Eugene Lee is one of the Student Management Group’s students who accomplished one of the most challenging and inspiring feats for any international student: being admitted to an Ivy League university.
As a dual citizen of both the U.S. and South Korea, Eugene attended Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Massachusetts through SMG’s F-1 Public High School Program. His passion for music, learning, and life has led him to Yale, one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Before arriving in the U.S., Eugene was a classically trained flute student studying at a conservatory in Korea, which is exactly why he applied to CRLS: “I chose to attend high school in Cambridge because of its proximity to the New England Conservatory”. He sought a holistic education that would enable him to pursue his music studies while experiencing a traditional American public school environment.
Eugene’s time in the U.S. has shaped him not only academically but also personally. “Living without my parents from a young age definitely matured me quickly. I’ve learned to take full accountability for my actions and my education. That independence helped me grow into who I am today”, explains.
Applying to Yale
Eugene’s application process was anything but rushed. He began drafting essays early but allowed his best ideas to develop naturally over time. “I applied to 13 schools and ended up writing around 43 essays, including supplementals,” he said. However, Yale stood out to Eugene due to its strong emphasis on the arts. “As a musician, that really drew me in”.
“It’s important to start early, but also to let ideas come naturally. Some of my best essay topics came from conversations with friends during senior year—just from being myself.” Eugene had a similar approach to interviews, viewing them as a conversation in order to allow his true personality to shine.
Eugene credits his international background and experiences in the U.S. with shaping the narrative of his application. “My personal statement was about my relationship with music, how I found my voice through my unique living situation, meeting so many interesting people .”
The SMG student heads to Yale with an open mind and a wide range of interests. Although he’s currently undecided, he’s exploring several exciting fields, including Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Computing & Linguistics, as well as Economics & Mathematics.
Advice for Fellow Students
For other international students dreaming of Ivy League schools, Eugene offers this wisdom: “Don’t do things just for the sake of college admissions. If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, it’s hard to excel—and that will come through in your application. Instead, read a lot, write a lot, talk to interesting people about things that matter to you, and make a tangible impact.”
He added one piece of advice that extends beyond admissions: “If you have an idea, act on it. I literally had the idea to release an album on Spotify and Apple Music on a random Tuesday this year—and I did it within two weeks.”
As he reflects on his journey, Eugene is quick to acknowledge the people who helped him along the way. “I’d like to thank my flute professor, who’s supported me musically, academically, and personally. My friends, for all the amazing experiences we’ve shared. And my parents, who have always supported me and wanted the best for my happiness.”
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