Seoul National University Eases 2024 Science Exploration Exam Criteria... Also Specifies Required Coursework

Reform of Science and Engineering Subject Test Areas
Combination of Science Test I+I Also Allowed
Presentation of Major-Linked Subjects by Recruitment Unit
Schools Must Also Pay Attention to Curriculum Organization

Revised System Based on the CSAT Test Areas (Source=Seoul National University)

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Seoul National University has relaxed the science inquiry subject requirements in the 2024 admission guidelines and presented major-related course completion subjects.

On the 21st, Seoul National University announced that starting from the 2024 admission cycle, reflecting the 2015 curriculum, applicants must complete core recommended subjects linked to their major, and instead of requiring the mandatory Science Inquiry II subject for the CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test), combinations of Science Inquiry I + I are also allowed.

Seoul National University still supplements the completion conditions by awarding additional points: 3 points for selecting one Science Inquiry II subject and 5 points for selecting two subjects. Considering that the total CSAT score for Seoul National University regular admission applicants is in the 400-point range and that successful candidates are differentiated by decimal points, this holds significant importance. Since the standard scores for CSAT elective subjects vary each year, it is essential to choose the subjects one can perform best in rather than focusing on advantages or disadvantages.

Kim Byungjin, director of Etoos Education Evaluation Research Institute, analyzed, "The change in CSAT subject requirements targets students aspiring to enter natural sciences, and Seoul National University, which had insisted on mandatory Science Inquiry II subjects for smooth university course completion, symbolically opened its doors to students who did not choose Science Inquiry II."

Kim also noted, "There is a possibility that the pool of applicants for the early admission regional balance selection process will expand, which could be related to changes in the admission landscape. Currently, some students have given up applying for the regional balance selection due to the burden of choosing Science Inquiry II subjects or failed to meet the minimum CSAT requirements due to study burdens, but these difficulties will be alleviated."

Along with the curriculum revision, Seoul National University announced major-related course completion subjects reflecting the characteristics of each academic unit to naturally link to the intended major. Core recommended subjects are those strongly encouraged for completion, recommended subjects are those suggested for completion, and for academic units not listed, elective subjects are recommended based on career path or aptitude. Major-related course completion subjects are not related to eligibility. However, whether recommended subjects are completed will be reflected in the document evaluation for early admission and the academic evaluation for regular admission. Academic units with recommended subjects must complete those subjects.

Lee Mangi, director of Uway Education Evaluation Research Institute, analyzed, "In the 2024 Seoul National University admissions, the importance of curriculum and completed subjects will be emphasized, so students should carefully select their subjects. Schools should also pay attention to curriculum organization to prevent students from being disadvantaged due to their completed subjects."

This is the first time Seoul National University has specifically mentioned course completion subjects according to majors in the admission guidelines. It appears they are considering conducting qualitative academic evaluations not only in early admissions but also in regular admissions. Since subject completion status is one of the evaluation factors in the qualitative academic evaluation for regular admissions, this information was provided.

Kim added, "This issue will be an important standard not only for current first-year high school students taking the 2024 admissions but also for current second-year high school students taking the 2023 admissions. Students should complete elective subjects focusing on linked subjects in school classes."

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