In this blog post, I’ll summarize how my academic efforts, school activities, and collaborative experiences during high school influenced my decision to major in computer science and my career preparation.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
During my freshman year of high school, my math grades were my biggest concern. Compared to other subjects, my math grades were notably lower, resulting in a significant gap between my average and my actual performance. Since I was planning a career in computer science, I felt that strong math skills were essential. So, I decided to focus on the remedial classes offered by the school.
My school offered two-hour remedial classes every day during the 8th and 9th periods, with classes organized by ability level. Believing it was important to assess my current level and steadily build my skills, I chose Class B and attended those sessions. Since the advanced Class A curriculum contained many concepts that were difficult for me to grasp, I adopted a strategy of solidifying my fundamentals in a class suited to my level.
During class, I made it a habit to ask questions proactively whenever I didn’t understand something, without worrying about what others might think. I realized that putting off questions to hide my shortcomings would hinder my progress, so I consistently asked the teacher questions and worked to resolve any issues during class time. I treated the two hours of daily remedial classes as my own private tutoring sessions and focused on addressing my weaknesses.
In these supplementary classes, I primarily practiced basic 2- and 3-point questions that frequently appeared on practice exams. Thanks to this focused attention on the question types I struggled with, my grades improved significantly by my sophomore year—enough to qualify for Class A—and I achieved an average grade of Grade 2. My ability to raise my grades without attending a cram school was the result of focusing on the school’s supplementary classes, consistently asking questions, and steadily building my skills.
Major School Activities and Reflections
During high school, I was actively involved in the computer research club. The club was large and well-organized, divided into various departments such as software development, hardware research, web content development, and mobile application development. As a member of the software development department, I gained hands-on experience by working on projects alongside seniors and juniors.
I applied to the software department because I had a strong interest in general PC-based software development. By learning the development tools used in the club—including JavaScript and C++—I became familiar with the design and implementation processes, and after about a semester, I reached a level where I could teach and pass on my knowledge to younger members. I realized firsthand that collaboration accelerates learning and leads to greater achievements.
In particular, I took a keen interest in designing and developing software centered on music. Having experience playing musical instruments, I possessed a musical sensibility, and I enjoyed the process of incorporating that into my programs. In the club, I planned features that took into account the perspectives of listeners, singers, and composers alike.
Specifically, the features I attempted included analyzing a user’s playlist to provide a recommendation list; automatically searching for and displaying lyrics while music plays; a piano-keyboard-style interface that allows users to record performances and combine multiple tracks to compose music; and functions to modulate the voice of recorded vocals or correct pitch. Although some aspects were similar to existing services, the experience of designing and implementing them myself was highly meaningful.
During the development process, we tested the app with club members, exchanged feedback, and made numerous revisions and improvements. This process went beyond simply acquiring technical skills; it was extremely helpful in cultivating the habit of thinking from the user’s perspective and developing collaboration skills.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Collaboration, and Reflections
At the end of my sophomore year of high school, our team prepared a small band performance—including a djembe—for the school festival. The team consisted of three members: a vocalist, a keyboardist, and me on the djembe. We met at the end of our freshman year and formed the team because our musical tastes and passions aligned. Although we didn’t have a regular practice space, we naturally gathered to practice by taking turns hosting at each other’s homes.
The vocalist was aspiring to major in practical music, and the keyboardist was preparing to major in piano, so their playing skills were top-notch. As a percussionist accustomed to playing backup, I took on the role of bringing out the rhythm and atmosphere in our performances. We mainly played mellow, emotional pop songs and paid close attention to delicately capturing the mood of each song.
Even when coordinating practice schedules proved difficult, we filled in the gaps by considering each other’s personal circumstances and academic commitments, and our mutual respect for one another’s efforts allowed us to continue practicing without conflict. In particular, I made a point of never missing a practice, and that dedication earned me the trust of my teammates.
At the festival performance, our team’s long-standing chemistry really shone through, earning a huge response from the audience—so much so that my peers even encouraged me to audition for a talent show. Through this experience, I truly understood the importance of teamwork and consideration, and I learned that better results come when we understand and respect one another.
Efforts and Preparation Related to My Motivation for Applying and Career Plans
Throughout my three years of high school, I centered my life around three main interests: mathematics, music, and computers. Mathematics served as both my academic foundation and an area I needed to improve; music was both a hobby and a source of creativity; and computers were the key tool that connected these two fields to create even greater possibilities.
The realization that computer skills are essential for better music production naturally led me to become interested in software development. As I built my software design and implementation skills through club activities, I came to the conclusion that computer science is the field where I can excel the most, which is why I chose to major in Computer Engineering.
My experience collaborating in clubs showed me that I can grow faster by solving problems as a team than by studying on my own. I wish to continue developing software that integrates music, and my goal is to receive professional education in computer engineering at the university level and become a specialist developer in this field.
The computer engineering department at the university to which I am applying has long been my goal; I hope to study there and, after graduation, work at a company that specializes in developing music software. Furthermore, as an alumnus, I aspire to contribute to the university’s development and promotion and become a role model who positively influences future students.
