Today's College Admission News — 2026-05-25
With the proportion of rolling admissions rising to 80.8% for the 2027 academic year, May assessment results show only 22% of high school seniors opted for Science (a 6-year low). While discussions on 2028 systemic reforms continue, colleges are polarizing: Seoul-area schools are expanding student record-based comprehensive screening, while non-metropolitan schools are focusing on increasing subject-based admissions.
Today's College Admission News — 2026-05-25
Today's Headline
Only 22% of Seniors Choose Science in May Exam... A 6-Year Low
- What happened?: In the May 2026 National Joint Scholastic Achievement Test, the percentage of seniors choosing Science was just 22%, the lowest in six years. As students flock to Social Studies, the landscape of subject selection is changing rapidly.
- Who is affected?: Students and parents aiming for STEM majors, and applicants to universities with mandatory science requirements.
- Why it matters?: The decline in Science test-takers aligns with a decrease in STEM applicants and is tied to some universities relaxing their Science subject requirements. Students should re-evaluate their CSAT strategy.
2028 Admissions Reform: Rolling Admissions Up to 80.8%, Seoul Schools Boost Comprehensive Screening
- What happened?: Veritas Alpha reports that rolling admissions will reach 80.8% for the 2028 academic year. This marks a three-year upward trend (79.9% in 2026, 80.3% in 2027). Universities are polarizing, with Seoul-area schools expanding comprehensive evaluations and non-metropolitan schools favoring subject-based screening.
- Who is affected?: Current 10th and 11th graders, and middle schoolers planning their student record strategies.
- Why it matters?: Higher rolling admissions reduce reliance on the CSAT, placing more importance on student records and extracurriculars. Early preparation is essential.
Key Trends by Admission Type
Rolling Admissions
-
2026 Admissions: 79.9% Rolling, 85.9% Student Record-Based: 85.9% of rolling admissions are based on student records. Essay-based screening increased by 1,293 spots, and student record-based spots grew by 3,648. Relaxed CSAT score requirements are making entry thresholds slightly easier.
-
Seoul University Changes: Korea University has lowered its CSAT score requirements, and some schools have increased their first-stage cut-off from 3x to 4x. Sungkyunkwan University created a new comprehensive student record track (Seonggyun Talent) and split its essay screening into linguistic and mathematical types.
Regular Admissions (CSAT-focused)
-
2026 Admissions: 69,272 Spots, CSAT Focus Remains: 19.8% of total spots are for CSAT-focused admissions. Korea University, Incheon National University, Hongik University, and Sookmyung Women’s University (one science subject required) have removed science requirements, widening the applicant pool.
-
Watch Out for Late Recruitment: Late recruitment for 2026 admissions began on February 20. While mostly CSAT-based, some schools apply rolling criteria (subject/comprehensive/practical), so check the manuals carefully.
CSAT & Mock Exams
- May Science Selection Rate 22% — 6-Year Low: The trend of students moving toward Social Studies is becoming very clear.
Policy & System Changes
-
2027 (80.3%) → 2028 (80.8%) Rolling Admissions Expansion: A continued rise is expected. Comprehensive evaluations are the key trend.
-
KCUE Guidelines: The Korean Council for University Education (KCUE) is urging universities to follow principles of school normalization, cost-saving, and transparency.
-
2028 Reform Discussions: The Ministry of Education's reform plan, announced in December 2023, is being implemented in stages. It directly affects current middle schoolers.
News by University
- Sungkyunkwan University: New "Seonggyun Talent" comprehensive track. Changes to grading methods and split-track essay exams.
- Korea University: Lowered CSAT score requirements and removed science subject restrictions.
- Hongik, Incheon, Sookmyung: Abolished the requirement for at least one science subject, allowing Social Studies students to apply for regular admission.
Analysis & Outlook
The 22% Science selection rate reflects structural changes. As universities drop requirements, the pool of science test-takers is paradoxically shrinking.
The "dual structure" of Seoul-area schools focusing on comprehensive evaluation versus local schools focusing on subject grades requires a customized strategy. Since rolling admissions are set to exceed 80%, high schoolers should start their record management early.
Weekly To-Do List
- 2027 Admission Plans: Monitor the websites of your target universities as they release official plans.
- June Mock Exam: An essential checkpoint for 2027 CSAT prep. Check the KICE website for official dates.
- Late Recruitment Monitoring: Keep an eye on late-stage admission updates and remaining spots.
Student/Parent Checklist
- Re-check Subject Strategy: Ensure your choices meet your target university's prerequisites.
- Review Target University Changes: Download and read the latest admission guidelines for your schools of interest.
- Manage Student Records: Start planning extracurriculars and academic performance records now.
- Consider Essay Prep: With essay-based spots up by 1,293, it is a viable option for those with inconsistent CSAT scores.
Issues to Watch
- 2028 Reform Roadmap: Stay tuned for details on CSAT scope and internal grading methods.
- June Mock Exam Trends: Observe if the decline in Science test-takers persists.
- Medical School Expansion: Monitor administrative and legal decisions as they significantly impact competition and cut-offs.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
