College Admissions News — 2026-06-11
Korea University's 2026 medical school admissions reached a 99th percentile cutoff, marking a new peak. Meanwhile, over 1.2 million students completed registration for the 2026 high school graduation exam. Regular admissions for the year will account for 19.8% of total spots, with notable changes including the removal of subject restrictions by several major universities.
College Admissions News — 2026-06-11
Korea University 2026 Medical School Admissions Reach 99th Percentile
- What happened?: In Korea University's 2026 regular admissions, the 70% cutoff for the medical school's general track hit a 99th percentile (Korean, Math, Inquiry combined), while the academic achievement track also saw a high of 98.57. The Semiconductor Engineering and Smart Mobility departments followed closely behind.
- Who is affected?: Students applying for regular admissions, especially those targeting medical and pharmaceutical programs.
- Why it matters?: With the first regular admission results released following the increase in medical school quotas, we can now gauge the true intensity of the competition. This serves as a key indicator for top-tier competition levels ahead of the 2028 college entrance exam reforms.
1.2 Million Students Complete Registration for 2026 Graduation Exam
- What happened?: As of 2:00 PM yesterday (June 10), over 1.2 million students nationwide completed the registration process and personal information verification for the 2026 high school graduation exam.
- Who is affected?: All current high school seniors.
- Why it matters?: The completion of the registration process for all candidates before the official exam ensures that preparations are now back on track.
Regular Admissions Stable at 19.8%, Focus on Suneung Continues
- What happened?: For the 2026 school year, 69,272 students—19.8% of total enrollment—will be selected primarily through Suneung (CSAT). Four universities, including Korea University, Incheon National University, Hongik University, and Sookmyung Women's University, have removed restrictions on inquiry subject selection.
- Who is affected?: Regular admission applicants and students previously restricted by inquiry subject requirements.
- Why it matters?: Removing inquiry restrictions expands choices for students, while the stability of the regular admission ratio provides a predictable environment for college entry.
Changes at Kyung Hee and Hanyang Universities: Suneung + School Records
- What happened?: Major universities like Kyung Hee and Hanyang have shifted their regular general tracks from 100% Suneung scores to a split of 90% Suneung and 10% school record (student record) assessment.
- Who is affected?: Regular admission applicants and students with strong academic records.
- Why it matters?: This reflects the direction of the 2028 entrance exam reforms, signaling that school records are becoming increasingly influential even in regular admissions.
Korea University Eases Suneung Minimum Standards for 2026 Early Admissions
- What happened?: Major universities, including Korea University, have relaxed their minimum Suneung score requirements for 2026 early admissions.
- Who is affected?: Early admission applicants.
- Why it matters?: Easing these standards lowers the barrier to entry for applicants in student record-based tracks.
Key Trends by Admission Type
Early Admissions
The 2026 admissions cycle maintains a focus on student record-based selection. Student record-focused tracks account for 56.4% of total early admission spots, and minimum Suneung requirements are being widely relaxed. Universities like Sungkyunkwan, Kyung Hee, and Hanyang are introducing or restructuring their comprehensive student record assessments to offer more variety.
Regular Admissions
While regular admissions remain Suneung-heavy, there is a trend of increasing the weight of school records. Kyung Hee and Hanyang have moved to a 90/10 split, and some universities have lifted inquiry subject restrictions. Korea University operates a 100% Suneung general track and an 80/20 (Suneung/School Record) academic excellence track.
Suneung and Mock Exams
The 2026 June Mock Exam (for high school seniors) featured "new-type" questions alongside traditional formats, providing a sneak peek into the trends expected for the September mock exam. This exam is a critical benchmark for students to assess testing trends and build their regular admission strategies.
Policy and Institutional Changes
Expansion of Inquiry Subject Restriction Removal: Korea University, Incheon National University, Hongik University, and Sookmyung Women's University have removed inquiry subject restrictions, increasing student freedom of choice to ensure fairness and reduce pressure.
Trend Toward Easing Suneung Minimums: Following recommendations from the Korean Council for University Education, major universities are easing minimum requirements in early admissions, emphasizing student record-based assessments.
University-Specific Updates
Korea University: Recorded the highest competition for medical school in 2026 regular admissions (99th percentile cutoff). Operates both 100% Suneung and 80/20 (Suneung/School Record) tracks. Semiconductor and Smart Mobility departments also showed high scores.
Kyung Hee University: Introduced a 90% Suneung and 10% student record assessment for regular admissions, expanding the influence of student records.
Hanyang University: Similar to Kyung Hee, Hanyang has adjusted its regular admissions to a 90% Suneung and 10% student record assessment model.
Sungkyunkwan University: Established the "Sungkyun Talent" comprehensive student record track for 2026 early admissions and changed how grades are reflected in student record-based tracks.
Analysis and Outlook
Intensified Competition for Medical Fields: The 99th percentile cutoff at Korea University demonstrates that even after the quota increase, competition for top-tier medical schools remains fierce. Applicants should focus on both high Suneung scores and strong student records.
Increased Influence of School Records: The move by major universities to include school records in regular admissions is a precursor to the 2028 reforms. Expect the importance of student records to grow incrementally.
Increased Flexibility: The removal of inquiry restrictions by four major universities helps reduce exam stress by giving students more choice in their subject matter.
This Week's Checklist
- June 11 (Today): Confirm final standards for the 2026 high school graduation exam and re-verify personal information.
- Mid-to-Late June: Carefully review detailed regular admission guidelines and plan strategies (analyze medical/pharmaceutical school cutoff trends).
- Early July: Organize non-curricular activities and prepare for performance assessments during summer break.
Student and Parent Checklist
- Check Korea University Medical School cutoff (99th percentile): Adjust Suneung goal settings if targeting medical/pharmaceutical programs.
- Confirm Eased Suneung Minimums: Check for changes in the 2026 early admission plans of your target universities.
- Verify Inquiry Restriction Changes: Check if Korea, Incheon, Hongik, or Sookmyung fit your needs.
- Strengthen Student Record Management: Review assessment criteria as school records now account for 10% in some regular admissions.
- Analyze June Mock Exam: Pay attention to the "new-type" questions to predict the difficulty and style of the final Suneung.
Issues to Watch
- 2028 Reform Debates: Monitor whether the trend of including school records in regular admissions spreads further.
- Additional Medical School Cutoff Data: Track results from other top schools like Seoul National University and Yonsei.
- Testing Environment Changes: Watch for announcements on exam scheduling and disaster response plans due to potential climate-related issues.
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.
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