First college entrance exam after medical school expansion… N highest in 21 years

The 2025 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) will take place on the morning of November 14, 2024, in 1,282 centers spread across 85 districts in South Korea. Examinees must arrive in their designated rooms by 8:10 AM.

A total of 522,670 candidates applied for the CSAT, an increase of 18,082 from last year. Enrolled students rose to 340,777, up by 14,131 from the previous year, representing 65.2% of applicants. Graduates increased by 2,042 to reach 161,784, making up 31% of applicants. There was also a rise in applicants for other qualifications, with 20,109 applying.

This year’s exam will include many “N-students,” which refers to part-time students and those reapplying for medical school. This change raises the competition level significantly. The first test, Korean language, begins at 8:40 AM, followed by math and other subjects through the day, concluding with a second foreign language or Chinese language section around 5:45 PM.

The exam structure remains the same as introduced in 2022. Examinees will tackle common subjects alongside selected elective subjects in Korean and Mathematics. For Korean, students will face reading and literature as common tests and choose between “Speech and Writing” or “Language and Media.” In Mathematics, common subjects are Mathematics I and II, with options including “Probability and Statistics,” “Calculus,” or “Geometry.”

Exclusive Interview: Insights​ on the 2025 College Scholastic⁤ Ability Test (CSAT) with Dr. Han Soo-jin, Education Specialist

Published by NewsDirectory3.com

In anticipation of the upcoming College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)​ scheduled for November 14, 2024, we sat down with Dr. Han Soo-jin, an esteemed education expert⁤ and consultant, to⁤ discuss the implications of this year’s exam structure, the increasing⁣ competition,⁤ and the changes ⁣in the applicant demographics.

NewsDirectory3: Thank you ⁣for joining us today, ⁤Dr. Han.‍ With the CSAT just around the corner, can you provide an overview of this year’s significant metrics?

Dr. Han Soo-jin: Absolutely. This year, we see ⁣a noteworthy increase in ⁢applicants, with a total of 522,670 candidates—a⁢ jump of 18,082 from ⁤last year.‌ This⁣ includes ⁢340,777 enrolled students, which is ‌up by 14,131,⁢ amounting to about 65.2% of total applicants. We also have a ‌sizeable⁤ group of⁢ graduates applying, which signifies a trend where individuals are returning to pursue higher education.

NewsDirectory3: ⁢The⁤ term “N-students” has been mentioned ‌frequently this year. Could you⁤ elaborate on who they are and how their presence is expected to influence the exam?

Dr. Han Soo-jin: “N-students”‍ refers⁢ to those who are either​ attending school part-time or are reapplying for ​medical ‌school. Their inclusion in the applicant ​pool raises the competitiveness of the exam⁢ substantially.‍ These candidates often ⁣have previous academic experience, which‍ may impact how traditional students prepare for the ‍CSAT.

NewsDirectory3: The exam format remains ‌the same as ‌introduced in⁢ 2022, but can you discuss any key‍ aspects that candidates should focus on?

Dr. Han Soo-jin: ⁣ Certainly. Candidates will navigate both​ common ‍and elective subjects for Korean and Mathematics. In the ​Korean section, students will need to⁢ be adept in reading and literature, alongside their choice of​ either‌ “Speech and Writing” or “Language and Media.” ‍Mathematics continues with Mathematics I and II, with students needing ‍to select one of three elective topics. It’s crucial for students to focus on⁤ strengthening‍ their skills across these sections⁢ to ensure a well-rounded​ performance.

NewsDirectory3: There has been an initiative from​ the Ministry⁢ of ​Education to eliminate “killer questions.” What impact do⁢ you foresee this will have on the exam’s difficulty and⁤ fairness?

Dr. Han Soo-jin: The removal of extremely difficult questions aims to‍ create a more equitable testing environment. While last year’s ⁣exam was deemed challenging, the ‍absence of “killer questions” was⁢ a step​ towards ensuring that a wider range of students‌ can demonstrate their knowledge⁣ effectively. The Ministry’s initiative should foster a better representation of student capabilities, although the exam will still be rigorous.

NewsDirectory3: ⁢ What advice⁣ do you have ⁣for ​students as they ⁤prepare for the exam day?

Dr. Han Soo-jin: I would encourage students to manage their time ⁣wisely. Familiarize⁣ themselves with the exam schedule and‍ structure to alleviate any last-minute ​anxiety. It’s also beneficial ⁢to ‌practice⁤ relaxation techniques,⁢ as exam day can be stressful. Coordination⁢ with study ⁢groups or tutoring can provide ⁢additional support leading up to the ⁢exam.

NewsDirectory3: Lastly, is there anything else you would like ‍to emphasize⁣ as​ we get closer to the CSAT?

Dr. ‍Han ‌Soo-jin: ⁤Yes, I’d like to remind ‌students that ⁢while this exam is significant, it is not the sole determinant ​of their future. Continuous ⁣learning and resilience ⁤are key. Each candidate ‌should focus on⁣ doing ‍their best and‌ remember⁤ that there are multiple paths ⁤to success beyond the ⁢CSAT.

NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Dr. ⁣Han, for sharing your insights with us today. ⁤We wish all candidates the best ‍of ⁤luck as they⁣ prepare for this ⁣pivotal examination.

Stay tuned to NewsDirectory3.com for more updates and information leading⁣ up to the 2025 College Scholastic Ability Test.

All candidates must take the Korean History Test. The tests in English, Korean History, second foreign language, and Chinese characters will use absolute evaluation standards.

In the inquiry sections of social and scientific fields, students may select from up to two of 17 subjects. The Ministry of Education aims to eliminate extremely difficult “killer questions” from the exam to maintain fair evaluation within public education. While last year’s CSAT featured no “killer questions,” it was still regarded as very difficult.

The CSAT scorecards will be distributed on December 6, 2024.