Today is a special yet nerve-wracking day for all South Korean high school graduates. The College Scholastic Ability Test, often known as 'Suneung,' has begun at 8:40 a.m. this morning, local time in the nation.
WHAT IS SUNEUNG?
The exam is a standardized test that is approved by South Korean universities and colleges.
You've probably heard of it and wondered why Koreans hold it in such high esteem. Well, let's just say that the exam's outcome will most likely influence their future.
The results of the CSAT, as well as those of numerous other countries, determine the kind of courses you can take at your selected institution. The most important aspect is that it determines which institutions you are entitled to attend. For instance, you won't be allowed to attend a university in Seoul if your grades aren't good enough. Also, remember that if you are a graduate of a university in Seoul ( the country's capital city), you will take great satisfaction in seeking job opportunities.
Many students want to study at one of South Korea's three most prestigious universities, known as SKY: Seoul University, Koryo (Korea) University, and Yonsei University.
It is so critical that some people take it five times in order to get into the college of their dreams. This one exam is believed to be the culmination of a Korean person’s childhood study from kindergarten to high school.
The test is a nine-hour back-to-back exam that starts at 8:40 and ends at 5:40 in the afternoon.
| Korean (국어) | 8:40 – 10:00 (80 minutes) |
| Break | 10:00 – 10:20 (20 minutes) |
| Mathematics (수학) | 10:30 – 12:10 (100 minutes) |
| Lunch | 12:10 – 13:00 (50 minutes) |
| English (영어) | 13:00 – 14:20 (70 minutes) |
| Break | 14:20 – 14:40 (20 minutes) |
| Korean History (한국사), Social/Science/Career Exploration (사회/과학/직업탐구) | 14:50 – 16:32 (102 minutes) |
| Break | 16:32 – 16:50 (18 minutes) |
| Second Language/Chinese Characters (제2외국어/한문) | 17:00 – 17:40 (40 minutes) |
To prevent cheating and leaks, all test takers are allocated to separate schools. If a test taker has to use the restroom, they must be searched by a metal detector and even accompanied to the restroom by an inspector.
Each classroom has two inspectors, which is a difficult task because they must work in total silence while being on the lookout for cheats.
PUBLIC PREPARATION FOR SUNEUNG
The people who are responsible for making the test are locked in a secured place where only the National Intelligence Service knew about. The latter also cuts of means of communication of the said location.
To reduce the amount of silence, no flights are allowed to take off or land during the English listening exam, and military training is halted at this period. Most businesses, including banks, operate late throughout the day to decrease traffic.
As of this writing, Korean students are still taking the exam. Let's help cheer them on. 할 수 있다 학생들! To the students, cheer up!
