Ministry of Education Secures Additional Test Centers for September Mock Exam... Online Test Takers Also Required to Get Vaccinated

Application Overload in Seoul Causes Excess Demand
"Securing Maximum Test Centers to Provide Exam Opportunities"
Application Status and Age Group Details Not Disclosed

On the morning of the 3rd, high school seniors preparing for the 2022 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) are getting ready for the June mock exam at Yeouido Girls' High School in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. A total of 482,899 students registered for the first mock exam of the 2022 CSAT, which has been reorganized into an integrated liberal arts and science format. Among them, 415,794 (86.1%) are current students, and 67,105 (13.9%) are graduates and others.

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The Ministry of Education announced that the demand for the September mock exam in Seoul exceeded expectations, leading to an early closure of registration, and that additional test centers are being secured. Measures will also be taken to allow online test takers to receive vaccinations.

On the 5th, a Ministry of Education official stated at a regular briefing, "In some areas including Seoul, there was an excess in registrations for the September mock exam targeting repeat test takers (N-su students). We will accept registrations until the 8th, accurately calculate the number of people wishing to take the exam at test centers, allocate test rooms, secure test centers, and provide guidance accordingly."

Repeat test takers studying at cram schools did not face significant issues with registration, but it was found that external students had difficulties registering. This is due to the increase in people applying for the September mock exam to receive the Pfizer vaccine, as vaccinations will be provided to all test takers.

The Ministry of Education official explained, "For enrolled students or N-su students registered at cram schools, the schools reserved a separate quota for exam participation, so there was no problem, but the demand from non-registered students exceeded capacity. Graduates will also be given the opportunity to take the exam at test centers."

The Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation announced on the 30th of last month an additional call for test centers targeting cram schools, and the Ministry of Education plans to secure cram school test centers to the maximum extent possible.

The Ministry of Education official said, "Except for some areas, non-registered students at cram schools will primarily be accommodated at schools, and if not, arrangements are being made for them to take the exam at cram school test centers. Considering operational convenience, cram schools are the most suitable."

The Ministry of Education has guided that even if the number of people exceeds capacity at cram schools and schools, registrations for test center participation will be accepted. Online test takers are also included in the priority vaccination group.

The Ministry of Education official explained, "We consulted in advance with officials from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency regarding vaccination for online test takers. Online exam registration could be switched to test center participation at any time after registration, but we requested that those who wish to take the exam at test centers apply in advance."

Regarding concerns that the increase in September mock exam participants might lead to vaccine shortages, the official said, "We contacted the Disease Control Agency officials again and received a response that there is no problem with supply."

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