[2021 Early Admission Special] Korea University, Comprehensive Evaluation Focused on Student Record-Based Holistic Review

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Korea University will select 3,418 students in the early admission process. Of these, 3,231 (94.5%) will be selected through the student record-based screening, and 187 (5.5%) through the practical skills-based screening. The application period starts on the 23rd and ends on the 25th. The student record-based screening is divided into the student record curriculum screening (school recommendation) and the student record comprehensive screening (general screening - academic excellence type, general screening - field suitability type, equal opportunity). The student record curriculum screening (school recommendation) selects final successful candidates by combining 60% of the school life record (curriculum), 20% of documents, and 20% of interviews in a single selection process. Since this screening quantitatively evaluates academic grades and reflects 60%, it is advantageous for students who have diligently completed their studies at each high school.

The student record comprehensive screening (general screening - academic excellence type, general screening - field suitability type, equal opportunity) comprehensively evaluates all records centered on the school life record, unlike the student record curriculum screening. Because it is a qualitative evaluation, the amount of student record or the presence or absence of specific activities is not a critical factor, and it evaluates considering the applicant’s various strengths and individual characteristics. Therefore, applicants who have faithfully engaged in academics and school activities within their high school environment and can continue their studies well after entering university can receive a favorable evaluation.

Yang Chan-woo, Head of Talent Development Department (Provided by Korea University)

School recommendation requires a recommendation from the respective high school to apply, and equal opportunity is only available to qualified applicants. Also, since some screenings in the early admission process apply the minimum CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test) score requirement, applicants should remain vigilant until the CSAT. The personal statement submission has been changed from mandatory to optional, and there is no disadvantage for non-submission. All interviews in the early admission process will be conducted in a non-face-to-face format. Korea University’s Talent Development Office is operating various online programs to support applicants facing difficulties in preparing for admissions due to the spread of COVID-19. They have produced and posted on the Talent Development Office website online one-on-one career and academic counseling, admission screening guidance and last year’s admission results, student record comprehensive screening evaluation guidance, and interview guidance videos.

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