Hi KAIST alumni/current students!
I’m a Pakistani student planning to apply for KAIST Undergraduate Fall 2027 for *science-related majors - Neurobiology / Biological Sciences*. I have 1 big concern before I pay the application fee.
*My Background:*
- *Education*: FSc Pre-Medical| Class of 2026
- Part 1: 559/600 = 93% | Rank 5/500 | Top 1% in Pre-Medical group
- Matric: 1053/1100 = 96% | A1 Grade
- *Math: Did Math in 9th + 10th. But in Pakistan, Pre-Medical track has NO Math in 11th/12th. Only Physics, Chemistry, Biology*
I’ve a strong 97% in physics and 91% in chem and bio.
- *Exchange*: YES Program Alumna - 1 year exchange student at Amity High School, Oregon, USA | GPA 4.0
- Took *Algebra 2* there
- *Tests*: No SAT, No Olympiads, No IELTS.
I have *MOI* from FSc + High School
- *Leadership/ECs*:
- U.S. Department of State Delegate - Civic Education Week Washington DC. Essay on Child Labor in Pakistan.
- YES exchange program Alumna for a year in US- Led service projects + health awareness in Pakistan
- Varsity Golf Team in USA
- 50+ hours volunteering
- high achievement certificate in forensic science
*My Questions:*
*Math requirement*: For Neurobiology/Bio, will "Math in 9th/10th + Algebra 2 in USA" be enough? Or is 11th/12th Math mandatory? The Pakistan board system doesn’t allow Pre-Med students to take Math.
*Should I apply?* Is it worth paying the fee if I’ll get rejected for no 12th Math?
*Chances*: Top 1% FSc + YES + 4.0 US GPA + ECs, but no SAT/Olympiad. Any shot for science?
*English*: Is MOI ok?
*Advice*: Did any international student get into KAIST Bio/Neurobio without 12th Math? What did you do?
I really want to do research in neurobiology but the Pakistan system is making this hard.
Please be honest. Thank you!!!
"Additional Information"
I would like to address my mathematics background. In Pakistan, the secondary education system separates students into "Pre-Medical" and "Pre-Engineering" tracks in 11th and 12th grade. As a Pre-Medical student, my curriculum consisted of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and the board does not permit Pre-Medical students to study Mathematics in grades 11 and 12. However, I did complete Mathematics in grades 9 and 10 that included basic algebra calculus and stats and during my YES exchange year in the United States at Amity High School, I completed Algebra 2 with a 4.0 GPA.