In this blog post, I’ll summarize my academic experiences and school activities during high school, examples of my acts of consideration, sharing, and cooperation, as well as my motivation for applying and my career preparation.
Academic Experiences and Reflections
When I first started studying math in high school, my grades remained relatively stable. I even earned a top grade on mock exams and achieved high scores on school exams. However, in my sophomore year, when I began studying science-track math in earnest, my grades dropped to the 80s, and I realized the limitations of my study methods. At first, I relied solely on repeatedly working through my textbook and commercially available workbooks, which led me to develop a habit of “memorizing to solve problems.” I frequently found myself unable to solve problems whenever they became slightly more complex or difficult.
Prompted by this drop in grades, I decided to change my approach to studying math. I moved away from simple memorization and focused on understanding formulas and concepts, striving to grasp the principles and structure of a problem before attempting to solve it. To support this understanding-centered approach, I created “concept notes.” Instead of simply copying sentences from the textbook verbatim, I always reinterpreted and summarized them in my own words. I focused on editing the notes so that, when reviewed later, the content would be immediately understandable through reconstruction rather than rote memorization.
When summarizing a unit, I systematically organized the material into four categories: concept explanations, problem types, formula interpretations, and analysis of incorrect answers. Once I created my notes using these four categories, I found that the content I had organized myself was actually easier to read than commercially available study guides, and I grasped the concepts more quickly. My notes became so useful that my friends wanted to borrow them. Whenever I encountered difficulties while summarizing, I supplemented my understanding by searching for online lectures, particularly those produced overseas. Being exposed to diverse explanations deepened my understanding of the concepts, and by incorporating that content into my notes, I was able to make them more comprehensive.
Through this process, I was able to develop not only my problem-solving skills but also my critical thinking and analytical abilities. Practicing how to interpret and apply mathematical concepts on my own helped me stay calm even when faced with complex problems. Above all, I developed the habit of constantly asking “why” while studying, which proved to be a great help when studying other subjects later on.
Major School Activities and Reflections
The high school I attended was located in a small mountain village in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, and did not have a formal library or a separate study space. After classes ended, most students went home, and it was difficult to stay at school to study on one’s own. However, many students felt there was a need for a space where they could study consistently at school, and as a result, a movement emerged to create a study space ourselves.
The concept of a “learning community,” proposed by one of our teachers, soon evolved into a “learning cooperative.” Students, parents, and several teachers became members of the cooperative and began transforming an unused classroom into a makeshift library by pooling their own funds and donated books. Although the resources we gathered were limited, we gradually added equipment and books, piece by piece, to set up a large table, chairs, and bookshelves. We hung a sign in front of the classroom that read “Learning Community through the Student Cooperative” so that anyone could easily use the space.
This space evolved beyond a simple book storage area to become a living space where students could study on their own, form study groups, and engage in discussions. As a member of the learning cooperative, I organized study groups, reserved the library, and read books and led book discussions with my friends. In particular, activities such as taking humanities courses as a group, reading Eastern and Western classics together, and discussing medical and scientific books related to our majors allowed us to think more broadly. We also set up a multi-purpose practice space where students could take online lectures, thereby improving the quality of our learning.
We compiled the outcomes of our discussions and readings into meeting minutes, which we bound into a booklet. We then produced promotional materials by adding photos and descriptions to share these with the school community. Although it was a small effort, the results of the school community thinking together and taking action were clearly visible, and this allowed me to truly experience the power of community and the value of taking action. The sense of accomplishment gained through a proactive attitude toward improving our environment and through cooperation became a valuable asset during my high school years.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
As I frequently visited the library, I personally experienced the power of books and came to believe that helping more students engage with them was important. So, together with members of the Study Group, I planned a reading campaign called “Let’s All Read Together.” The goal was not merely to encourage reading but also to expand the library’s collection through book donations.
We held an event, inviting local residents and parents, and hung campaign banners to showcase recommended books and provide activity guidelines. We prepared refreshments and offered reading-related content to engage participants, and when extending invitations, we asked each guest to donate at least one book. As a result, about 50 people participated and donated books, and with the donated books, we were able to purchase additional bookshelves, thereby enhancing both the size and quality of the library.
The reading campaign was held regularly once per semester and served as a consistent opportunity to collect books. Through this activity, I learned the practical aspects of sharing and cooperation. I felt a great sense of fulfillment watching how small individual contributions came together to create a shared resource, and seeing how more people benefited from the results. I also gained hands-on experience in practicing consideration for others and upholding public values.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
While reading books on medicine and pharmacy, I solidified my desire to become a pharmacist and researcher. Through books and discussions, I realized the importance of scientific and statistical foundations in the field of pharmacy and developed a particular interest in clinical trials and statistical analysis. As I came to understand the significance of statistical validation and clinical trial design in the new drug development process, I resolved to become an expert in these areas.
During high school, I formed a study group with friends interested in pharmacy, where we discussed our career paths while preparing for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). Through this experience, I recognized the need to study specific topics such as clinical trial statistics, multi-center clinical trial design, multiple testing, subgroup analysis, and equivalence testing, and I planned to study courses in computational statistics or biostatistics in depth after entering college.
My long-term plan is to major in computational statistics in graduate school after completing my undergraduate degree and to pursue a Ph.D. abroad. Specifically, I aim to enroll in the Ph.D. program in Statistics at the University of Wisconsin to become a specialist in clinical trial statistical analysis. My ultimate goal is to return to Korea, continue my research in both academia and industry, participate in pharmaceutical regulatory reviews, and contribute to new drug development as a researcher.
To achieve this, I plan to build a solid foundation in basic statistics and mathematics during my undergraduate studies, while gaining relevant practical and research experience. I also intend to develop my academic communication skills, particularly in English, and gain hands-on experience with clinical data and statistical methods through internships and research participation. Through these step-by-step, concrete preparations, I aim to turn my long-term goals into reality.
