2025 College Scholastic Ability Test September Mock Assessment Analysis

The 2025 College Scholastic Ability Test September Mock Assessment was conducted on September 4th. According to the entrance exam industry, the Korean, math, and English sections of this September’s mock assessment were easier than last June’s mock assessment and the 2024 CSAT.

Difficulty Level and Question-Setting Trend

The overall question-setting trend in all areas was maintained, but attempts were made to ease the burden on test-takers by simplifying the questions compared to the 2024 CSAT and June’s mock assessment.

“The evaluation board showed its intention to make it easier than the June mock test or last year’s CSAT,” said Lee Man-gi, director of Uwe Educational Evaluation Research Institute. “The difficulty level of this year’s CSAT is easier than the June mock test and tougher than the September mock test.”

Changes in Examination Questions and Structure

Although some changes have been made to the detailed examination questions for each area, the general structure of eliminating so-called ‘killer questions’ and ensuring fairness has been maintained. The questions in all areas were easier, but focused on the concepts that need to be known in the syllabus.

EBS Linkage Rate and Student Performance

The EBS linkage rate is around 50%, which may make it easier for students who continue learning through linked textbooks. Questions with high discrimination ability were asked in connected questions, resulting in a relatively low perceived difficulty level.

Concerns about CSAT Difficulty Level

Since the September mock test was easier than last June’s mock test, there are concerns about the difficulty level of the CSAT conducted in November. Experts recommend learning at a level close to the June review.

English Department Difficulty Gap

The gap in difficulty is at a very serious level in the English department, so candidates cannot be complacent even if they score well in the September mock exam. It is essential to focus on research topics.

CSAT Cutoff Scores and Trends

Looking at the Mopyeong Grade 1 cutoff from September last year, the standard score for the Korean language section was 130 points. The standard cut score for first grade in the Korean language section of the 2024 CSAT is 133 points.

The standard score for the math section was 135 points. The Grade 1 cutoff for the math section of the 2024 CSAT is 133 points.

Since the implementation of perfect assessment in the English department, the historical rate of Grade 1 on the CSAT has varied, with a rate of 4.71% in 2023.