[2021 Early Admission Special] Sogang University Abolishes Recommendation Letters Without Minimum Academic Requirements

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Sogang University will not apply the minimum CSAT score requirement for all types of the comprehensive student record admission in the 2021 academic year early admission. Additionally, the previously optional recommendation letters have been abolished.

The number of early admission spots at Sogang University is 1,110, which corresponds to 69.9% of the total enrollment quota. Early admission is conducted only through the comprehensive student record admission and the essay admission. By admission type, the comprehensive student record admission includes the first round (comprehensive type) with 434 students, the second round (academic type) with 323 students, SW excellence with 16 students, equal opportunity with 60 students, social integration with 42 students, and the essay admission selects 235 students. Sogang University explained, "Although the university experiences high competition rates, the absolute number of applicants is similar to other universities because the enrollment quota is relatively smaller than other universities."

Won Jaehwan, Director of Admissions (Provided by Sogang University)

The evaluation criteria for documents have changed from four categories last year to three this year. They are Ji (智·academic ability), Jeong (情·character), and Ui (意·growth potential). The evaluation weight is 50% for academic ability (10% for academic attitude and will, 40% for achievement level), 20% for character, and 30% for growth potential. Instead of mechanically reflecting grades, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted using factors such as whether advanced courses were taken, the number of students enrolled in the courses, and standard deviation to assess academic achievement, school life dedication, and individual capabilities. Activities in the first semester of the third year (awards, creative experiential activities, volunteer work, etc.) are considered with regard to the COVID-19 situation. Since the second round of the comprehensive student record admission requires document submission after the CSAT, students have the option to decide based on their CSAT results.

The essay admission applies the minimum CSAT score requirement. Application submission is from 10 a.m. on the 24th to 6 p.m. on the 28th. Cross-application is allowed for all admission types, and multiple applications to different admission types are also permitted. The final successful candidates announcement date is December 18 for the comprehensive student record admission except for the second round, and December 27 for the second round of the comprehensive student record admission and the essay admission. Successful candidates must register between December 28 and December 30.

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