Different College Admission Procedures After Suneung... Students in 'Confusion'

Essay and Interview Exams Conducted One After Another by University
Some Schools Adopt Non-Face-to-Face Methods Like Video Recording
Experts Say "Follow Quarantine Rules Well to Conduct Safe Screening"

After the College Scholastic Ability Test, university-specific exams such as essay writing and interviews are taking place. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As university entrance essay and interview exams are in full swing following the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), inconsistent quarantine measures across universities are causing increased confusion among examinees. Although universities have taken steps to respond as social distancing levels have been raised, the changing COVID-19 situation has led to varying exam formats, prompting complaints from students.

Currently, universities are autonomously conducting interviews and practical exams amid concerns over the spread of COVID-19 infections.

This year, 29 universities including Yonsei University, Konkuk University, Hanyang University, and Chung-Ang University are holding essay exams after the CSAT. Notably, university-specific exams such as essays and interviews, which about 600,000 students will take, are scheduled through the end of this month.

However, as the COVID-19 situation worsened with heightened social distancing, universities have begun adjusting their exam formats and implementing countermeasures.

Earlier, Seoul National University conducted face-to-face interviews and oral exams for the general admission track on the 11th, while only students in self-quarantine took interviews remotely at regional exam centers. Yonsei University adopted a 'non-face-to-face recorded format,' requiring students to visit the university to record their videos in person.

Korea University allowed students applying under the general admission academic excellence track to record and upload interview videos from home, but those under the general admission suitability track had to record on-site only.

As a result, examinees are taking exams face-to-face at some universities and via video recording in a non-face-to-face format at others.

In some cases, interview schedules and formats were abruptly changed from face-to-face to non-face-to-face. For example, Chonnam National University initially planned face-to-face interviews from the 9th to the 11th but switched to real-time video interviews for all examinees just days before the exam due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

On November 24 last year, examinees taking the 2020 academic year early admission essay test at a university in Seoul are waiting for the exam to begin. Photo by Yonhap News

Consequently, examinees express anxiety with comments such as "I'm afraid the schedule will change," and "I prepared according to the set schedule, but sudden changes make me worried if I can perform well."

Many inquiries about university-specific exam procedures have been posted on admission communities like 'Sumanhwi' (Let's Wave the Perfect CSAT Answer Sheets) and 'Orbi.'

One examinee posted a thread titled "Has anyone taken a non-face-to-face interview at a university?" saying, "I'm looking for someone who has taken a non-face-to-face interview. They say it's non-face-to-face due to COVID-19," and added, "I have no idea if it's done on a computer or via a large window video chat."

Another examinee shared a similar situation, saying, "I have to take an interview exam but was told to submit a video," and "I'm writing a script but have no idea how to write it. Should I write it similar to a self-introduction letter? I'm seeking help from anyone who has prepared for a (video submission) interview."

Meanwhile, the government and health authorities emphasize that quarantine is the top priority during university-specific exams. Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) Central Disease Control Headquarters, stressed during a briefing on the 3rd, "Additional quarantine measures after the CSAT are important. Since entrance exams continue and students attend schools to take exams, adherence to quarantine rules is crucial."

The Ministry of Education has designated the period until the 22nd as the 'Intensive Management Period for University Evaluations' to prepare for university entrance exams following the CSAT. The ministry is coordinating a hotline information system among local governments, public health centers, and universities to respond effectively.

Experts understand the difficulties faced by examinees but advise compliance with university-specific quarantine rules to prevent infections.

Professor Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, pointed out, "COVID-19 is spreading nationwide. Even after the CSAT, essay and interview exams are ongoing. Examinees should strictly follow quarantine guidelines to prevent infections." He added, "Since students have prepared for a long time, everyone should work hard on quarantine measures to avoid disruptions and safely complete the exams."

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