International student transcript question (Korean grades listed as Credit/Pass)

Esvrn
Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:48:03 +0000

I agree with your point, and I understand the concern.

However, I did not disregard my GPA simply because it was only “needed” later.
The admissions systems for art schools in the U.S. and in Korea are fundamentally different.
In the U.S., academic performance and standardized tests such as the SAT are both evaluated, whereas in Korea, academic grades are not part of the evaluation for fine arts admissions and are often not even submitted at all.

Because of this structure, most students pursuing fine arts in Korea do not prioritize GPA.
I was in the same situation. Instead, I focused my efforts on preparing for the Korean college entrance exam, which is the primary requirement for admission.

I fully understand how this could be interpreted as a lack of academic diligence,
and I am concerned that colleges in the U.S. might view it that way as well.