In this blog post, I will provide a sample personal statement focusing on my academic efforts and learning experiences during high school, school activities, examples of 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 with the dream 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 improve them. For listening practice, I selected one listening workbook per month and listened to a set amount each time. Rather than simply checking my answers after a single listen, I rewound and transcribed the parts I couldn’t hear clearly. By comparing my transcription with the answer key, I identified the parts I had misheard or struggled with and repeated those sections. For vocabulary study, 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 them better, which helped them stick in my memory longer. 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 saw a word while solving reading comprehension problems, its meaning immediately came to mind, which was very effective. In the reading section, I often ran out of time trying to read the entire passage, so I practiced speed reading to be able to grasp sentences as a whole. For instance, instead of interpreting each word individually—like thinking “hello” means “hello”—I did a lot of sentence practice to become familiar with English vocabulary and sentence structure so I could immediately grasp the meaning. I practiced treating English like spoken language, just as I don’t interpret 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, so they were very helpful. For example, when I couldn’t understand why articles and possessives 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.
School activities I focused on during high school
“Managing finances as class secretary and treasurer.” I was always good at organizing, managing, and recording study materials. Because I kept my locker tidy, followed the daily schedule, and took meticulous notes, my classmates recommended me as secretary. In this role, I kept the class log, recorded suggestions, and meticulously tracked our daily progress. At our school, the class secretary typically also served as the treasurer, so I handled financial management when necessary. My financial duties mainly included collecting fines from students who were late, collecting fees for make-up classes, and managing the budget for class festivals. First, collecting fines from latecomers was a frequent task. 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 reduced tardiness through fines and allowed everyone to laugh it off. I meticulously recorded the collection details and the names of the students involved to ensure nothing was missed. When collecting fees for make-up classes, we often had to collect large sums, so I had to pay close attention to handling the change. Although I usually made change from the money I received to give back, I would go to the school store the day before collecting the fees to prepare 1,000-won bills and coins in advance so that no problems would arise on the day of collection. This was because handling change later would complicate the records of who paid how much. By preparing in this way, I ensured there were absolutely no duplicates or omissions, and both my classmates and teachers told me they found my financial management very convenient. Managing the class festival budget involved organizing and overseeing the allocated funds. I recorded entries in the ledger—such as “Class President, Materials Purchase, 50,000 won”—and always attached receipts to the corresponding pages to ensure clear documentation. To promote transparent financial management, I did not keep the ledger and balance records to myself; instead, I designated an empty locker as the ledger box 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 aimed to develop a global perspective that went beyond existing issues concerning migrant women or foreign workers. To achieve this, 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. We invited a human rights lawyer working on the ground to address refugee issues to give a lecture. The lawyer provided a detailed account of the Jumma people—a refugee tribe in Bangladesh—and their daily lives. The speaker noted that simply recognizing refugee issues as part of the broader context of multiculturalism is significant in itself, and emphasized that maintaining interest, acknowledging the problem, and sustaining small efforts over time can accumulate into significant results. After the lecture, our club decided to head to Hongdae for an off-campus special activity. In front of Hongdae, there was a shop called “Eco Femme” that helps migrant women, including refugees, become self-reliant. We visited the shop and donated items we had that might be useful to 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 human being.
Motivation for Application and Preparation Process
“I aim to become a customs broker and work as a customs clearance expert.” I graduated from the Department of International Trade at Korea University and aspire to become a customs clearance expert—specifically, a customs broker. I understand that the role of a customs broker 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 regarding tax amounts and rates, as well as knowledge of tax law. Additionally, I believe legal knowledge and practical English skills are required for export customs declarations. After entering university, I plan to diligently study relevant subjects such as mathematics, statistics, economics, and business English while simultaneously preparing for the customs broker examination. Specifically, if admitted to the Department of International Trade, I intend to earn credits in courses such as “International Trade Management,” Commercial Law, International Trade Regulations, International Trade Contracts, and Business English Conversation to build a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills. During 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 major in International Trade suits my aptitude. In English, I have analyzed my weaknesses in each section and proactively worked to improve them. I believe that for the role of a customs broker, moral integrity and honesty are the most important qualities, in addition to foundational knowledge and academic ability. To manage finances transparently and thoroughly, self-discipline is necessary, and the ability to maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships is also required.
To develop these personal qualities, I served as class secretary and treasurer, consistently handling financial management and record-keeping duties. The three principles I prioritized were adhering to principles, managing affairs transparently and clearly, and exercising flexibility in exceptional cases. In this way, I have diligently pursued my studies throughout high school, gained relevant practical experience, and consistently strived toward this goal.
