers and editors money can buy.

*Psst, by the way: most of these college consulting firms are not perfect. Students who have consultants write the SNU personal statement for them have a weakness. We’ll get to that later.*

Now, can you hire someone to write the SNU personal statement too?

Well, yeah.

That’s not to say it’s academically honorable! But, roughly speaking, you can pay someone to write your SNU personal statements.

However, we don’t recommend this.

Well, it’s because most people who hire a writer to craft their SNU application don’t realize their essays sound manufactured, generic, and impersonal. Your college consultant isn’t you. So, when they try to write the whole essay for you, they lose the personal voice needed to make the essay strong.

This method produces a much, much stronger set of SNU personal statement essays. Ready? Here’s what you do. Pay for an editor who can do reflective writing.

Okay, we know what you’re probably thinking: WTF is reflective writing.

Reflective writing is the act of listening and thematic analysis during the writing process. In the context of college essay writing, your editor will ask you questions and have you wrestle with certain themes and motifs in writing. They’ll also challenge your beliefs and help you conjure much more compelling ideas and topics in your essays by helping you think laterally. Think of it like psychotherapy: the goal is not to feed you answers. Rather, it’s to help you reshape your thinking whilst you write.

Reflective writing is the best way to hire a college essay consultant to help with your SNU personal statement. It’s MUCH stronger than mass-manufactured essays. Hands down. Full stop.

We do this with our clients and students all the time. If you’d like us to provide you with reflective writing for your SNU personal statement, you can sign up for a free consultation call here .

And, it’s helped us work with students a lot. We created solid essays that got them accepted into some of the best institutions in the world including not just SKY schools but also Duke, Yale, MIT, Stanford, USC, UPenn, and more. But, here’s the thing. We didn’t just write out a whole essay and throw it at them to copy and paste into their SNU applications. Instead, we worked alongside them brainstorming, editing, revising, and changing their essay throughout the writing process.

This helped our students stay more true to themselves when writing. And yes: believe it or not, doing this actually makes the essays look much, much better and more competitive. Trust us.

Oh, and as a side note: many college consulting firms prioritize making money off student anxieties. They do it in the States, and they do it in Korea as well. China, Hong Kong, and Japan are no different. If you’re working with any consulting firm helping you with the essay process, be very careful who you work with. They need to be a trustworthy consultant and editor, and not just trying to pick your pocket.

Opportunities and challenges of a dynamic consent-based application: personalized options for personal health data sharing and utilization

Ah Ra Lee 1 ,
Dongjun Koo 1 , 2 ,
Il Kon Kim 3 ,
Eunjoo Lee 4 ,
Sooyoung Yoo 1 &
Ho-Young Lee 1 , 5

BMC Medical Ethics volume 25 , Article number: 92 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

The principles of dynamic consent are based on the idea of safeguarding the autonomy of individuals by providing them with personalized options to choose from regarding the sharing and utilization of personal health data. To facilitate the widespread introduction of dynamic consent concepts in practice, individuals must perceive these procedures as useful and easy to use. This study examines the user experience of a dynamic consent-based application, in particular focusing on personalized options, and explores whether this approach may be useful in terms of ensuring the autonomy of data subjects in personal health data usage.

This study investigated the user experience of MyHealthHub, a dynamic consent-based application, among adults aged 18 years or older living in South Korea. Eight tasks exploring the primary aspects of dynamic consent principles–including providing consent, monitoring consent history, and managing personalized options were provided to participants. Feedback on the experiences of testing MyHealthHub was gathered via multiple-choice and open-ended questionnaire items.

A total of 30 participants provided dynamic consent through the MyHealthHub application. Most participants successfully completed all the provided tasks without assistance and regarded the personalized options favourably. Concerns about the security and reliability of the digital-based consent system were raised, in contrast to positive responses elicited in other aspects, such as perceived usefulness and ease of use.

Conclusions

Dynamic consent is an ethically advantageous approach for the sharing and utilization of personal health data. Personalized options have the potential to serve as pragmatic safeguards for the autonomy of individuals in the sharing and utilization of personal health data. Incorporating the principles of dynamic consent into real-world scenarios requires remaining issues, such as the need for powerful authentication mechanisms that bolster privacy and security, to be addressed. This would enhance the trustworthiness of dynamic consent-based applications while preserving their ethical advantages.

Peer Review reports

The advances in big data necessitate a complicated balance between protecting the privacy of individuals whose data are being used and leveraging the societal benefits provided by state-of-the-art data-driven technologies [ 1 ]. Personal health data are a valuable resource that significantly impacts biomedical research and digital health ecosystems [ 2 ]. The integration of sophisticated technologies with the widespread use of personal health data has resulted in groundbreaking work within the realm of medicine and tangible applications in the health care sector [ 3 ]. However, the combination of technology and personal health data has led to concerns associated with data privacy and security, as well as ethical implications in terms of consent and potential exploitation [ 4 , 5 ]. Therefore, to encourage innovation and enhance healthcare outcomes through the use of data, the perspectives of both data subjects and consumers, whose interests sometimes conflict, must be thoroughly considered.

Data sovereignty is indispensable within a data-driven economy [ 6 ]. This concept emphasizes the need for data subjects to have control over the use of their shared data. The absence of such sovereignty could hinder the advancement of the data-driven economy by decreasing the desire for data sharing and utilization [ 7 ]. To ensure the full potential of data utilization, discussions regarding sovereignty have evolved in the digital era. The protection of individual rights and the promotion of trust in data sharing environments are both mandatory in certain regulatory frameworks, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) [ 8 , 9 ]. For instance, the fundamental tenet of the European Union data protection law is that individuals have authority over the sharing of their personal health data [ 10 ]. Provisions granting access, erasure, and transfer rights for personal data in specific circumstances in the GDPR help facilitate its fundamental aim of protecting data subjects. This current shift towards giving individuals autonomy over their data highlights the significance of data sovereignty in contemporary discussions in digital health ecosystems.

While obtaining consent from individuals before using their personal health data is generally crucial in clinical research, it may not always be feasible in every situation. Appropriate safeguards and ethical considerations should be implemented to protect individuals’ privacy in such cases. The fundamental basis of consent is respecting individual autonomy [ 11 ]. The Declaration of Helsinki and the Belmont Report aim to prevent exploitative and manipulative practices in clinical and medical research, and both highlight the importance of autonomy [ 12 , 13 ]. Safeguarding autonomy involves more than just preventing manipulation; it also entails offering guidance and support for making autonomous decisions. These ideas have been incorporated into practice as informed consent, which includes providing comprehensive and precise information to empower individuals to make voluntary decisions [ 14 , 15 ]. The All of Us research program in the United States provides individuals with adequate information to make well-informed decisions concerning their participation [ 16 , 17 ]. This program ensures that potential participants are motivated to join based on their personal interests and the inherent value of their involvement by providing comprehensive details regarding program operations. This approach ensures that individuals make informed decisions according to their preferences. The Guidelines for Tailoring the Informed Consent Process in Clinical Studies (i-CONSENT guidelines) also emphasize the significance of implementing comprehensive and individualized consent procedures [ 18 ]. These guidelines advocate for ongoing, two-way communication, initiated at the outset of participant engagement and sustained throughout the duration of the study.

Dynamic consent, an innovative principle that emphasizes the protection of the data sovereignty of individuals, has attracted considerable interest [ 19 ]. Many academic studies have examined the potential benefits of dynamic consent, specifically regarding its ethical advantages in comparison to conventional consent methods [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Due to its functionality within digital interfaces that enable uninterrupted communication between data subjects and consumers, irrespective of temporal and spatial constraints, dynamic consent is regarded as the most appropriate approach for acquiring consent in digital health ecosystems [ 25 ]. Furthermore, dynamic consent provides a variety of personalized options for individuals to enhance their autonomy and self-determination with respect to the sharing and utilization of personal health data. Establishing resilient mechanisms through which individuals can exert authority over their personal health data while maintaining continuous communication is essential in the pursuit of genuine informed consent in digital settings. Nevertheless, further considerations of personalized options are still required [ 26 , 27 ]. To assess the efficacy, usability, and ability to uphold individual autonomy of personalized options that are supported by dynamic consent principles, additional investigation is needed.

Therefore, in this study, user experiences based on dynamic consent principles are examined, specifically focusing on sovereignty over health data usage in various settings with personalized options. The evaluation was conducted using MyHealthHub, a digital consent application developed in this study based on dynamic consent principles. The primary objectives of this study are (1) to explore the viewpoints of individuals on the sharing and utilization of personal health data and (2) to assess user acceptance of MyHealthHub as a means for managing data sovereignty in a tailored manner while respecting individual autonomy. This study specifically focuses on individual patients, who are the principal subjects of personal health data. To analyze user acceptance, this study employed the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which has been widely used to understand user acceptance of information technology [ 28 ]. This study contributes to the exploration of processes to ensure data sovereignty with dynamic consent in the health care sector by examining user experiences associated with the MyHealthHub application, which facilitates the sharing and utilization of personal health data with personalized options in a tailored manner.

Study design

This study utilized a mixed-methods design, incorporating both a system usability test and questionnaires. MyHealthHub, a digital consent application designed in adherence with dynamic consent principles, was specifically developed for this study to facilitate the usability test. The study participants were provided with access to the MyHealthHub application, which facilitates experiences in a personalized data sharing process using virtual health data. The questionnaire included one open-ended item to elicit a wide range of perspectives from the participants, as well as multiple-choice items. The entire procedure was completed consecutively in a single session and adhered to the required ethical protocols under the necessary ethical clearance of informed consent from the Institutional Review Board of Kyungpook National University (KNU) (KNU IRB No. KNU-2021-0158).

Participant recruitment

Participants for this study were recruited through email invitations. Potential participants were defined as individuals who have interests or experiences in digital health services and were likely to utilize digital consent applications to generate personal health data during their daily lives and to share and utilize their data. Participants were eligible if they were 18 years of age or older, resided in South Korea, had internet access on personal devices, and were proficient in using websites for various activities, such as online shopping and internet banking. The potential participants were provided with basic information materials regarding the study through email. Email addresses of potential participants were obtained through the Smart Health Standards Forum, an organization supporting smart health standards and industry development. They were encouraged to voluntarily reach out to our research team to arrange an appointment if they were interested in participating. All participants provided informed written consent and received a gift voucher as compensation upon completion.

System usability test

MyHealthHub is a digital consent application designed based on dynamic consent principles. This application offers participants an all-encompassing experience of personalized data sharing and consent management. The prototype version of the application was available in the Korean language. The MyHealthHub application included functionalities for managing consent, monitoring data sharing history, and configuring personalized options regarding data usage (Fig. 1 ). Personalized options include specifying the scope of shared data according to the specific institutions and health data involved, conditions for automatic consent, designated representatives if necessary, and preferred communication methods or periods for receiving relevant updates on their data usage. These options were flexible and could be adjusted according to each individual’s preferences.

Screenshots of the English version of the MyHealthHub application

The participants were provided with individual accounts and were instructed to access and log in to the MyHealthHub application. For the system usability test, the provided accounts were populated with temporary log-in credentials and comprised a variety of fictitious dummy personal health data. So that the participants could experience and understand the foundational attributes of dynamic consent, they were required to complete eight tasks via the MyHealthHub application. These tasks were determined through a combination of literature findings and insights from a scoping review on dynamic consent, as detailed in our previous study [ 29 ]. The tasks included providing consent, monitoring data usage history, and configuring personalized options. This approach ensures that the tasks reflected prior knowledge on dynamic consent, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the dynamic consent process. The participants were not specifically instructed to meticulously scrutinize each item of content available in the application during the execution of the designated tasks with the purpose of assessing real user interactions with MyHealthHub. The participants were given the autonomy to select the scope and variety of institutions that they wanted to share their data with, based on their individual preferences. After completing the tasks, participants evaluated their experience with a questionnaire designed to capture their feedback on the usability and functionality of the application.

Questionnaire

After the usability test, participants were prompted to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 30 items, which comprised a combination of multiple-choice and open-ended inquiries (Table 1 ). The multiple-choice questions were designed to investigate perceptions of the sharing of personal health data and to assess user acceptance of the MyHealthHub application. The questionnaire items were formulated by integrating findings from the literature and primary concepts derived from the TAM, specifically focusing on perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intention to use. While advancements in the model, such as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, are acknowledged, this study employed the original TAM for its simplicity and well-established use in similar contexts, which aligns well with the specific focus of this study [ 30 ]. Finally, participants were provided with an open-ended questionnaire to further explore their experiences and perspectives concerning the MyHealthHub application. The participants were encouraged to provide feedback on a multitude of application-related topics, such as interface design, content, usability, potential improvements, information quality, authentication and authorization procedures, and any other pertinent observations derived from the usability test. The full version of the questionnaire was originally written in Korean, and the English-translated version is available in Additional file 1.

Data analysis

To validate the responses gathered from the multiple-choice questionnaire items, statistical methods were utilized. The internal, concentration, and discriminant validity of each category were validated in this process [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Subsequently, descriptive statistics were employed to analyze quantitative data derived from the responses to multiple-choice questions. The qualitative data acquired through the open-ended item were analyzed thematically [ 34 ]. Two of the authors first carried out the review, coding, and categorization of the gathered data to construct the initial themes. Then, all the authors reviewed and discussed the themes to enhance their coherence and reasonability. Discrepancies identified among the authors were discussed and resolved. The data analysis procedure was performed using SmartPLS 3.0 and Excel.

Perceptions of the sharing and utilization of personal health data

A total of thirty participants accessed the MyHealthHub application for an average of thirty minutes to provide dynamic consent. The participants successfully accomplished the eight assigned tasks without requiring additional assistance or support. The demographic characteristics of the participants are available in Additional file 2.

Table 2 presents the participants’ perspectives on the sharing of personal health data. Twenty-four out of thirty participants agreed that the exchange of personal data is crucial to the advancement of the health care industry. Regarding the timing of requesting consent, twelve participants responded that consent is needed for each time data is to be shared, whereas three participants preferred providing consent only once, such as during the initial registration process for a specific service such as the MyHealthHub application. The remaining half of the participants indicated a preference for different frequencies of consent requests, contingent upon the purposes and subjects of data usage.

Table 3 presents the participants’ preferences concerning the sharing and utilization of their personal health data. Participants’ degrees of willingness to share their data varied by the type of institution or data. The average number of participants who expressed willingness to share basic health checkup data was 12.17, the highest result of any data type. In contrast, the average value for data concerning mental health was the lowest, at 9.83 individuals. Regarding the institution types, an average of 26.33 individuals considered medical institutions to be favour targets for data sharing. Additionally, private companies were given the lowest preferences, with an average of only 2.00 individuals.

User acceptance of the MyHealthHub application

Table 4 presents the descriptive statistics of participant responses regarding the level of user acceptance of the MyHealthHub application. The responses were validated for internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity within each category (Additional file 3). Average scores of 6.10 and 5.62 out of 7.00 were obtained for self-evaluated health literacy and health-related interests, respectively. An average of 5.67 was obtained for system usability, whereas a lower average, 4.67, was obtained for system reliability. The average score for the overall intention to use was 5.26, with 5.20 for perceived usefulness and 5.46 for perceived ease of use.

Thematic analysis results

Following an analysis of the responses to the open-ended questionnaire item, three themes were identified: the usability of the MyHealthHub application, the usefulness of the MyHealthHub application, and apprehensions regarding digital environments (Table 5 ).

The usability of the MyHealthHub application

In addition to the quantitative results presented in Table 4 , the overall evaluation results for usability were favorable, as evidenced by the fact that every participant independently completed the assigned tasks. Moreover, participants shared some opinions about enhancing the usability of the MyHealthHub application.

Some participants believed that mobile interfaces would offer greater benefits than web-based environments. Although the prototype distributed to the participants was compatible with desktop and mobile devices, it did not have responsive interface capabilities catering to different device types. Some participants expressed the opinion that the width of the tables utilized to present a record of consent requests or data usage history was excessively large on mobile devices, requiring them to scroll to cover the entire piece of information. They expressed their desire for an iteration of the MyHealthHub application that incorporates user-interface optimization tailored for mobile devices, thereby augmenting accessibility and enabling its utilization from any location without relying on desktop computers.

In addition to mobile optimization, participants commented on the intuitiveness of the interface. The majority of participants expressed satisfaction with the level of information that the MyHealthHub application provided in relation to their decision-making process regarding data usage. On the other hand, certain participants who perceived themselves to be deficient in providing information reported facing challenges in understanding content that included medical terminology. They desired further user interface enhancement through the addition of straightforward icons or descriptions to assist them in making decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the data types to be shared and the specific purposes for which institutions would utilize the data.

The usefulness of the MyHealthHub application

The participants expressed contentment with the ability to tailor the level of data sharing in accordance with the type of institutions and data. In addition, the study participants highlighted the potential advantages of the MyHealthHub application in health management, monitoring chronic diseases, and insurance payment processing.

Personalized options were found to be the most appealing aspect to participants. Furthermore, this feature complies with dynamic consent principles, which safeguard the autonomy and self-determination of individuals. Some participants who initially expressed a preference for providing consent only once during the registration procedure felt that the option to automatically set conditions for providing consent was quite attractive. Certain participants opined that a more granular degree of options would be beneficial in the selection process for institution types. For example, a participant expressed a preference for choosing a specific insurance company rather than the institution type when they desired to share data with only insurance company A but not insurance company B. On the other hand, a few participants felt that the administration of personalized options was occasionally cumbersome, impeding their motivation to engage in the process of data utilization.

The majority of participants acknowledged the benefits associated with exercising control over data through the MyHealthHub application. They valued the convenience of monitoring their consent and data usage history to help manage their data utilization, in addition to the ability to tailor the extent of shared data to their preferences. Conversely, a subset of the participants conveyed a feeling of inadequate motivation to use the MyHealthHub application. They stated that they were young and currently in excellent health, resulting in a lack of need to manage personal health data, in contrast to financial management services. Some of them suggested that it would be advantageous to employ rewards or incentives as a means of motivating individuals to share their personal health data, thereby fostering their interest in health data management.

Apprehensions regarding digital environments

While the participants expressed contentment with the personalized options, there were some concerns regarding security. The participants highlighted the significance of establishing security protocols to prevent disastrous data breaches in digital environments, with a particular focus on health data that may include sensitive personal information.

In response to the identification procedure, the participants provided mixed responses. The participants were able to access the MyHealthHub application through the login ID and password that were assigned for the usability test in this study. Some participants conveyed a desire to enable effortless login via the single sign-on (SSO) approach in practical situations. These participants were aware of the SSO procedure, which is an authentication approach that enables individuals to access different services with a single set of login credentials [ 35 ]. They perceived the SSO as a dependable and practical approach to accessing multiple applications, owing to its widespread adoption across various services. Conversely, certain participants expressed that they might be hesitant to use the MyHealthHub application in the future out of apprehension, citing a need for increased security measures. One participant suggested that enhanced security technologies be implemented at a level comparable to the authentication process utilized in financial applications, such as two-factor authentication [ 36 ].

An additional noteworthy opinion concerned the criticality of communication in fostering relationships of trust with system end-users. The majority of participants indicated that the functionalities provided by the MyHealthHub application are advantageous for safeguarding individual autonomy and ensuring data sovereignty over their health data. However, they also emphasized the need to provide more comprehensive information regarding data management procedures so as to enhance transparency. One participant underscored the importance of secure and permanent deletion of shared data once a contractual period has expired. Another participant contended that it is critical to convey both technical and emotional aspects pertaining to the secure storage and management of data to foster trust and assurance with system users. For instance, individuals may want to know how their provided data are transmitted to the designated institution in a secure way and how the shared data are protected within the institution.

This study investigated the potential of a digital consent system that adheres to dynamic consent principles for safeguarding the autonomy and data sovereignty of individuals regarding their personal health data. Dynamic consent is an innovative approach to facilitating digital health ecosystems that helps balance the use of personal health data while simultaneously safeguarding individual autonomy [ 19 ]. Previous scholarly investigations have explored dynamic consent, such as its conceptual evolution, user acceptance, and technological advancements that facilitate its practical implementation [ 29 ]. Although previous research has recognized the ethical benefits of dynamic consent in comparison to conventional consent models, a need to assess user acceptance of systems based on dynamic consent for its practical use has been consistently expressed. Notably, very few publications have linked the TAM to dynamic consent, highlighting the originality of this study in understanding user acceptance within the context of personal health data management.

The results of this study provide valuable insights into participants’ preferences and perceptions regarding the sharing and utilization of personal health data through dynamic consent mechanisms. The study demonstrated a strong acceptance of the MyHealthHub application, with participants successfully completing tasks and expressing a preference for personalized consent options tailored to the type of data and institutions involved. Notably, participants showed a higher willingness to share data with medical institutions compared to private companies, and there was a clear preference for dynamic consent methods that allow for continuous and adaptable consent management. Despite the favorable reception, some participants indicated that the abundance of options could be cumbersome, suggesting the need for further refinement of user interfaces and the incorporation of more intuitive design elements. Additionally, participants highlighted concerns about security and the importance of transparent data management practices, underscoring the necessity for robust security measures and clear communication to build trust.

In particular, there has been little effort to investigate whether dynamic consent genuinely upholds individual autonomy through the sharing and utilization of personal health data. This critical question is central to the ethical considerations of digital health technologies and the protection of individual rights and privacy [ 37 ]. It is imperative to assess the efficacy of dynamic consent in preserving these principles amid the complex interplay of technology, healthcare delivery, and individual rights [ 38 , 39 ]. Individuals should be able to modify and update their consent, including actions such as protocol shifts, alterations, and withdrawal [ 40 ]. Furthermore, addressing concerns about the temporal aspect and control over the pace of interaction is essential for maintaining individual autonomy.

The personalization and flexibility of consent are enhanced by dynamic consent principles, which permit individuals to modify their consent preferences as circumstances change. This study used a digital consent application, MyHealthHub that operates on dynamic consent principles. MyHealthHub enables continuous interaction with participants, promoting self-determination in accordance with their consent preferences. The study participants comprehended and accepted the dynamic consent model according to their performance on the usability test. Participants were able to make decisions regarding the sharing of data in accordance with their individual preferences, considering the information at their disposal regarding data usage, including target institution, purpose, and duration of data sharing. Additionally, the questionnaire responses revealed that the perceived usefulness and ease of use of the MyHealthHub application led to positive intentions to use it.

The findings from this study indicate the usefulness of dynamic consent by demonstrating that individuals’ preferences regarding consent are substantially affected by a range of factors, including the kind of data to be shared, the type of institution involved, and the context in which the data is shared. These findings align with the observations made in prior studies regarding individuals’ perspectives on the utilization of their health data [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. One study has indicated that individuals may exhibit a preference for providing limited data to for-profit enterprises [ 45 ]. Similarly, significant disparities in consent preferences were observed based on the type of institution in this study. The participants exhibited a greater propensity to provide consent for the sharing of their data with medical institutions or research institutes than with private enterprises. The type of health data also influenced the participants’ inclination to share their data. There was a heightened reluctance to share mental health-related data with specific institutions compared to basic health check-ups and physical health-related data.

Another notable observation from this study is that the participants displayed a mixed reaction to the personalized options. The majority of participants expressed satisfaction with the ability to independently determine the scope and extent of their data sharing, allowing customization. Some participants expressed that the abundance of options available may deter individuals from engaging in their data sharing and utilization processes. They exhibited a greater preference for automatic consent, as it eliminates the need for frequent decision-making or consent provision. The expanded role of individuals in the dynamic consent approach with respect to conventional consent mechanisms may be perceived as burdensome due to the multitude of options available for selection [ 46 ]. This particular concern has been identified as a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of the dynamic consent model in prior scholarly investigations. However, it has been argued that these opinions stem from a misinterpretation of dynamic consent. The concept of autonomy, as outlined in the dynamic consent principles, pertains to the ability to adapt approaches to accommodate various circumstances. This includes allowing individuals to choose the level of involvement they wish to have in their data-sharing processes. For example, passive individuals have the option to utilize broad-informed consent as a means to adopt a more inclusive approach within the framework of the dynamic consent model.

There are several limitations to this study. The recruitment of participants was conducted via convenience sampling. Convenience sampling was carried out by distributing invitations to individuals who were easily accessible and met the study criteria, such as members or subscribers of smart health standard forum. The majority of the study participants expressed interest in utilizing digital health services and personal health data. In fact, since this innovative method, the dynamic consent mechanism, affects the entirety of society, it is crucial to solicit the general public’s opinion. However, despite the satisfactory validity of the questionnaire responses, which suggests their potential for future research, the sample size employed in this study was relatively modest. It was difficult to recruit many public individuals, as well as older individuals, in our sample due to recruitment challenges; consequently, the characteristics of this study sample may not be representative of the general population in South Korea. The presence of such a selection bias may lead to overly optimistic conclusions regarding the level of interest and engagement of participants in utilizing the application.

Additionally, this study did not evaluate uninterrupted communication, a critical component of dynamic consent. The average duration of the participants’ experience was only 30 minutes, which is insufficient for a thorough evaluation. It is imperative to evaluate whether consent is altered over an extended period and whether participants prefer to continue utilizing the system. This limitation should be recognized, as it affects the comprehension of the continuous interaction necessary for dynamic consent systems. Furthermore, the experience was constructed using fictitious data rather than the actual data of the participants, which could potentially influence their responses and engagement. These aspects should be the focus of future research in order to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of dynamic consent systems.

Given the potential for data sharing to expand globally, it is required to address the specific contents of dynamic consent items. Previous studies have defined these items using the Data Use Ontology (DUO) developed by the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) [ 47 , 48 , 49 ]. Additionally, international standards such as the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), developed by Health Level Seven (HL7), offer structured standards for representing consent directives in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of interoperability and consistency [ 50 ]. The Basic Patient Privacy Consents (BPPC) profile by Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) also provides a mechanism for managing patient privacy consents, further supporting the need for standardized approaches [ 51 ]. Standardizing and clearly defining the items within dynamic consent, including the types of data shared, the purposes of data use, and the entities involved, is crucial for establishing trust among users and ensuring transparency. However, this study primarily focused on the user experience and did not explore the detailed standardization and definition of dynamic consent items, which constitutes a limitation. Addressing these aspects would enhance the scalability and interoperability of dynamic consent mechanisms on a broader scale.

Nevertheless, a notable aspect of this study was the simulation of real-world scenarios regarding the use of personalized options through the MyHealthHub application. Although the personalized option is an aspect of dynamic consent principles that safeguards individual autonomy in sharing and utilizing personal health data, it has received comparatively less attention than other features, such as withdrawal of consent, contactless communication, and unlimited communication. Participants in this study were not required to carefully read or view any particular page or information; rather, they used the application as usual and completed the assigned tasks by themselves. This statement underscores our endeavors to acquire a more realistic depiction of the circumstances in which individuals are anticipated to operate the application in the future. As evidenced by the fact that not all participants preferred to select personalized options each time rather than specifying conditions for automatic consent, it would appear that the intended reflection of a variety of realistic perspectives in this study was achieved, at least to some degree. Further research that juxtaposes the perspectives of active and passive individuals should provide a more holistic understanding of the effects of dynamic consent protocols on participation rates as well as whether such protocols yield more favorable outcomes while preserving individual autonomy.

In a data-driven economy, personal health data facilitate progress in digital health ecosystems beyond their potential value as an asset. In digital health environments, dynamic consent is a promising strategy for protecting the autonomy and data sovereignty of individuals regarding their personal health data. The findings of this study indicate that by utilizing dynamic consent principles in the implementation of a digital consent application, individuals can be adequately informed regarding the manner in which their data are shared and used, thereby empowering them to make well-informed decisions. Participants highly valued the ability of digital interfaces to modify individual preferences in response to changing circumstances; this feature should be expanded to its fullest potential. Nevertheless, digital consent has certain challenges, such as apprehensions about the identification process and a lack of establishing trustworthy relationships with individuals. Therefore, while embracing the personalized and flexible advantages of the dynamic consent model, it is imperative to continuously contemplate technological and legal measures to ensure individual rights and privacy in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

Health insurance portability and accountability act

General data protection regulation

Technology Acceptance Model

Single sign-on

Data use ontology

Global alliance for genomics and health

Fast healthcare interoperability resources

Health level seven

Basic patient privacy consents

Integrating the healthcare enterprise

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a Government-wide R&D Fund project for infectious disease research (GFID), Republic of Korea (grant number: HG22C0024, KH124685).

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Ah Ra Lee, Dongjun Koo, Sooyoung Yoo & Ho-Young Lee

Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Seoul, 08826, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Dongjun Koo

School of Computer Science & Engineering, College of IT Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Daegu, 41566, Daegu, Republic of Korea

College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Kyungpook National University, 680, Gukchaebosang-ro, Daegu, 41944, Daegu, Republic of Korea

Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 172, Dolma-ro, Seongnam-si, 13605, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea

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Contributions

AL and IK conceptualized the design of the study. AL and DK performed system implementation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of the findings. AL wrote the original draft. EL, SY, IK and HL commented. IK and HL reviewed the final version. All authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Ho-Young Lee .

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Ethics approval and consent to participate.

The Institutional Review Board of Kyungpook National University (KNU) granted approval for this research (KNU IRB No. KNU-2021-0158). Prior to the commencement of the study, written informed consent was obtained from all participants, and the objectives and scope of the research were explained. They were informed of the possibility and their right to withdraw from the study at any time, and their participation was entirely voluntary. No personally identifiable information was gathered during the data collection process, and no unique identifiable information was included in the presentation of the findings. All methods were conducted in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.

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All participants provided informed consent to publish their contributing data.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Supplementary Information

Additional file 1: questionnaire, additional file 2: demographic characteristics of the study participants, additional file 3: validation results for the questionnaire items, rights and permissions.

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Lee, A.R., Koo, D., Kim, I.K. et al. Opportunities and challenges of a dynamic consent-based application: personalized options for personal health data sharing and utilization. BMC Med Ethics 25 , 92 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-024-01091-3

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-024-01091-3

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Opportunities and challenges of a dynamic consent-based application
Dynamic consent is an ethically advantageous approach for the sharing and utilization of personal health data. Personalized options have the potential to serve as pragmatic safeguards for the autonomy of individuals in the sharing and utilization of personal health data. ... Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 172, Dolma-ro, Seongnam-si ...
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