First Online GSAT D-3... Samsung and Applicants Both in Super Tense Mode

Employees Conduct Mock Tests Themselves
One Person Attempts Cheating Instructions Once During Test

Applicants Flock to Gangnam Station Academy District
Lecture Rooms Crowded with Masked Crowds

Total of 4 Sessions on the 30th and 31st of This Month
Pets and Electronic Devices Such as Smartphones Prohibited

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Samsung Aptitude Test (GSAT), held online for the first time ever amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation, is just three days away. Both Samsung, attempting an ultra-competitive edge even in the recruitment exam, and the applicants taking the test are in a state of 'super (超) tension.'

According to Samsung on the 27th, as this is the first time conducting the GSAT online, the company is fully focused on final preparations assuming unexpected situations. Since last week, Samsung has been conducting mock GSAT sessions twice a day, dividing employees into supervisors and applicants. The mock GSAT was conducted in the same manner as the actual GSAT. Employees acting as applicants took the test using a computer in a separate space where they could be alone, such as their homes, rather than an office. Additionally, under the instructions of employees acting as supervisors, they connected to a smartphone monitoring system to record their problem-solving process along with their computer monitor.

Samsung paid particular attention to detecting cheating. Before the mock GSAT, employees playing the role of applicants were pre-notified, "During the test, please attempt one instance of cheating, and if you are not caught, verbally report it to the supervisor after the test ends." Accordingly, employees prepared various cheating methods, such as hiding an acquaintance in the room or wearing wireless earphones during the test. The results of this cheating test showed that most attempts, methods, and timings of cheating were detected.

Samsung also ensured the functionality and performance of the GSAT monitoring system. Through the system, supervisors' voices could be heard by applicants in real time, and sounds made by applicants could be heard by supervisors and other applicants, creating an environment similar to a test center. Samsung reportedly upgraded the system's performance based on reports from employees who participated in the entire mock GSAT process. For applicants with disabilities who find it difficult to take the test at home via the system, Samsung plans to provide separate test spaces.

With the job market frozen in the first half of the year due to COVID-19, the opening of large-scale recruitment opportunities has visibly heightened applicants' tension. Applicants taking the GSAT are flocking to academy districts near Gangnam Station and Sinnonhyeon Station in Seoul to prepare for the remaining days. The so-called 'top' GSAT special lecture by a certain instructor, visited by Asia Economy the day before, was packed with applicants. Although COVID-19 has recently been spreading around Gangnam Station, the lecture room was filled with masked crowds except for seats left empty to maintain social distancing.

The class mainly focused on solving methods based on past GSAT question types. The instructor mentioned, "I heard from Samsung employees," referring to the number of questions, and emphasized, "Since the time is short, you must solve the problems as quickly as possible and move on." Throughout the class, students sat upright and concentrated intensely. Unlike other academies in Gangnam, such as language institutes, the room was so quiet that only the instructor's voice and the sound of turning pages could be heard.

The Samsung GSAT will be held four times in total, twice each on the 30th and 31st of this month, about a month later than usual. The test subjects have been reduced by two compared to last year, consisting of the math and reasoning sections. The total time is two hours: one hour for preparation and one hour for the test. During the preparation time, Samsung plans to instruct applicants to meticulously record for about an hour the identity verification process and check for electronic devices such as smartwatches, wireless earphones, or the presence of others who might assist during the test. Additionally, during the GSAT preliminary briefing held on the 26th, Samsung notified applicants to ensure that pets do not make noise and are not allowed in the test location. If cheating is detected, applicants will be banned from taking Samsung recruitment exams for the next five years.

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