I have chosen Warwick in particular because Warwick is one of the leading-edge universities with a high global reputation in Mathematics, but also in business and finance. Discover Elly's journey at Warwick and what led them to apply for the BSc Mathematics.

How did you find out about Warwick?

After consolidating my career path in mathematics, I searched for universities and found out that Warwick is renowned for a Mathematics degree. During my research, I always came across Warwick being ranked in TOP 5 or above for the best universities for Mathematics in the UK. I was also aware of some of the famous Korean Warwick alumni and reviews from exchange program students. Finally, I later realised that my Head of Sixth Form in my previous school graduated from Warwick. So I heard briefly about Coventry and the University of Warwick from him.

Did you consider studying anywhere else? What made you choose Warwick?

Some of the most significant factors about the UK that affected my university application decision were that the UK is one of the safest countries to live in and offers high quality of education and a relatively shorter duration of undergraduate courses. The three-year-long undergraduate course made the UK stand out as I have been intending to pursue postgraduate studies for another year after completing my bachelor's degree. Above all, my invaluable experience of living in Japan for four years secured my decision to study in the UK.

I have chosen Warwick in particular because Warwick is one of the leading-edge universities with a high global reputation in Mathematics, but also in business and finance. Moreover, Warwick provides a substantial level of academic challenge up to its reputation, followed by an outstanding employment rate. Another major factor that affected my decision was the structure of the degree. I was most fascinated by the balance between the main academic department and the other fields of study. I believe that this flexibility of choosing modules will enrich both my academic and social student experiences at Warwick. Finally, the diverse range of placement and work experience options available at Warwick was another appealing trait.

How did you feel to be awarded a scholarship?

I noticed later that the application for the scholarship was open, so I had to complete my application form during my A-level exams period. This added extra pressure, but now I am very proud that I was able to obtain both satisfying A-level grades and the scholarship despite the time and mental pressure.

To be honest, I was not looking forward to receiving the scholarship because I was very sure that every other applicant was as capable and academically outstanding if not more, of receiving this award.

I was deeply honoured and grateful to have been chosen as the Global Excellence Scholarship recipient, and especially that the financial support from this scholarship enabled me to take some financial burden off my parents' hands and to become more open to opportunities and experiences at Warwick.

Who was the first person you told when you received the news about your scholarship and how did they react?

I certainly told my parents first when I received the news about my scholarship.

I did not want to disappoint my parents, so I did not tell them the fact that I applied for the scholarship until the day I received the result.

My parents and I were aware that the case of international students getting a scholarship in the UK is extremely rare, so my parents were extremely delighted to hear the news. More specifically, my mother shed tears and we ate out for dinner that day!.

How did you apply and did anyone help you with your application form and visa application?

I wanted to take the financial burden off my parents' hands as much as I could, and this led me to search for all kinds of scholarships available to international students at the universities I applied to. As far as I remember, the University of Warwick was the only university that offers a scholarship to international students, and the Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship at Warwick was the only scheme available to a Mathematics degree student from South Korea. So I decided to apply for the scholarship and completed the application form. When completing the application questions, I mainly focussed on describing in what ways I can benefit from receiving the scholarship and in what ways I can do in return. I asked my University Application Support teacher at my previous school for a grammar check, but I mostly completed the application form on my own. The only difficulty I experienced was that since we are the first cohort of Global Excellence Scholars there were no previous successful cases for this scholarship that I could refer to.

What is the best thing about Warwick?

In my opinion, not to mention high research and teaching reputation, high employment rate, and all other factors that Warwick is well known for, I felt very welcomed by the university staff and community members and by the programs introduced during the Welcome Week. Being introduced to the means and support systems to ensure every single member at Warwick is being respected and valued made me feel secure and safe to study at Warwick.

Also, as a remote studying student, I am definitely benefiting from the well-organised online study system implemented at Warwick. The recordings of each live lecture via Echo 360 enable me to stop and even rewind the video when I do not understand the content being discussed. All the lecture materials are organised on Moodle webpage for each module. Most importantly, there are several platforms available for the students to proactively engage and discuss the lecture contents, such as student forums, support classes in smaller groups, seminars, and etc.

Are you a member of any societies?

I have signed up for Warwick Maths Society, Warwick Finance Society, and Warwick Korean Society. But since I am currently remote studying and all the events happening are in-person, I have not made any participation yet. I found the module review section of the Warwick Maths Society website useful for making module selections.

What are your plans when you graduate?

My father works as a stock trader, which allowed me to have a glimpse of the world of the financial and statistical sector of mathematics from a young age. So to explore more on these area of mathematics, I am intending to choose finance modules in Years 2 and 3 of undergraduate course to accumulate the foundation knowledge. Based on the analytical and quantitative skills learned at undergraduate level, I am planning to extend my study and earn a master's degree in finance. After completing my postgraduate degree, I am looking forward to becoming a financial analyst or manager.

What would you say to someone considering applying for an Undergraduate Global Excellence scholarship at Warwick, what would it be?

One practical piece of advice when completing the application form is that it is important to focus on embodying and describing in what ways the recipient can benefit from the scholarship and in what ways the recipient can contribute back to the community in return.

It is a very common perception in the UK that there are extremely few scholarship opportunities available to international students, and it is true. But since Warwick now provides this generous scholarship scheme available to all international applicants, I hope the applicants can seek all the opportunities available to them, and benefit from this scholarship financially, mentally and academically, during their time at Warwick.

What one thing makes you happy about Warwick?

The fact that I am a student at a prestigious university, Warwick, and receiving a scholarship from such a school indeed makes me proud of myself, and this grateful experience I achieved at Warwick will provide me the confidence and courage to stand on my own feet whenever I face difficulties in my life in the future.