Vol. 10, Issue 01 January 2010 
Su-neung and University Admissions in Korea
Perspective
A look at the Korean SAT (su-neung) and University admissions systems in Korea.
By Park Min-ji & Ko Nam-il
Turbulent times for 12th graders in high school
Everyone who lives in Korea, especially teachers and others in the field of education, is interested in learning about the Korean education system. We are here to explore how Korean students enter university.
Last November, a test was held which is called su-neung (aka KSAT, or Korean SAT). Su-neung is a test that every Korean knows about and virtually all high school students have taken since 1993. Su-neung is the standard university entrance exam and is still the most common way to enter the university in the southern half of the Korean peninsula. It is offered once a year in November and as many as 600,000 senior high school students take it every year.
Su-neung and the second round
Recently, on December 8, students received their su-neung test results. Based on their test score, each student then had to decide on up to 3 universities they wanted to apply for, by the due date of December 23. Keep in mind the rule that students can apply to one university from each category, from type 가(Ga), type 나(Na), and type 다(Da). These types are decided by university authorities on when they want to interview students. Interviews takes place in January, so students are busy with university interviews at that time. Some students are much busier even in December preparing interviews and composition tests. In February most students know which university they will attend in the following semester, but a few students will still be waiting for their results to come (other unlucky students start to study again to re-take the exam– the same time again next year.)
Rolling Admission
As for Chonnam National University (CNU), about 18% of people enter university only based on their su-neung score, and other tests scores during their three years at high school are not counted. 28% of people enter university with some scores based on high school activities as well as their su-neung score. 46% of people enter university mainly depending on school activities and their academic rank. In this case su-neung works as a qualifying factor. This way of entering university is called su-si, nonscheduled admission or rolling admission.
Fortunately the day I visited Chonnam National University was the day final interviews were scheduled. Students are given admission numbers and wait in a room for the interview. Before they entered the interview room, all students have to hand in their cell phones, to prevent them from sharing the questions they are asked during the interview. Unlike other interviews, it lasts for more than 20 minutes per applicant. One student, named Gook Hyun-sil, allowed me to talk with her. She said she is from North Jeolla province and strongly wanted to enter this department. The person in charge of the interview graciously granted my request to take some snap shots during the interview. For the duration of the interview, the interviewers tried to relax the students, for they want to attract the best students. Once the interview is done, interviewees have to remain in the room until the second group of students arrives, to prevent students from the first revealing the questions they were asked.
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How do you feel about Su-neung? Taking once it is cruel enough. It is like a military service, or more than that. It’s nothing but a burden It’s like a Russian roulette. I shouldn’t think about as a whole life. There are just too many subjects to study. We have to have to have more chance to be evaluated. It is necessary, but the authorities put too much advantage on Su-neung. It has to be changed. |
From 18th of December to 23rd of December, Chonnam University is open to application from both Ga and Na groups. For Ga group applicants, as mentioned before, considers only their su-neung score. However, the way they calculate the score varies depending on their programs. Sometimes they do not include two science subjects or Korean. For the Na group, they reflect both scores from high school (three years score) and su-neung. However, there are several holes in this system due to score weighting. No matter how hard students may try, high school scores have basic scores. Even though 400 is the score set aside for the high school score, 250 is given for free to everybody. It is sure that three years of effort is rewarded for 150 score. On the other hand, su-neung score is transformed into 400. One wrongly solved mathematic question is worth two points. Su-neung, the only chance for the students who waited for three years to be evaluated in this way, is so critically important.
There are also a couple of other ways to enter university. These are:
- Admissions Officer.
- Special admission (e.g. sports abilities).
An Admissions Officer is responsible for recruiting undergraduate students and reviewing applications for admission. Korea has used this method since 2007 and it is applied at almost every school. This method, at some schools, requires students to stay with the interviewer for up to three days. Finally, the special admission method is used to favor student athletes.
The way to enter university is difficult not only for students but also for teachers. It is too complicated. Above all, the su-neung score is considered the most important factor. More than 75% of students are influenced by su-neung scores. No one knows if su-neung is practical or not. However it remains to be seen how the su-neung test will take shape amid the changes in the days to come.
By Park Min-ji & Ko Nam-il
comparable ratio for Chonnam national university.
Cell phones collected.
On the spot interview.
