The 2027 College Entrance Exam is now just over 100 days away. Education experts advise that since this year's exam will be the last under the 2015 revised curriculum, students should focus on this year's admissions rather than considering a retake. They should commit to thorough preparation over the next 100 days.
On August 5, the Etoos Education Evaluation Institute released final study strategies for students as the exam countdown begins. The key emphasis is on setting specific goals. Instead of vague commitments to study hard, students should clearly define how many additional questions they aim to answer correctly and which units they will focus on to secure points.
Experts recommend concentrating on medium-difficulty questions that students often miss, rather than getting stuck on the highest difficulty questions with low success rates. This 'return on investment' strategy is seen as more efficient for the remaining study period.
The institute also outlined how to effectively utilize the September mock exam, scheduled for September 2, organized by the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation. They stressed that the mock exam should not be viewed merely as a means to check grades but as a blueprint for the remaining study period. By categorizing incorrect answers into areas such as 'conceptual gaps,' 'time constraints,' and 'simple mistakes,' students can identify efficient time allocation points for the 70 days leading up to the exam.
The application period for early admissions (September 7-11) is a critical time when students' study rhythms can easily be disrupted. Etoos warns that students should not neglect their exam preparation while focusing on application submissions, essays, and interviews. It is advisable to finalize their application strategies during the summer break and to focus on executing those plans during the application period to avoid psychological turmoil.
Additionally, the exploration area is highlighted as a key variable that can significantly impact scores within the 100-day timeframe due to its potential for improvement relative to study volume. However, students are cautioned against relying solely on the exploration area to meet minimum score requirements, as fluctuations in standard scores and grades can occur based on group dynamics. It is recommended to have safe alternatives that include other subject areas.
Furthermore, practice exams should be used as tools to identify weaknesses and test-taking strategies rather than fixating on scores. Students should establish clear criteria for when to move on from difficult questions and how to respond if time management falters, which can help prevent avoidable mistakes on exam day.
Kim Byeong-jin, head of the Etoos Education Evaluation Institute, stated, "While all students have the same 100 days ahead, success depends not on the absolute amount of study but on whether they can move forward in the right direction without wavering. Instead of getting caught up in unchangeable conditions, students should focus their remaining time on variables that can still improve their scores."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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