In front of the Suneung exam site, a quiet scene with the lively cheers gone

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The 2021 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), postponed by two weeks compared to previous years due to the impact of COVID-19, began simultaneously at exam sites from 8:40 a.m. on the 3rd.

Unlike last year, there was no sign of the enthusiastic cheering and warm consolation and encouragement that used to help ease the tension of test-takers.

On the exam day, test-takers hurried quietly toward the exam sites wearing masks amid the harsher-than-usual CSAT cold wave and COVID-19.

Neither the faculty and parents who used to hand out warm drinks like chocolate and yuzu tea at the entrance of the exam sites nor the juniors who cheered enthusiastically were seen. Only some faculty members comforting and encouraging the nervous test-takers caught the eye.

A test-taker met in front of the exam site said, “I went through the hardest time due to COVID-19, but I will gather my strength once again and take the exam with determination.”

Parents could not hide their sorrow seeing their CSAT-taking children physically and mentally withdrawn and quietly embraced their children.

A parent from Yeonhyang-dong, Suncheon said, “I am worried because my daughter, who is taking the CSAT, could not properly prepare for university exams due to COVID-19,” adding, “It pains my heart to think of the child who went through a difficult time, but I hope she overcomes it and does well on the exam.”

Meanwhile, the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education prepared 46 general exam sites, 7 separate exam sites, and 3 hospital exam sites for this year’s CSAT. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the number of examinees per exam room was reduced from 28 to 24, and partitions to block droplets were installed on every test-taker’s desk.

This year, 14,208 test-takers are taking the College Scholastic Ability Test in Jeonnam.

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