University of California, Application Essay Example

When I was 16 years old, I went to the Art Academy to learn how to paint, draw and distinguish color.  It was fun and interesting.  However, I realized that I needed to study painting to become a great artist.

In 2003, I enrolled in Sung Ji Girl’s High School and learned to paint from the lessons I learned from my teacher, Mr. Heo.   With his encouragement, I realized I could paint better than other students.  As I worked with the different aspects of art, I discovered that it can express and design various objects.  But, I had to work every day after school drawing pastel artwork.  At that time, my grades were mostly Cs and Ds in my sketching classes. So, I made a strenuous effort to improve and studied books about sketching.  I raised my grades to a B average.

Looking at art always makes me feel marvelous.  My favorite artist is Andy Warhol, the famous American painter that is very influential in the Pop Art movement.   Some of my interests are going to galleries, visiting museums, shopping, and traveling to (___________city or Country). These hobbies always inspire me with new ideas about my work.

In 2006, I became a helper for the graduate fashion show at the school.   For three days, I worked as a model and designer. As a helper, I assisted models who needed to change their garments quickly for the next stage.  I also made adjustments to make the clothing fit properly before they modeled them on the runway.  As a designer, I helped make clothes in focus design (drawing the body, using color and paint, and using Photo Shop to illustrate the fashions).

The academy chairman recognized my art contributions as a high school student and awarded me the prize for my art entitled “Contrast Used in Pastel Drawing.”  It appeared in the art textbook, The Vision of Art.

In Korea, I studied fashion design.  However, after I moved to the United States, I decided to study studio art. Art was one of my favorite classes because it doesn’t have an answer. Art is infinity.  Art is always around us.  I combine it into my life.  Other classes included marketing and business management.  These courses discussed marketing goods and services, wholesaling, retailing, pricing strategies, and distribution.  My favorite professor was the art chairman, Ms. Gayle Partlow because she helped me hone my art skills by teaching me to draw specific details.  She also encouraged me to transfer to the University of California (UC).

In Korea, my involvement in the Art Club required commitment to long-term goals.  I participated in independent projects.   Additionally, I assisted with group projects that entailed community service for other clubs within the school, Homecoming activities, and holiday window painting.

In 2006, I wanted to enroll in a college that offered a top-notch arts program and embraces diversity (participates in multi-cultural programs).  UC is the nation’s most accomplished research universities, widely acknowledged for its local impact, national influence, and global reach.  The Claire Trevor School of the Arts program entails Studio Art combining traditional artwork (paintings, sculpture, drawings and prints) with cutting edge technology (electronic intermedia, digital media, and video media).

As an international student, I was impressed by UC’s record of attracting minorities because I want to be exposed to various cultures and participate in programs like The Olive Tree Initiative.  In November 2010, I want to attend the Rainbow Fest, “Activisim, Culture, and Expression through Art” which will allow me to explore all aspects of art.

My major will be studio art.  Art is a huge part of our culture.  Every day thousands of commercials are aired and billboards are viewed affecting millions of people.   When I graduate, I want to work as a multimedia artist for Fortune 500 companies like Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia , Google, or Microsoft.

As a multimedia artist, I could work on media campaigns created to __________

I am proud of my accomplishments.  However, two events are significant because they have helped me become an artist and share my love of painting with others. In Korea, I was involved with church activities.  While parents were practicing a sacred song, I was a volunteer working with children.  In the beginning, the children did not like painting.  So, they played alone.  But, I acted as a teacher and social worker who wanted to instill the positive aspects of art.  Involvement in the creative projects helped the students realize that art is fun.  I became friends with each student.  So, they nicknamed me “Angel.”

I consider this teaching position to be one of my greatest accomplishments because I learned how to deal with children, remain determined (even when things are initially difficult), and stay focused in order to meet objectives.  Teaching was hard work, but it was worth the time and effort.

Give another example of accomplishment that does NOT relate to artwork.  Maybe 1) something personal – a time when you helped someone, 2)Volunteer position or 3) A time when someone helped YOU. Think outside the box.  It can be an ordinary event, but it MUST not be related to art. You want to show that you are a well-rounded individual. 

Start here: I am also proud of _________

Even though I have achieved my goal of becoming an artist, I will continue to study and grow personally and professionally.   My confidence has grown.  Thinking positively has helped me overcome any challenge.  I believe that my ability to apply myself totally will help me excel in my academic studies, be an active member of activities on campus, and contribute to UC’s belief in ”doing good in the world.”