In this blog post, I present a sample personal statement that focuses on my academic efforts, school activities, examples of consideration and cooperation, as well as my motivation for applying and career plans during my high school years.

Academic Efforts and Learning Experiences During High School

I tend to have short bursts of concentration and am strong in short-term memory and focus, but I found it difficult to immerse myself in a single task for long periods. People around me expressed concern that my short attention span would make it hard to study diligently for college entrance exams. So, I sought out a study method that suited me, and that is the “30-Minute Study Method.” While most people plan their study sessions in one- or two-hour blocks, I broke mine down into 30-minute intervals, dividing each segment into memorization, problem-solving, and reviewing mistakes. I would complete one subject before moving on to the next.
My daily schedule included all subject areas—language, foreign language, math, and social studies—and I made sure to get at least six hours of sleep each day. At first, it felt awkward to focus for just 30 minutes, and there were times when my concentration would wander and the time would just slip away, but by maintaining my interest and repeating this consistently, I developed a solid study habit. Using this method, my grades gradually improved, and I developed a steady work ethic that kept me on track toward my target university.

Meaningful Extracurricular Activities at School (Up to 3)

Since our school was relatively new, it had a strong student-led atmosphere, and I joined the school’s public relations club as a founding member during my freshman year. I joined the club naturally because of my deep affection and pride in the school, and through my activities, I developed an interest in public relations and found it rewarding. The club set up Facebook and Twitter accounts with the goal of sharing school news and communicating with the outside world. At first, I intended to run the accounts casually, like my personal social media, but I soon realized that, since these were public accounts, there were many things to consider—such as content moderation, diversifying content, and managing comments.
I benchmarked the management practices of other schools and took an interest in approaches that were both fun and resonated with the audience. Drawing inspiration from prominent Facebook administrators in Korea, I read books and practiced writing to create a unique character and lively atmosphere specific to our school. I poured my passion into the work, taking joy in every single student’s reaction, and made efforts to connect with diverse individuals through Twitter to foster dialogue. The more I engaged in these activities, the more I became captivated by the appeal of public relations, and with the encouragement of those around me, I began to dream of pursuing this as a career.

Examples of Practicing Consideration, Sharing, Cooperation, and Conflict Management

While attending school, I enjoyed observing every corner of the campus. During breaks, I would wander around flower beds, playgrounds, and rarely visited classrooms taking photos. In the process, I discovered shortcomings in the school environment, such as empty spots in flower beds, damaged sidewalk blocks, and broken stairs. Believing that neglecting these issues could lead to safety accidents, I contacted the administrative office and the security office to request repairs.
At first, I worried that the adults might find my requests bothersome, but to my surprise, the staff members were actually pleased and thanked me for lightening their workload. Hearing their words, I realized that “taking action is not a sin,” and I gained confidence in taking initiative on my own. Although I faced some challenges—such as being late for class or receiving jealous glances while conducting promotional activities—I didn’t let it bother me. I focused on tackling one task at a time, and the results followed. Through this experience, I resolved to become someone who takes proactive action, continues to learn, and helps others.

Motivation for Applying, Dreams I Wish to Achieve, and Academic and Career Plans After Enrollment

I want to become “someone who brings attention to what is needed.” I believe there are many stories in the world that people should know but are unaware of.
When I was in charge of school promotions, I initially struggled to find things to say, so I copied other examples or posted lighthearted content. However, as I began to look at things with genuine care, I realized there were many stories worth sharing. Examples include the hidden efforts of the security guards working hard at the security office, the staff striving to provide delicious school meals, the volunteer team beautifying the campus, and the teachers caring for students going through difficult times. I felt it was important to share these stories with my fellow students.
Because I want to do work that brings joy and meaning to people, I aspire to become an advertising professional who creates a happier world through advertising. To this end, after I enroll, I plan to stay dedicated to my major courses while also gaining experience in a variety of real-world settings. By participating in volunteer work and overseas volunteer programs, I will explore different contexts to determine how best to convey meaningful messages to specific audiences. Once I’ve set my goals, I plan to apply my unique focus to repeatedly plan and execute relevant advertising campaigns, thereby developing my practical skills. I will study, take on challenges, and grow with the mindset of finding a career I can pursue for the rest of my life.