School Advisor Articles

From ISKL to Wharton: Jehseok Alex Kim's Journey to the University of Pennsylvania

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Oct 24, 2024

Getting into the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is no small feat, with an acceptance rate of just 5.9%. That means for every 100 applicants, only 6 make it in. According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings, UPenn is #6 among national universities, #13 for best value schools, and #1 for business programmes.

One student who made it is Jehseok Alex Kim, a rising junior at the Wharton School majoring in Finance and Management. Born in Boston, Jehseok has lived in nine cities across six countries, from Muscat, Oman, to Vienna, Austria. He graduated from The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), a place that played a crucial role in shaping who he is today.

At ISKL, Jehseok was exposed to a diverse and global environment, which helped him adapt to different cultures and develop a broad worldview. The school's emphasis on both academic excellence and extracurricular involvement prepared him for the challenges at UPenn. 

“I made many wonderful memories at ISKL, which inspired me to seek a similar sense of community at UPenn,” he says. “Some of my closest friends at UPenn are from Malaysia, and they have even met my friends from ISKL.”

Jehseok's experience at ISKL has been exceptional.

The ISKL Experience

Jehseok’s journey at ISKL was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with cherished memories, enriching experiences and lifelong friendships. Reflecting on his time there, he recalls the warm and supportive community that made a lasting impression on him. 

The teachers played a pivotal role in shaping Jehseok’s educational experience. Their dedication went beyond the classroom, creating a culture of learning and curiosity. Whether it was discussing history with Mr Martin or chatting with Mr Sansom between classes, these teachers were always available to answer questions and provide insights. 

Jehseok also fondly remembers the meaningful career conversations he had with his teachers. "While they may have been just 30-minute conversations they had with us during lunch, it still gave a lot of impact into deciding what to do or even where to start my career."

These brief yet impactful discussions contributed to his decision to pursue the IB Diploma at ISKL, as he dreamt of attending university in the United States. “I was particularly motivated to undertake the Advance Placement (AP) programme. Additionally, ISKL offers comprehensive Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) programmes as part of the IB curriculum, which further enriched my academic experience and critical thinking skills.”

Beyond academics, Jehseok appreciated how his teachers supported his extracurricular pursuits, particularly in sports and music. Teachers like Ms Sahari, Mrs Woodward, Ms Baird, Mr Baird and Mr Tyler often attended his games and concerts alongside friends and their families. These moments stand out as some of his most treasured memories from high school, reflecting the close-knit and encouraging atmosphere at ISKL.

At ISKL, the community is highly supportive, creating a strong sense of camaraderie where everyone cheers for one another throughout high school.

The school’s state-of-the-art facilities were another highlight of Jehseok’s time at ISKL. Having attended several international schools around the world, he found ISKL’s new campus to be exceptional. For instance, one of his favourite facilities was the deck, where he and his friends would gather for lunch or senior events. The music department, equipped with practice rooms, rehearsal spaces and a production room, provided him with the perfect environment to pursue his musical interests. 

One of the most impactful aspects of ISKL for Jehseok was the travel opportunities it offered. Programmes like IASAS, AMIS music trips, GAP, and various sports competitions have allowed him to explore different countries and cultures. These experiences not only broadened his worldview but also deepened the bonds with his friends, making travel an integral and treasured part of his journey.

This strong sense of camaraderie was deeply rooted in the community at ISKL. The school’s culture nurtured an atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement, where students genuinely cheered for one another’s successes. In such a nurturing environment, Jehseok never felt the pressure of a toxic or overly competitive environment. 

"When I talked with many students at my university about their high school experiences, I was surprised to hear that some of my friends came from relatively more competitive school environments. However, in ISKL, we talk about experiences such as going on trips, cooking Vietnamese summer rolls together, baking cookies together and more. This is a place where people support you for who you are and want everyone around you to do well."

Extracurricular Endeavors

When it comes to co-curricular activities, Jehseok was highly involved in four main groups: the Young Investor Society, Jazz Band, Varsity Golf and Key Club. These activities weren’t just hobbies for him — they were passions that helped shape his high school experience and laid the groundwork for his future.

The Young Investor Society played a key role in sparking Jehseok’s interest in finance and investment, a field he's now considering for his career. It gave him a chance to dive deep into the world of finance, building skills and knowledge that continue to guide him as he explores this path.

Jehseok started the ISKL Jazz Band, where he learned more about jazz with his best friends while honing his saxophone skills and performing in various settings.

Jehseok also founded the Jazz Ensemble, which became a significant highlight of his high school years. It wasn’t just about playing the saxophone; it was about learning more about jazz alongside his best friends and performing in different settings. This experience improved his musical skills and strengthened his connection to the school’s vibrant arts community.

As a member of the Varsity Golf team, Jehseok travelled with his teammates, which deepened his appreciation for the sport. These trips and competitions were a memorable part of his high school life, combining both a love of golf and the camaraderie of working as part of a team. Through the Key Club, Jehseok volunteered to support Zotung refugee students, teaching them English and Math. His involvement didn’t stop there — he worked with the students over the summer and invited them to ISKL during the school year, creating meaningful connections and memories that have stuck with him.

Studying at the University of Pennsylvania

Transitioning from high school to university is a significant leap, and for many students, the guidance they receive can make all the difference. For Jehseok, ISKL played a pivotal role in his admission to The Wharton School, one of the top business schools in the world.

"ISKL helped guide me through the college admission process. I talked extensively with my guidance counsellors and business/economics teachers about decisions related to university admissions. The school helped significantly with essay writing, admission process, recommendation letters and even application guidelines."

The result? He gained admission into The Wharton School at UPenn. Here, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics, concentrating in Finance, and Management, and he credits ISKL for nurturing his passion in the field. “Through the Young Investor Society, I was able to foster an interest in a career in finance. Mr. Van Cott, who is a volunteer teacher for our club and a parent of my friend, introduced me to the industry. He was also able to bring other parents, such as Mr. Saito, who spoke about the various career paths within the finance industry as well."

This wealth of knowledge provided Jehseok with valuable insights and a strong foundation for applying to business schools.

Jehseok is a rising junior at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Finance and Management.

During his studies, Jehseok returned to his home country to complete his military service for two years. During this time, he worked at Raise Green and served in the Korean Army as an operations specialist and translator. After completing his military service, he returned to UPenn as a sophomore and continued his studies. He also co-founded an AI evaluation startup, Walnut Research, with research colleagues from UPenn. Last summer, he further developed his startup while interning at Oaklyn Crest, a private equity firm.

“Through the mentorship I have received along the way, I realised my desire to learn more about deal processes and transactions in Finance.”

As a result, he is pursuing investment banking career paths and will be joining Goldman Sachs next year as an investment banking summer analyst.