Notes

I applied to PhD programs for the Fall 2026 admission cycle. The experience of applying to PhD programs seems to vary widely across individuals and fields. In my case, I applied within theoretical quantum computing, broadly across programs in theoretical computer science, theoretical physics, and quantum science and engineering. While the program titles differed, the research directions I aimed to pursue were largely the same.

I applied without holding a master’s degree, which is somewhat less common among Korean students, many of whom pursue a master’s before applying abroad. Instead, after completing my undergraduate studies, I fulfilled my mandatory military service in South Korea as a Technical Research Personnel before applying to PhD programs.

Recently, I have received a number of inquiries from students seeking advice on the PhD application process, and I have been doing my best to provide helpful responses. For those who may be interested in my experience, I will also be sharing some thoughts at a study abroad information session at Yonsei University on May 16.

I am very grateful to have been admitted to the PhD programs in Quantum Science and Engineering at Harvard and in Physics at MIT. After careful consideration, I have decided to join Harvard and therefore declined the offer from MIT. Following this decision, I withdrew my applications to Oxford and UC Berkeley—where I had already completed interviews—prior to receiving final decisions.

I am also deeply grateful for the many people who supported me throughout the application process. I received invaluable advice and encouragement along the way, and I would like to sincerely thank Jaeyeon, Chanwoo, Gunhee, Sascha, Antonio, Francesco, Vishnu, Seyoon, Luke, Dominik, and Quynh. I hope to pay this kindness forward and offer the same support to others in the future.

I look forward to continuing to connect with the quantum information community in the Boston/Cambridge area, and I feel very fortunate to be able to pursue quantum computing in such an exceptional environment.