South Korea: March 28 University Admissions News
The 2027 admissions cycle is the final one under the current curriculum before the 2028 overhaul, bringing key changes to admissions policies at top universities. Meanwhile, 1.22 million students recently took the March mock exam, which many found surprisingly difficult. Also, some unique stories from 2026 junior college entrants—like families and married couples attending school together—have been making headlines.
South Korea: March 28 University Admissions News
📌 Top Stories
March Mock Exam: 1.22 Million Students Say It Was "Very Tough"
On Monday the 24th, 1,948 high schools across the country participated in the first mock exam of the 2027 academic year, hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. About 1.22 million students took the test, and the consensus online among test-takers was that it was "very difficult." This exam serves as the first official benchmark for high school seniors preparing for this year’s Suneung (CSAT).
Unique 2026 Junior College Entrants: "A Pig-Farming Family Now Classmates"
This year’s junior college freshman class includes some truly unique stories. From a pig-farming family starting college together to married couples commuting to campus, many adult learners are choosing professional colleges to get hands-on training. According to Veritas Alpha, these students share a common goal: gaining the practical skills they need to pursue their dreams.
Changes to 2027 Admissions: Analyzing Key University Strategies
The 2027 admissions cycle is the last one using the current curriculum before the 2028 reform. According to Edujin, while universities are keeping the basic 2026 structure, many are tweaking their "School Record-based" (Students' Record-based) and "Comprehensive" selection processes—including adding new qualitative evaluations and document reviews—in anticipation of the upcoming 2028 changes. Students should definitely check the specific requirements for their target schools.
📋 Admissions Schedule & Policy Updates
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2027 Susi (Early Decision) Admissions: Universities will begin accepting applications in early September for at least three days. Remember the six-application limit.
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Preparing for the 2028 Reform: The Ministry of Education is currently guiding first-year high schoolers through the shift to the integrated Suneung system and the new 5-grade internal ranking system. AI college counseling services are set to launch in 2027, with AI record consulting starting in 2028.
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2026 Key Takeaways: Last year saw more schools introducing Suneung minimum score requirements for early admissions and increasing the weight of student records and exploratory subject bonuses for regular admissions—a trend expected to continue into 2027.
📊 Admissions Trends
1. More Focus on Qualitative Evaluation Major universities are putting more weight on qualitative factors even in "School Record-based" admissions. Since more schools are now combining interviews and document reviews with grades, extracurricular activities and well-prepared application documents are becoming crucial.
2. Tougher Suneung Minimums Even if you're applying for early decision, you can't get in without meeting the Suneung minimum score. With more universities setting these bars, it’s vital to keep up with your Suneung prep alongside your early application strategy.
3. Accelerating 2028 Reform Guidance The Ministry of Education is ramping up information sessions on the integrated Suneung and 5-grade system for current 10th graders to minimize confusion.
🎯 Action Items for Students
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Analyze Your March Mock Exam Results: Identify your weak spots now and adjust your study plan accordingly. Since many found this test hard, start focusing on those difficult problem types immediately.
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Check Target School Requirements: Look up the 2027 admissions plans for your target universities. Pay close attention to changes in qualitative evaluations or new document requirements.
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Balance Susi and Suneung Prep: Don't let your Suneung studies slide just because you're focusing on early admissions. Failing to meet the minimum score is the most common reason for rejection.
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10th Graders: Study the 2028 Changes: If you're currently in 10th grade, use official channels like the Ministry of Education or to understand the new system and plan your long-term study strategy.
👀 Points to Watch
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2027 Admission Prospectus Release: Universities will start publishing their 2027 early admission requirements as early as April or May. Keep an eye out for these.
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AI College Diagnostic Service (2027): A new AI-driven college diagnostic tool for students applying through quantitative-focused tracks is slated to launch in 2027.
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June Mock Exam: This is organized by the actual Suneung testing agency and is the best indicator of what the real exam will look like. It’s a key milestone for finalizing your strategy.
⚠️ Note: Some information here may be based on preliminary data. Always double-check specific details on the official Ministry of Education website () or the university admissions portal ().
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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