My family can be considered to be a middle-class family. I experienced a normal family life growing up. After graduating from high school, I applied to a university that I really wanted to get into; however, I failed to get into the university. After that, I studied once again and succeeded to get into a university in Seoul. However, during 6 months of campus life, I was supposed to serve for the country in the Army. During that period, I switched gears and decided to study abroad. I wanted to gain a more broad and real world experience. Finally, I decided to come to the United States, which I thought of at the time and have come to learn is an ideal place to learn in the world over. I have studied for two and half years in this country up to the present time. For the first six months, I studied writing skills and communication in an English language program. I gained good experience for learning the English language. After that, I transferred to Chabot College in Hayward. During the first semester, I made an academic mistake. In the Spring semester of 2004, I took American History. Frankly speaking, that was very hard for a Freshmen, such as myself, fresh out of learning the English language. That is why I dropped that course. In my academic career, I have gotten only one W (withdrawn) mark on my transcript. Now, I can say that I am doing just fine. Gradually, I have accomplished major preparation, in the proper manner,...

At this pace, I can finish all of the required work in my field of my major, before I transfer, if given this wonderful opportunity. So far, I have taken general education classes and major preparatory classes. I have done this with general chemistry and the first part of organic chemistry, general physics, the first part of general biology, and Math 1 and 2. My next academic plan is that I will continue on to take the second part of organic chemistry, the second part of general biology, an advanced English class and one general education class next Spring of 2006. I want to say that I am academically almost ready to join a 4-year college, if given the opportunity. In addition to academic preparation, I joined some activities on campus. I was a member of KSA (Korean Student Association) in Chabot College. In this group, I helped new Korean students have useful information about transferring and learning techniques. In addition, I gave them practical advice based on my experience of campus life. Also, I was a member of the Biology club. Because I was very interested in that field, I really enjoyed the club activity and did all I could for the club. Finally, I would like to talk about the last thing and that is one of the main reasons why I want to transfer. I have a drive within myself to succeed academically not only for myself but for my parents, as well. My parents are old enough to retire and I want to support them as they did me. One of my main goals is to be accepted at U.C. Berkeley, so that I may move forth with my intended major and be a part of this wonderful university. I am confident that U.C. Berkeley will allow me to have great opportunities and to gain a sense of pride. In addition, I want to study in a world class university with great enthusiasm and a wonderful reputation. Moreover, by obtaining a degree, I can be the first person in my family to get a four-year college degree. If given the opportunity, I will prove to be a successful student and graduate from your university so that I may help others and know that I had a wonderful educational foundation, U.C. Berkeley, to prepare me for my career in Molecular Cell Biology.