Entrance into Korean Unis - Is it Really That Hard?

Annyeonghaseyo everyone! I saw a K-Drama where the characters were stressed about getting into university, which made me wonder: is getting into a Korean university as difficult as they show it? If so, which ones are notoriously tough to enter?

Hello! Your observation is quite correct. Admission to top universities in South Korea can indeed be highly competitive, akin to gaining admission to top-tier schools in other parts of the world. Korea places a high cultural value on education, and the competition to get into universities can be quite intense.

The "SKY" universities - Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University - are especially challenging to get into, similar to the "Ivy League" colleges in the United States. Statistics show that the acceptance rates of these universities are typically low, with the exact numbers varying year by year and by individual programs.

The primary reason is the high academic expectations and rigorous entrance exams. Korean high school students often put in long hours in self-study and private tutoring sessions to prepare. This "Suneung" or College Scholastic Ability Test, held annually, has a profound influence on a student's future direction.

Just like any competitive university worldwide, grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and other achievements contribute to your application. However, it's always crucial to remember that every university has its unique admission standards that could vary year over year.

The application process and requirements can also be quite different for international students. It can be more straightforward, with universities offering special programs or admitting a certain quota of international students. Consider reaching out directly to the universities' admissions offices or check their websites for specific information tailored for international applicants to guide your application process.