2021 CSAT, Carefully Plan a Ten-Month Study Schedule and Prepare for the Real Test with Mock Exams

Consistently Implement Periodic Study Strategies After Exam Candidates Identify Their Strengths and Weaknesses

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The 2021 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), scheduled for November 19 this year, is now less than 300 days away. Unlike regular school exams, the CSAT is a long-term challenge, so it is important to establish a systematic study plan and consistently follow it from now on to prepare effectively. Since the new semester brings various school events and regular exams that limit time for CSAT study, it is advisable to set period-specific strategies and prepare step-by-step during the remaining time.

Instead of blindly studying during the holiday season, calmly consider how to study each subject over the next approximately 10 months and how to prepare for essential elements reflected in college admissions such as school grades and the CSAT. Nam Yoon-gon, head of the Admissions Strategy Research Institute at Megastudy Education, summarized study and admissions strategies by period for success in the 2021 college entrance.

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◆ January to February: Establish Annual Study Plan and Strategy = During this relatively free time, you should concretely establish a study plan covering the entire exam preparation period. Breaking down the plan into stages such as winter vacation, first semester, summer vacation, and second semester allows for more effective implementation. How you spend this period can determine the success or failure of your senior year exam preparation, so accurately assess your current position, supplement weak areas, and set customized study strategies suited to your level. Study all areas evenly, focusing on accurately understanding concepts and principles based on core textbooks.

Top-tier students should encounter many new types and high-difficulty questions across all subjects. Mid-to-high-level students need to clearly identify their strengths and weaknesses and focus on improving weak areas. Mid-to-low-level students will benefit from studying basic concepts and solving problems from textbooks.

◆ March to June: Use Mock Exams to Address Weaknesses = The nationwide joint academic achievement tests organized by the education office for current high school seniors will be held four times this year on March 12, April 8, July 8, and October 13. The CSAT mock exams conducted by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, open to both current seniors and graduates, will be held twice on June 4 and September 2.

Students should identify and address their weaknesses through the mock exams held in March, April, and June. They should also revise their target universities based on self-assessment of their comparative strengths and learning abilities and establish practical study and admissions strategies suited to themselves. In particular, the June CSAT mock exam predicts the trend of the actual CSAT that year, so it should be analyzed intensively and weaknesses actively addressed.

Regardless of whether you apply through early or regular admissions, CSAT study is necessary, but study directions may differ depending on the main admission type you aim for. It is best to thoroughly prepare for school grades by making the most of class time and simultaneously study for the CSAT by reviewing class notes through past CSAT questions.

◆ July to August: Complete Concepts and Develop Practical Skills = This is the period when high school seniors study the most throughout their exam preparation. Since study efficiency is also high during this time, you should carefully establish study strategies that suit you to maximize effectiveness. Focus on supplementing weak areas with in-depth study and solve as many diverse problems as possible to develop problem-solving skills.

At the same time, analyze the results of first semester studies to reorganize study strategies for the remaining period and set plans tailored to your optimized study methods. This is also the time to decide whether to apply for early admissions starting in September. Make detailed application plans to make the most of the six total application opportunities and prepare for university-specific exams accordingly.

◆ September to CSAT Day: Build Practical Adaptability = Accurately identify the universities you can apply to and study efficiently considering the CSAT reflection methods of your target universities.

During this period, rather than studying new content, organize the books you have studied so far while practicing problem-solving, and review incorrect problems to reduce mistakes. Students focusing on early admissions should balance their time and effort appropriately between early admissions and CSAT preparation, considering the university-specific exam preparation period. There are many cases where students fail despite good university-specific exam scores because they do not meet the minimum CSAT score requirements.

Practice taking mock exams weekly at the same time as the actual CSAT to maximize practical adaptability. After taking mock exams, do not just check scores but identify and intensively supplement weak areas. If your study routine is disrupted by studying late into the night despite good progress, you may fall into lethargy or harm your health, reducing concentration. If possible, study subjects according to the CSAT timetable and live according to the CSAT day schedule, including break times.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.