In this blog post, I will present a sample personal statement that highlights my academic efforts and learning experiences during high school, my participation in school activities, examples of my consideration and cooperation, as well as my motivation for applying to the Department of International Trade and my preparation process.
Academic Efforts and Learning Experiences During High School
“Section-by-Section Analysis for English Study” While in high school, I studied English diligently, dreaming of becoming an international trade specialist. To improve my English grades, I first divided my English studies into sections, analyzed my weaknesses in each section, and worked to address them. To study the listening section, I set a goal to complete one listening workbook per month. I listened to a set amount each time, and rather than simply checking my answers after a single listen, I rewound and transcribed the parts I couldn’t hear clearly. By comparing my transcriptions with the answer key, I identified the parts I had misheard or struggled to understand and reviewed those sections repeatedly. For vocabulary, I adopted a method of breaking down meanings and memorizing them analytically. By memorizing the meanings of prefixes and suffixes separately and then analyzing word meanings by connecting them, I was able to understand and retain them for a long time. For example, with the word “disaster,” since “dis” means “to fall” and “aster” means “star,” it was more effective to memorize it by connecting the meanings: “When a star falls, it’s a disaster.” Analyzing and associating words in this way meant that when I encountered them while solving reading comprehension problems, their meanings immediately came to mind, which was very effective. In the reading comprehension section, I sometimes ran out of time trying to read the entire passage, so I practiced speed reading to be able to take in whole sentences at a glance. For example, instead of interpreting “hello” as “안녕” one word at a time, I did a lot of sentence practice to become familiar with English words and sentence structures so I could grasp the meaning immediately. I practiced treating English like spoken language—just as I don’t interpret the meaning of every word when reading Korean sentences. For the grammar section, I studied using TOEFL textbooks, which were more systematic and detailed than standard grammar books available on the market, so they were very helpful. For example, when I couldn’t understand why articles and possessive case couldn’t be used together, the book explained that they are both determiners and that two determiners cannot be used consecutively, which made it easier to understand while studying.
Extracurricular activities I focused on during high school
“Managing finances as class secretary and treasurer.” I was always good at organizing, managing, and keeping records of study materials. Because I kept my locker tidy, followed the daily schedule, and took meticulous notes, my classmates recommended me for the role of class secretary. In this role, I kept the class log, recorded suggestions, and meticulously tracked our daily academic progress. At our school, the class secretary typically also served as the treasurer, so I handled financial management when necessary. My financial duties mainly involved collecting fines from students who were late, collecting fees for make-up classes, and managing the budget for class festivals. First, collecting fines from students who were late was a frequent occurrence. Since there were usually one or two latecomers every day, our class rule was to collect 1,000 won from each of them and use the money for class snacks. In other classes, the entire class would be punished for tardiness, or the class president would get scolded on their behalf, which often made the students who were late feel intimidated. However, our class operated in a way that used fines to reduce tardiness while allowing everyone to laugh it off. I meticulously recorded the amounts collected and the students’ names to ensure nothing was missed. When collecting fees for make-up classes, we often had to collect large sums, so I had to be careful handling the change. Although I usually made change from the money I collected to give back, I would go to the school store the day before collecting fees to prepare 1,000-won bills and coins in advance so there wouldn’t be any problems on the day of collection. This was because handling change later would make it complicated to keep track of who paid what. By preparing this way, I ensured there were absolutely no duplicates or omissions, and my classmates and teacher told me they found my financial management very convenient. Managing the class festival budget involved organizing and overseeing the allocated funds. I would record entries in the ledger—such as “Class President, Materials Purchase, 50,000 won”—and always attach receipts to the corresponding page to provide clear documentation. To ensure transparent financial management, I did not keep the ledger and balance records to myself; instead, I designated an empty locker as the “ledger locker” so that anyone could review them.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, Cooperation, and Conflict Management During School Life
“Fostering Teamwork Through Multicultural Club Activities.” I was active in the school’s multicultural club. Our club sought to develop a more global perspective, going beyond traditional issues such as those facing migrant women or foreign workers. To this end, we organized guest lectures and visited relevant organizations to perform volunteer work. In particular, we focused on the issue of refugees caused by civil wars and decided to identify and implement actions we could take to help. To address the refugee crisis, we invited a human rights lawyer working on the front lines to give a lecture. The lawyer provided a detailed account of the Jumma people—a refugee ethnic group in Bangladesh—and their daily lives. The speaker noted that simply recognizing refugee issues as part of the broader context of multiculturalism is highly significant, and emphasized that when we take an interest in these issues, recognize them, and sustain even small efforts, those efforts accumulate to produce significant results. After the lecture, our club decided to head to Hongdae for an off-campus special activity. Near Hongdae, there was a shop called “Eco Femme” that helps migrant women, including refugees, become self-sufficient. We visited the shop and donated items we no longer needed but that could be useful to others for their bazaar. I donated clean blankets, clothes I had barely worn, a winter jacket, and books. Realizing that items I frequently bought but rarely wore were essential to someone else made me reflect on my habits of wasting resources. I also browsed the handmade crafts created by migrant refugees and purchased items that I needed while also providing them with financial support. Through these activities, I realized that a spirit of international service can help a person grow as a person.
Motivation for Applying and Preparation Process
“I aim to become a customs broker and work as a customs clearance specialist.” I graduated from the Department of International Trade at Korea University and aspire to become a customs clearance specialist—specifically, a customs broker. I understand that a customs broker’s role involves verifying the transaction details of imported and exported goods, classifying them, and applying the appropriate tax rates. To fulfill this role, I believe one needs an understanding of economic trends related to tax amounts and rates, as well as knowledge of tax law; I also believe that legal knowledge and practical English skills are required for export customs declarations. Once I enter college, I plan to diligently study relevant subjects—such as mathematics, statistics, economics, and business English—while simultaneously preparing for the customs broker licensing exam. Specifically, as a student in the Department of International Trade, I intend to earn credits in courses such as “International Trade Management,” Commercial Law, Trade-Related Laws and Regulations, Theory of Trade Contracts, and Business English Conversation to build a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills. Throughout high school, I studied relevant subjects diligently and maintained a GPA that qualifies me for this program. I particularly enjoy mathematics, law and politics, and economics, which confirmed that a career in international trade suits my aptitude; in English, I have analyzed my weaknesses in each section and worked to improve them independently. I believe that for the role of a customs broker, moral character and integrity are the most important qualities, in addition to foundational knowledge and academic ability. Transparent and thorough financial management requires self-discipline, as well as the ability to maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships. To develop these character traits, I served as class secretary and treasurer, consistently handling financial management and record-keeping duties. The three principles I prioritized most were adhering to principles, managing affairs transparently and clearly, and exercising flexibility when exceptions arose. In this way, I have consistently strived toward this goal throughout high school by diligently pursuing my studies and gaining relevant practical experience.
