College admissions in South Korea explained

The South Korean college entrance system requires all graduating high school students (or those with equivalent academic standing) to take an entrance exam called the College Scholastic Ability Test[1] which takes place once every year. Admission to universities in South Korea is heavily dependent on applicants' test scores and grades.

Criteria for admission

In Korea, the following factors are mainly reflected in college entrance exams:

College Scholastic Ability Test

Commonly called the CSAT or in Korean, Suneung, the College Scholastic Ability Test, is the most common national-level entrance exam in South Korea, taking place once every year.[2]

Student records

Also called school records or academic reports, these outline high school students' grades and other accomplishments. Each report is divided into a "curricular" section, which records grades earned in academic subjects, as well as an "extracurricular" section, which records information like volunteer work, certificates of achievement, and awards.[3]

Comparative school records

Comparative school records are assigned to students who graduated from high school for a certain period (the year of graduation varies depending on the university) or to students who have passed the qualification exam, in which they have no school record itself, the grades they have received on the College Scholastic Ability or essay tests, are reported graded in terms of college scholastic ability test scores or essay scores.

University examination

As a self-evaluation test conducted by the universities themselves, the self-evaluation test consists of mainly essay tests, along with various evaluation methods, such as oral interviews, major aptitude tests, and practical skills offered for each university, in order to ensure fair opportunities for each student. Recently, the number of Admission Officers in Systems has been increasing in bolding measures to reshape the test-oriented admissions process. Some of these measures include viewing potential, evaluating extra-curricular activities, and considering recommendations from principals and teachers that can further enhance their academic abilities.[4]

History

Prior to the achievement test

From 1946 to 1953, the independent examination system for each university was implemented. Each university would conduct its own tests to select students. In 1954, the Combined College Entrance Exam was conducted, and only the students who passed could take the independent examination system for each university. From 1955 to 1961, the previous system was reinitiated. From 1962 to 1963, only students who passed the college entrance qualification examination system could take the university independent exam, similar to the 1954 Combined College Entrance Exam. From 1964 to 1968, the independent examination system was reinitiated by universities. From 1969 to 1981, only students who passed the preliminary examination and the main exam were allowed to go to college, except in 1981 when the main exam was abolished.[5]

The achievement test

From 1982 to 1993, students were selected through the achievement test and university examination. Up until 1987, students were to take the achievement test in order to understand the academic standard of students through their scores, along with adding this score during their application process to universities. Starting in 1988, students were to apply for each university, one at a time, during the first and second semesters of admission periods, and then took the tests provided by the universities they applied for.[6] This process is also referred to as the "apply first, test later" system.[7]

College Scholastic Ability Test

From 1994, the recruitment unit was changed to Ga, Na, and Da-category (in the past, there was also the La-category) according to the entrance examination period. The achievement test was abolished and the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) was conducted. In the 1994 college entrance exam, both the College Scholastic Ability Test and the university examination were held. The College Scholastic Ability Test, is usually held on the first Thursday of November and takes place for about eight hours, excluding a one-hour lunch and break time. Throughout the test, students are required to complete six sections: National Language (Korean), English, Mathematics, Korean History, Social Studies or Science or Vocational Education, and a Second Foreign Language (Chinese, Classical Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Russian, or Arabic). The mathematics section is further divided into two types, namely Ga and Na. Ga is typically preferred by students who are studying natural science, while Na is more suited for students studying humanities. Despite this, most students tend to choose Ga for the CSAT as it covers topics that are taught in high school. Students are also given the option to choose their subordinate subjects from a selection of Science subjects such as Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Social Studies subjects such as Ethics, Geography, History, Political Science, or Vocational Education subjects such as Engineering, Commerce, Oceanography, Agricultural Science, or Home Economics. Later, essay tests or interviews were taken from 1997 to the present day under the government's policy of "banning the main exam," and they are scored and reflected in the entrance examination.[8] It is referred to as the "test first, apply later" system, also known as the "pre-exam, post-support system", in comparison to the previous college entrance system.[7]

Recruitment method

Early admission

Early admission began in 1997 when the main exam was abolished.[9] It is largely divided into the first and second rounds, with the first being conducted before the College Scholastic Ability Test and the second being after the College Scholastic Ability Test. If necessary, a third round of recruitment may be conducted. In early admission, the importance of the College Scholastic Ability Test is lowered, and the contents of the university examination or student record has a more significant impact in selecting students.

Initially, the recruitment was divided into the first semester and the second semester. In the 2010 school year, recruitment for the first semester of early admission was abolished, and since then, universities only recruit students for the second semester of early admission.[10]

In early admission, the scores of the College Scholastic Ability Test are not considered, because the early admission process is conducted before the exam is administered. However, most universities use the grade scores of the College Scholastic Ability Test to implement the lowest grading system, so the CSAT still has a significant impact on admissions. Starting in 2018, some universities have abolished the lowest grading system, a source of public controversy.[11]

Originally, there was no limit on the number of applications. But as several problems such as application costs were raised, applications were limited to six times from the 2013 school year. Only four-year universities, including universities of education, are applicable, except for industrial universities, colleges of expertise, and other universities. Universities can limit eligibility for applications. In addition, there was no unregistered recruitment. To minimize the number of people carried forward from the regular admission process from the 2012 school year, unregistered recruitment was also introduced.[12]

Those who have passed early recruitment and unregistered recruitment (except for those who have passed unregistered recruitment only in the 2012 school year when the number of unregistered recruits was first introduced) do not apply for regular admission. Due to the advantage of being able to select excellent students in advance, the proportion of early admissions is increasing. In particular, the number of comprehensive student records screening is increasing, and the number of comprehensive screenings to assess sincerity, serviceability, and creativity is increasing the most.

The portion of the early admissions for college entrance exams in 2019 was expected to be 76.2 percent, the largest ever.[13]

Early admission is largely divided into four types: the comprehensive student record screening, the student record curriculum screening, the essay screening, and the special talent screening.

Criticism of comprehensive student record screening

Critics call comprehensive student record screenings a "gold spoon admission," which results in different results depending on parents' socio-economic status or political power. Criticism has been raised that private education aimed at creating a "spec" to be listed in the student record has become a "gold spoon screening" and that it is driving top-ranked students to win in-school awards that will highlight their school records.[18] [19]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 김 . 병묵. 2019-09-05. [어땠을까] 한국 입시제도 변천사 [History of the Korean University Entrance System]]. 2020-11-06. 시사오늘(시사ON). ko.
  2. Web site: 2020-04-29 . 2022학년도 대입 정시 1.3%p 증가...서울 주요 16개대 수능 전형 30%↑ . 2023-03-20 . . ko.
  3. Web site: 이 . 효석. 2020-04-13. 고3 동아리·봉사 등 '비교과활동' 9월 초중순까지 수시에 반영(종합) [Extracurricular activities, such as high school senior clubs and volunteer work, will be reflected in early admission until September]]. 2020-11-05. Yonhap News Agency. ko.
  4. Web site: 2012-05-21 . Admissions Officer System revamps college entrance . 2023-03-20 . . en.
  5. Web site: 남 . 윤서. 2016-04-18. [뉴스클립] 82년 본고사 없애고 학력고사… 눈치작전·4당5락 신조어 생겨 [Get rid of the main exam in '82, and take the achievement test]]. 2020-11-06. JoongAng Ilbo. ko.
  6. Song . Haeyeop . Yang . Jay . Oh . Se-uk . 2020-04-30 . Online News Publishing Practices of the Media Outlet through the Portal : An Exploratory Analysis of Naver News Data from 2000 to 2017 . Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies . 64 . 2 . 184–216 . 10.20879/kjjcs.2020.64.2.005 . 219648891 . 2586-7369.
  7. Novgorodova . Tatiana A. . 2020-10-29 . Quarantining behaviour in ants: are Myrmica aphid milkers able to detect and get rid of fungus-contaminated aphids? . Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata . 168 . 11 . 869–877 . 10.1111/eea.12985 . 2020EEApp.168..869N . 227188120 . 0013-8703.
  8. Song . Haeyeop . Yang . Jay . Oh . Se-uk . 2020-04-30 . Online News Publishing Practices of the Media Outlet through the Portal : An Exploratory Analysis of Naver News Data from 2000 to 2017 . Korean Journal of Journalism & Communication Studies . 64 . 2 . 184–216 . 10.20879/kjjcs.2020.64.2.005 . 219648891 . 2586-7369.
  9. Web site: Yonhap News Agency. 97학년도이후 大入제도 발표 [Announcement of the University Entrance System Since 1997]]. 2020-11-05. Naver News. ko.
  10. Web site: 표 . 주연. 2010학년도 대입, 수시1학기 폐지…급격한 대학자율화 지양 [2010 University Entrance, Abolish the first semester of early admission...a sudden avoidance of university autonomy]]. 2020-11-05. Naver News. ko.
  11. Web site: 허 . 현정. 연세대 수능 최저 폐지, 다른 대학들은 "글쎄요" - 매일신문 [Yonsei University's the lowest grading system Abolition, Other Universities Say "Well"]]. 2020-11-05. news.imaeil.com.
  12. Web site: 임 . 주영. 대입 수시모집 총정원 62% 선발…미등록 충원 도입 [62% of the total number of students selected by the university entrance examination... Introduction of unregistered recruitment]]. 2020-11-05. Naver News. ko.
  13. Web site: 이 . 민정. 2017-04-27. 2019년 대학입학전형, 대입정원 76% 수시로…학생부·논술 더 중요해져 [2019 College Entrance Examinations, 76% of the College Entrance Quota From early admission...Student record, essay writing becomes more important.]]. 2020-10-07. JoongAng Ilbo. ko.
  14. Web site: 이 . 정윤. 2017-08-07. '교사 추천서 작성법' 걱정을 덜어드립니다 [It relieves you from worrying about 'how to write a teacher recommendation letter'.]]. 2020-11-05. 독서신문. ko.
  15. Web site: 이 . 인표. "고교간 내신 불균형 가장 큰 문제" ["The biggest problem of imbalance in high school grades."]]. 2020-11-05. Naver News. ko.
  16. Web site: 지 . 창욱. 2020-08-26. "글쓰기 자신 있다면 2~3등급도 상위대학 논술전형 고려" ["If you are confident in writing, consider essay screening for top universities with 2 to 3 grades."]]. 2020-11-06. 강원도민일보. ko.
  17. Web site: 김 . 수진. 2020-07-29. 예체능계열 아니어도 가능한 특기자전형, 지원 시 주의사항은? [Special talents that are not required for art and physical education. What are the precautions for applying?]]. 2020-11-06. www.edudonga.com. ko.
  18. Web site: 박 . 하정. 2017-07-10. 학생부 종합 전형, 왜 '금수저 전형'이라고 불릴까? [Student comprehensive screening, why is it called the "gold spoon screening"?]]. 2020-09-24. SBS NEWS. Korean.
  19. Web site: 이 . 재영. 2017-08-29. "수능 절대평가하려면 '금수저·깜깜이 전형' 학종 개선해야" ["In order to fully evaluate the CSAT, we need to improve the 'Golden Spoon and Black Skills' academic category."]]. 2020-09-24. The Korea Economic Daily. Korean.
  20. Web site: 2017-11-05 . 생활 없고 기록만 남은 학교생활기록부 . 2023-03-20 . . ko.
  21. Web site: 최 . 영은. "'학종 전형 폐지·감축' 50.8%…정시 비중 높여야" ["The abolition and reduction of the comprehensive student record screening system" 50.8%..."We need to increase the weight of the regular admissions"]]. 2020-10-07. KBS News. ko.
  22. Web site: 15 August 2020. [교육부] 특차 폐지등 2002부터 대입제도 전면재검토 [A Full Review of the College Entrance System from 2002]]. 2020-11-14. The Chosun Ilbo. ko.
  23. Web site: 심 . 윤희. 2020-11-13. [핫이슈] '정시에 내신 반영'으로 입시판 뒤흔든 서울대 [Seoul National University, which shook up the university entrance system due to the reflection of school records in the regular admission]]. 2020-11-14. 매일경제. ko.
  24. Web site: 남 . 지원·김지혜·최미랑. 2017-11-24. [2018 수능]입시 최대 변수는 '영어 절대평가'···최상위권-상위권 극명히 갈려 [2018 CAST] The biggest variable in the entrance examination is the English Absolute Evaluation,··The top-to-upper ranks sharply divided.]. 2020-11-05. Kyunghyang Shinmun. ko.
  25. Web site: 김 . 형욱. 2018-07-08. 출제형식 작년 비슷… 영어·한국사 절대평가 [The questions were similar to last year's... absolute evaluation of English and Korean history]]. 2020-11-05. 중부일보 - 경기·인천의 든든한 친구. ko.
  26. Web site: 우 . 관섭 . 2002大入 특차모집 폐지 [Abolish the special recruitment of college entrance exams from 2002] ]. 2020-10-07 . . ko.
  27. Web site: 김 . 봉구. 2018-02-22. [2018 대입] 건국대·동국대 등 157개大 8591명 '추가모집'…26일까지 [2018 College Entrance] 'Additional recruitment' of 8,591 students from 157 large universities including Konkuk University and Dongkuk University. ...until the 26th]. 2020-11-05. The Korea Economic Daily. ko.
  28. Web site: 한 . 상용. 이주호 "대학입시 3불 정책 유지" [Maintaining the three-no policy for college entrance system]]. 2020-10-03. Naver News. ko.
  29. Web site: Hays . Jeffrey . EXAMS IN SOUTH KOREA: IMPORTANCE, HELL, HISTORY AND GETTING INTO UNIVERSITY Facts and Details . 2023-03-21 . factsanddetails.com . en.
  30. Web site: For prestigious university admission, S. Korean students and parents in a war for information . 2023-03-21 . The Hankyoreh.
  31. Web site: Yonhap News Agency. 예체능특기자 3백72명 지원 [372 applicants who have performed well in music, art, sports and other specialties]]. 2020-11-05. Naver News. ko.
  32. Web site: 권 . 오진. 2019-11-28. 서울 16개 대학 수능 비중 40% 이상...논술·특기자 전형 폐지 [6 universities in Seoul 40% or more of the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)... Abolish essay writing and special talent screening]]. 2020-11-14. YTN. ko.
  33. Web site: 장 . 성환. 2020-10-27. 서울권 대학들, 학령인구 감소에도 정원 외 모집으로 입학생 확보 [Universities in Seoul, despite the decrease in the number of school-age population, secure students by recruiting extra-quota special screening]]. 2020-11-05. Kyosu Shinmun. ko.
  34. Web site: 노 . 유진. 2017-10-24. [취재파일] 학생부종합전형을 위한 '스펙' 만들어 드립니다 Report file We will make 'Spect' for the comprehensive student record admission process.]|url=https://news.sbs.co.kr/news/endPage.do?news_id=N1004449407|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-09-24|website=SBS NEWS|language=Korean}}

    Critics have called for improving the school record, which is a major evaluation factor for the comprehensive student record admission process. Complaints are high about the burden of non-curriculum activities, and 86.7% of students (9,507), 85.3% of parents (4,129), and 92.5% of teachers (1,434) said they were "burdened with preparation for non-curriculum activities."[19] In addition, more than 300 cases of unauthorized correction or manipulation of student records have been detected in the three years prior to November 2017, causing heavy workload among teachers, and contributing to the perception that it is a record for college admissions rather than for students' growth development.[20]

    Opinion polls also show that the public's perception of the comprehensive student record screening system is not good. In a survey conducted by Realmeter, 14.6 percent of respondents said "the comprehensive student record screening should be abolished completely" and 36.2 percent said it should be reduced. The current maintenance and expansion responses were 19.3 percent and 18.0 percent, respectively. 32.1 percent of the respondents cited "a drastic reduction in non-curriculum activities" as one of the things that need to be improved regarding the comprehensive student record screening. 21.2 percent wanted to "strengthen the disclosure of information at universities," 18.7 percent wanted "monitor fairness at external agencies" and 14.2 percent wanted "reducing the influence of schools and homeroom teachers.[21]

    Regular admission

    Regular admission takes place after the results of the College Scholastic Ability Test are announced. In regular admission, a total of three applications can be applied for each recruitment category (Ga, Na, and Da-category, and in the past, there was also the La-category),[22] one for each on-time recruitment in accordance with the six-time limit for early admission (except for industrial universities, colleges, and other universities). In some cases, students are selected by mixing the results of the CSAT scores with the school records, and in other cases, students are selected only by reflecting 100% of the CSAT. In some universities, all colleges of the universities recruit students from the same category, and some universities select students from different categories.[23] Standard scores and percentiles of the College Scholastic Ability Test are mainly used for regular admission, but in some cases, grades are also utilized. Also, English and Korean history, which are conducted on an absolute evaluation basis, will be reflected in grades unconditionally.[24] [25]

    In a survey conducted by Realmeter, 55.5 percent of the respondents said regular admissions centered on the CSAT should account for more than 60 percent. 22.3 percent of the respondents said the proportion of regular admissions should be between 10 and 40 percent, while 17.7 percent said it should be around 50 percent.

    Special admission

    In South Korea, special admission is a former system that is available for students with excellent College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) scores in advance of regular admission and/or who meet certain criteria that may not be solely based on their academic performance. It was conducted early in the introduction of the College Scholastic Ability Test, and screening began before the results of the College Scholastic Ability Test were announced and was abolished in 2002 when the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) was switched to a nine-grade system.[26] This type of admission process typically occurs outside of the regular admission process.

    One common type of special admission is called the "early admission" process, which is designed for students who have outstanding academic achievements or unique talents. The application period for early admission usually takes place in July or August of each year, and the admission results are announced in September. Early admission applicants are required to submit their academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and other documents as determined by the specific university.

    Another type of special admission is called the "special selection" process, which is designed for students who have exceptional talents in areas such as sports, music, or the arts. The special selection process is usually conducted by each university individually, and the application requirements and process may vary depending on the university.

    In general, special admission is a highly competitive process, and the number of available spots is limited. Therefore, students who are interested in special admission should carefully review the requirements and prepare their application materials well in advance.

    Additional recruitment

    In South Korea, some universities offer additional recruitment or rolling admission for college admission. This means that instead of having a single application period, these universities accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year until all spots are filled.

    To apply for additional recruitment or rolling admission, students typically need to submit their academic transcripts, standardized test scores, personal essays, and letters of recommendation, as well as any other required documents specified by the university. The application process and requirements may vary depending on the university.

    Since the admission process is ongoing and spots are filled as they become available, it's important for students to apply as soon as possible to increase their chances of being admitted. However, it's also important to note that the admission requirements and the number of available spots may change throughout the year, so students should check with the university regularly for updates and deadlines.

    It's worth noting that not all universities offer additional recruitment or rolling admission, and those that do may have limited spots available. Therefore, it's important for students to carefully research and consider their options before applying.[27]

    University examination

    The tests conducted by each university to select the students they want in early or regular admissions are called university examinations. The widely-known types of university exams include essay tests, interview tests, practical tests, and major aptitude tests. Taking university exams in the form of so-called "main exams" before 1994 is prohibited by the Ministry of Education's "three no" policy.[28] However, some government officials have raised the possibility of resurrecting the "main exams" system.

    Recruitment screening

    General screening

    In South Korea, general screening is a method of selecting ordinary students from within the quota by using student records, the College Scholastic Ability Test, and the university examination. This process for college admission is a competitive process based on a combination of academic performance and standardized test scores. This process is also commonly referred to as the regular admission process.

    The general screening process typically takes place in November of each year, with the application period lasting a few weeks. During this time, students are required to submit their academic transcripts, standardized test scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and any other required documents as specified by the university.

    The admission decision is based on a comprehensive review of the student's application, including their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. In addition, the student's scores on the national college entrance exam (CSAT) are also taken into consideration.

    The general screening process is highly competitive, and the number of available spots is limited. Therefore, it's important for students to carefully review the admission requirements and prepare their application materials well in advance. In addition, some universities may require an interview or additional exams, so students should be prepared for this possibility as well.

    It's also important to note that some universities may have different admission requirements and timelines, so students should check with individual universities for their specific requirements and deadlines.[29]

    Special screening

    In South Korea, the special screening system for college admission is divided into two categories: the quota special screening and the extra-quota special screening.

    The quota special screening is designed for students who have exceptional talents or achievements in specific areas such as sports, music, or the arts. Each university sets a quota for the number of students that can be admitted through the quota special screening process. The quota varies by university and program, and the number of spots available is limited. Therefore, the competition for admission through the quota special screening process is highly competitive.

    The extra-quota special screening is designed for students who have outstanding academic achievements or unique talents that are not covered by the quota special screening categories. The extra-quota special screening process does not have a set number of spots available, and the number of students admitted through this process can vary depending on the university and program. The competition for admission through the extra-quota special screening process is also highly competitive.

    The application process and requirements for both the quota special screening and the extra-quota special screening vary depending on the university and program. However, they may include additional essays, interviews, or auditions to demonstrate the student's talents and skills, as well as their academic performance and other application materials.

    It's important to note that the special screening process is different from the regular admission process and may have different application deadlines and evaluation criteria. Therefore, students who are interested in special screening should carefully review the admission requirements and prepare their application materials well in advance.[30]

    Special screening system within the quota

    The special screening system within the quota includes special talent screening for employed people and students who have performed well in music, art, sports, and other specialties.[31] Most universities usually select and implement their own standards when implementing the special admission system within the quota. In this case, it is conducted in consideration of the school's ideology (especially private universities) or characteristics. In other words, the special screening system within the quota can be largely divided into three types: the employed screening, specialty screening, and independent standard screening by universities. It is mainly being recruited from early admission. Occasionally, regular admissions may be conducted, but the number is small compared to early admissions. However, as major universities in Seoul increase the proportion of regular admissions, the Special screening system within the quota tends to be abolished.[32]

    Extra-quota special screening

    The extra-quota special screening is divided into five categories:

    • special screening for vocational high school graduates,
    • special screening for agricultural and fishing village students (which mainly targets towns and townships, and sometimes includes the government's "new vital areas" of Namwon City, Gimje City, Naju City, Taebaek City, Mungyeong City, and Sangju City according to university standards),
    • special screening for special education targets for disabled people,
    • special screening for overseas Koreans (The rule also applies to North Korean defectors and foreigners. Even foreign nationals cannot apply for this admission if one of their parents holds Korean nationality. However, if one of the parents is Chinese, even if the other is Korean, it is possible to apply for this status), and
    • special screening for students who are socially marginalized or have a special home environment. It is mainly conducted on regular admission, but recently, it is increasingly conducted on early admission.[33]

    See also

    External links

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