High School Seniors with Delayed School Opening, Stay Calm and Follow Your Goals

"Not the Only One Having a Hard Time" ... Set Weekly Study Plans by Subject
Academic Assessment Postponed from March 12 to April 2, Start with Solid Concept Review

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] High school seniors are facing confusion amid the unprecedented situation of a '3-week delay in school reopening.' Some test-takers worry that this might disrupt their university entrance exam plans, which they had resolved to follow diligently this year. However, admissions experts advise that in times like these, it is important to regain composure before blaming anything. After all, an uncontrollable situation like the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is a trial given equally to all high school seniors, not just an individual problem. If the school reopening is delayed further, there will be changes to the academic schedule and admissions process, but worrying about events that have not yet occurred is a waste of time. It is best to focus steadfastly on your studies, keeping in mind only that school classes are postponed for three weeks and that the first nationwide joint academic assessment, originally scheduled for the 12th of this month, has been postponed to April 2.

◆ COVID-19 is a variable for all test-takers= Yuseong-ryong, head of the ST Unitas Education Research Institute, encouraged high school seniors to "keep an open mind." Reacting with irritation or impatience by thinking, "Why has this situation been given to me?" or "Isn't this advantageous for repeat test-takers?" is a fatal obstacle to oneself. Mr. Yuseong said, "Accept the conditions as equally given to all test-takers, have the mental composure to do so, and think about and practice what you need to study now."

He also emphasized the importance of setting a good time schedule even while staying at home. The more time spent at home without attending school, the more likely one's mind will become lax. Since using study rooms or study cafes is also discouraged in this situation, maintain a healthy lifestyle pattern with the mindset of securing as much study time as possible at home. Kim Byung-jin, head of the Etoos Education Evaluation Research Institute, said, "Based on the usual school attendance schedule, wake up at the same time every day, set times for showering and using your phone, and plan your day systematically."

If a high school senior has not yet made a time plan, it is recommended to set a weekly plan by day and hour based on the period before school reopens on the 23rd of this month. Instead of making a daily study plan every morning, it is better to plan by the week. When unsure, dividing study time according to the usual school timetable is also a good method.

◆ Set and practice weekly, subject-specific learning goals= Although study time may vary by subject for each student, it is better to distribute time across subjects daily rather than focusing on one subject all day. If attending academies or taking online lectures, include the academy class hours for each subject in your daily study time.

Use the relatively free time from not going to school to decide on your target university and department, as well as which admission track to apply through. For the 2021 university entrance, early admission accounts for 77% (267,374 students) of all four-year universities, while regular admission accounts for 23% (80,073 students). By reviewing your own grades, the admission tracks of your desired universities and departments, and last year's admission results, you can clearly organize your goals, which will serve as a milestone for admissions and strengthen your study motivation.

Imangi, head of the Uway Education Evaluation Research Institute, said, "The summer vacation will be much shorter due to the delayed school reopening. Usually, students prepare their self-introduction letters during vacation, but take this opportunity to review your school records up to the second year and draft an outline."

On the morning of the 4th, during the nationwide joint academic achievement evaluation June mock exam, a 12th-grade student at Yeouido Girls' High School in Seoul is receiving the first period Korean language test paper.

◆ Further postponed academic assessment, prioritize concept review= Due to two delays in school reopening, the March academic assessment originally scheduled for March 12 was postponed by a week and then again to April 2. For high school seniors, the first academic assessment is a meaningful test as it helps identify their standing and weak areas. A strategy of reviewing weak units is necessary. After this period, there will be fewer opportunities for review.

Especially, rather than hastily solving many problems, it is important to focus on organizing the lacking concepts. Review your existing study materials, check incorrect problems, concepts you do not understand well, and concepts you repeatedly get wrong, and organize them thoroughly.

If you are still more familiar with school exam-type questions than CSAT-type questions, it is recommended to solve past exam questions. Through past questions from the last three years within the scope of the CSAT, academic assessments, and mock exams, understand how the studied concepts are applied in problems and get accustomed to new problem types.

Woo Yeon-cheol, head of the Jinhaksa Admissions Strategy Research Institute, advised, "Do not be obsessed with your score on the first academic assessment; instead, use it as an opportunity to accurately diagnose your condition. Analyze the problems you made mistakes on and the reasons for those mistakes, and if you plan your studies thoroughly until the CSAT, you will have ample opportunity to improve your scores."

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