대한민국 입시 전략 Briefing: 2026-05-27
Since the 5-grade system began, average scores in major high school subjects jumped 3.5 points, threatening the ability of GPAs to distinguish top students. With the 2028 Math curriculum converging and most admissions requiring minimum CSAT scores, students and parents need to adjust their strategies carefully.
대한민국 입시 전략 Briefing — 2026-05-27
Education Policy & Admission Updates
1. GPA scores soar following the 5-grade system shift
Following the transition to a 5-grade system, average scores in major high school subjects for the second semester of 2025 rose by 3.5 points year-on-year, with the average across five major subjects at general high schools topping 70 points. Experts believe this is because tests were made easier due to a perceived lower need for differentiation, fueling fears that GPA-based early admissions are losing their effectiveness.
2. 2028 CSAT Math to unify for the first time in 33 years
Starting with the 2028 academic year, the CSAT Math test will shift to a unified format, effectively merging the traditional "liberal arts/sciences" tracks into a singular test scope. This marks the end of the 33-year-old math classification system, forcing middle schoolers and current 10th graders to overhaul their study plans.
3. Seoul National University updates 2027 admissions plan
The Office of Admissions at Seoul National University (SNU) has announced a revision to its "2027 Academic Year Undergraduate Admission Plan" following the Korean Council for University Education's recommendation regarding practical skill assessments for the College of Fine Arts, the Department of Physical Education (College of Education), and the College of Music. Candidates must verify the updated plan on the official SNU website.
Admission Strategy & Analysis
1. GPA inflation hits student record-based admissions
With test difficulty decreasing under the 5-grade system, the gap between top students is narrowing. Experts note that as GPA distribution tightens, non-academic activities and specific evaluation remarks (Se-teuk) will become significantly more important.
2. Focus on "CSAT minimum requirements" for early admissions
According to the University Admission Information Portal (adiga.kr), an EBS News report from May 18, 2026, highlighted that "98% of early admissions now require minimum CSAT scores." This indicates that even students focusing on early admissions must prioritize CSAT preparation.
3. 2028 admissions for science/tech-focused universities
The University Admission Information Portal, citing a Veritas Alpha article from April 30, 2026, noted that "6 science/tech-focused universities will recruit 2,540 students, with KAIST, GIST, and DGIST planning to abolish regular admissions." Applicants to these institutions must double-check these changes.
High School Entrance & Learning Tips
1. 2027 admission plans released
The Seoul Career and Education Information Center has released the 2027 admission plans, urging students to verify specific requirements on each university's website. Middle schoolers and 10th graders should analyze their target schools' structures now.
2. Strategy for unified CSAT Math
Since the unified 2028 math curriculum impacts current 8th and 9th graders, and with Calculus and Geometry emerging as key variables for the 2027 admissions, students must factor these changes into their high school choices and subject selections.
3. Golden time for student records
EBS News (May 12, 2026) dubbed the current period the "'Golden time to turn your records around'… How to handle 12th-grade performance assessments?" It emphasizes that this is the final chance for seniors to bolster their student records through performance assessments.
Upcoming Schedule & Summary
There have been no new official announcements regarding admission briefings since May 25, 2026. However, students should keep monitoring these points:
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Verify the revised SNU 2027 Admission Plan — Check the official SNU admissions portal for updates regarding practical skill evaluations.
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Utilize the 2028 admission plan collection — Download the full set of 2028 admission plans via the University Admission Information Portal (adiga.kr).
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Monitor EBS & the Admission Information Portal — Stay updated on shifts in early/regular admissions and changes to CSAT minimum requirements.
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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