Surviving in the World: Reforming the College Scholastic Ability Test

'고3 물수능' 이어 '고2 불수능' 위기···'킬러문항'의 악순환' (Source: 김혜선, 여성경제신문)

 

What is the College Scholastic Ability Test?

The College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), called Suneung in South Korea, is a standardized test taken by high school seniors. The CSAT covers Korean, math, English, social science, and science subjects. 

 

The CSAT has a significant influence on academic success, specifically the college entrance of students. The test is a significant example of the competitive educational system of South Korea. Additionally, the test is well recognized for its high degree of difficulty. c

 

What changes were made to the test?

President Yoon Suk Yeol concluded by adjusting the difficulty of the current CSAT. He described the current test as one that is unfit for high school students. 

 

The president demanded that Korean educational institutions to create questions based on information taught in school. This would specifically eliminate “killer questions.”

 

“Education policy should be fair for everyone, and (a situation in which) a child’s school or workplace depends on their parent’s socioeconomic status and capacities is not acceptable” (Education Minister Yoo Eun-Hae).

 

Although the president's decision seems beneficial to all students at a shallow level, various controversies arose. 

 

What controversies arose with the changes?

PRO 1:

• Unlike other standardized tests (including SAT), the CSAT utilizes relative evaluation

• More favorable test environment for high school students who repeat the year (재수생)

 

CON 1: 

• Students rely heavily on academies or “hagwons”

• The sudden change to difficulty level makes it difficult for academies to provide sample questions

 

CON 2: 

• The reformation was confirmed only five months before the CSA

 

Why’s it important?

The College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) holds a paramount role in shaping the academic success of high school seniors. As students and educators wait for further changes, Korean government officials and the Ministry of Education have a responsibility to ensure the fairness of CSAT for all students. 

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