In this blog post, I’ll summarize my academic efforts and learning experiences during high school, major school activities, examples of consideration and cooperation, and my interests and competencies related to the major to help you prepare your application for the Department of Applied Statistics at Dankook University.

Academic Efforts and Learning Experiences

Staying Dedicated to Textbooks, Class Time, and Review I believe the key to studying is staying true to the fundamentals. My grades improved after I stopped attending cram schools and instead diligently focused on three things: textbooks, class time, and review. Rather than blindly working through various problem sets, I memorized not only the textbook content but also the study guides and chapter titles. My homeroom teacher explained that she structured her lesson plans and designed exams around the study guides and chapter objectives, so I followed her advice that mastering the fundamentals was key to doing well on tests. I examined even the table of contents in detail to grasp the overall flow of the material, and to solidify my foundational skills, I made sure to review the textbook at least once a month.
During class, I took thorough notes on everything the teacher said and marked sections to review, so I could study them immediately at home. I naturally began using a notebook to organize my wrong answers, documenting not only the problems but also the solution methods and fundamental concepts the teacher explained. Whenever the teacher worked through a problem again, I jotted down the foundational concepts they mentioned in my notebook. Before exams, I used those notes for final review and developed the habit of going to bed early to manage my energy levels.
After going through this process, my grades—which had been stagnant—began to rise again, and I deeply realized the importance of fundamentals. If you learn only application techniques without a foundation in the basics, you’ll forget them quickly; but if you learn those techniques on top of a solid foundation, each thing you learn becomes the key to understanding many other concepts. Even now, I continue to study with a strong focus on the fundamentals.

Meaningful Extracurricular Activities (up to 3)

The smelliest place, but also the most rewarding: the trash dump. Because I’m very interested in the environment, I actively participated in recycling and environmental campaigns. As I read up on environmental issues, I realized that simply doing a good job with recycling could go a long way toward solving environmental problems, so I volunteered to oversee recycling at the trash collection area and worked there consistently for two years. It was often frustrating when my friends didn’t dispose of their trash properly even after recycling was in place, and I’d get angry sorting through trash that had been hidden or mixed together, piece by piece. Although it was time-consuming and dirty, what was even more disheartening was my friends’ lack of environmental awareness.
So, I planned a campaign to encourage my friends to pay more attention to recycling. With the cooperation of the newspaper and broadcasting clubs, I promoted initiatives on campus such as reducing the use of paper cups, recycling waste, and not wasting food, and we gradually began to see tangible results. I wanted to show my friends how even small efforts can make a difference for the environment.
Donating and Sharing Reusable Items As I sorted recyclables, I realized that many items still in good condition were being thrown away. Since people often discarded clean items simply because they were out of style, I collected those items and held a bazaar with members of the local women’s association. With the help of the mothers, we washed the clothes and bags thoroughly, sorted them by quality, and put them up for sale at the bazaar. Many items found new owners, and we donated the proceeds.
Through this activity, my friends’ perception of trash also changed. They realized firsthand that if they think about the possibility of recycling first—rather than thoughtlessly throwing things away as trash—items can be put to good use again, and they learned the satisfaction and happiness that comes from helping others. I intend to continue living a life of sharing and helping others.

Examples of Consideration, Sharing, Cooperation, and Conflict Management

I took the initiative to do tasks my classmates were reluctant to do. In middle school, I enjoyed being close to my teachers, but when I entered high school, many students—myself included—began to focus solely on our studies. As a result, fewer students were willing to serve as subject representatives, making it difficult for teachers to prepare for class, so I decided to take on the role.
As subject representative, I made a point of checking with the teacher after every class to see what preparations were needed and recorded them on the blackboard. During the performance assessment season, I announced assignments as early as possible so my classmates wouldn’t feel rushed. If there were any revisions, I immediately asked the teacher for clarification and made the necessary adjustments, helping my classmates prepare for the assessments comfortably. When the exam scope was announced, I shared it right away and posted a printed copy so no one would forget.
Although it was a small role, my proactive approach resulted in higher submission rates and scores on performance assessments compared to other classes. By taking on tasks that others shied away from and handling them responsibly, I provided practical assistance to my classmates and felt a sense of pride in knowing I had helped someone.

Academic Ability, Talent, Interests, and Passion Related to My Chosen Major

Statistics is the foundation of every field. I chose statistics because I enjoy mathematics and have a keen interest in the world. I understand statistics to be a discipline that goes beyond simple calculations to measure and predict social and cultural phenomena through numerical data. Since this process forms the basis for decision-making essential to businesses, consumers, and the general public alike, I want to thoroughly study statistics and apply it across various fields.
While preparing for admission, I worked hard to cultivate diligence. While maintaining my academic responsibilities, I served as the subject representative, visiting the faculty office regularly, and used my lunch and cleaning breaks to sort trash in the recycling area. I also took on central roles in volunteer work and club activities, fulfilling my responsibilities diligently. Through these experiences, I developed the diligence to keep up in any situation, a calm and methodical approach to handling tasks, and the integrity to see every assignment through to completion.
With this mindset, I hope to enroll at your university to build a solid foundation in statistics and grow into a researcher and professional capable of analyzing and applying statistics to various academic disciplines and phenomena.