Mask and Barriers... Unfamiliar COVID-19 CSAT Rehearsal Practice

December 3 College Scholastic Ability Test... How Will the Testing Environment Change?

Masks Must Be Worn... Up to 24 Seats per Exam Room
Proctors Inspect Partitions at Each Test Station to Prevent Cheating
Practice Tests in Advance Help Reduce Anxiety About the Changed Testing Environment

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] With the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) scheduled for December 3 just a month away, test-takers are growing increasingly anxious due to the changed testing environment compared to previous years. The biggest change is the installation of 'partitions' to prevent the spread of COVID-19, to the extent that some students are purchasing similar products to practice under real exam conditions.

◆ An Unprecedented CSAT... How Should Students Prepare? = Since the exam will be conducted under different conditions than usual, it is advisable for students to leave home earlier than usual on the test day. This year, additional procedures such as hand sanitization and temperature checks must be completed before entering the test site, which may take extra time. Entry to the test site is allowed from 6:30 a.m., and students must be seated by 8:10 a.m., so preparations should take this into account.

Wearing a mask during the exam is mandatory. Students should avoid bringing masks that do not meet regulations to prevent any inconvenience. Valve-type and mesh masks are prohibited. It is also recommended to bring spare masks. Masks cannot be removed until the exam ends, but students must briefly lower their masks to show their faces when the proctor verifies their identity. Refusal to do so may be considered cheating.

If COVID-19 symptoms appear on the exam day, students should calmly explain the situation to the exam administrator. Students with a temperature of 37.5°C or higher, or symptoms such as a runny nose or cough, will be moved from the initial temperature check area to a secondary screening location. If symptoms persist, they will be relocated to a separate exam room to take the test.

To maintain social distancing, a maximum of 24 desks and chairs will be arranged per exam room. Acrylic partitions will be installed on the desks. These partitions are made semi-transparent to prevent exam papers from reflecting on them. They measure 60 cm in width and 45 cm in height, covering the front rather than the sides. There is a gap below the partition to allow part of the exam paper to extend under the desk. Proctors will inspect the partitions before each session to prevent cheating, such as writing on the partitions.

To minimize group infections, doors and windows will be opened for ventilation during breaks. Lunch must be eaten at each student's own seat in the classroom with individually prepared packed meals and drinking water. Students must not push desks together to eat in groups.

◆ Health Management Before the CSAT is Key to Success = Admissions experts advise that how students use the remaining time can affect their scores, so they should maintain focus until the very end. Kim Byung-jin, director of the Etoos Education Evaluation Research Institute, said, "If students focus only on their weak subjects right before the CSAT, their concentration may actually decline. They should allocate their time appropriately to maintain balance among subjects and focus on reviewing what they have studied rather than learning new material."

Health management is also part of the strategy. Lee Manki, director of the Uway Education Evaluation Research Institute, said, "It is especially important this year for students to avoid crowded places and practice thorough personal hygiene to prevent catching colds or other illnesses before the CSAT." He added, "Since all high schools and academies will switch to remote classes starting one week before the CSAT, students should plan to use this time to calmly finalize their studies." Woo Yeon-cheol, director of the Jinhaksa Admissions Strategy Research Institute, suggested, "Having a positive mindset not only brings confidence and composure but can also help minimize mistakes during the exam."

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