The three years of high school are a long process directly linked to college admissions, making it essential to establish systematic strategies tailored to each grade level as the second semester begins. In particular, current first and second-year students are facing significant changes due to the introduction of the integrated college entrance exam and the five-grade academic performance system as part of the 2028 college admission reform. So, what are the key strategies that students should focus on in the upcoming second semester?
On August 24, Etoos Education Research Institute introduced college admission strategies for each grade level. Kim Byeong-jin, head of the institute, explained, "The upcoming second semester is a time for seniors to solidify their skills, for juniors to deepen their inquiry within the revised admission system, and for freshmen to explore their career paths and take the first steps toward college admissions."
For seniors, the second semester is crucial for enhancing their test-taking skills as the college entrance exam approaches. Etoos advises utilizing weekends to take mock exams that mirror the actual test schedule to develop a 'test-taking rhythm.' After taking these mock exams, students should go beyond simply checking incorrect answers and meticulously record issues such as time management failures or errors in filling out answer sheets to prevent mistakes during the actual exam.
Additionally, amidst a busy schedule that includes early application submissions, September mock exams, and university-specific tests (essays and interviews), maintaining focus on studies is vital. It is advised against hastily opening new textbooks or skimming through all subjects superficially; instead, students should thoroughly finalize their error notes and core concepts to secure their actual test scores.
Current juniors are the first generation to take the 'integrated college entrance exam' with the complete abolition of elective subjects in Korean, mathematics, and inquiry areas. Since the types of questions and the scope of the exam differ from previous years, students must adapt to new testing trends through example questions from the evaluation agency and school assessments.
Kim cautioned against the strategy of abandoning early applications in favor of focusing solely on regular admissions, stating that this approach is very risky. Missing out on six opportunities for early applications narrows the scope of admission strategies, especially since the variables in the reformed integrated exam are significant and many universities now consider academic performance in their regular admissions processes.
In the five-grade academic performance system, the differentiation between grades has decreased, increasing the importance of qualitative evaluations of subject-specific abilities and special skills (known as 'se-teuk'). Therefore, it is essential to clearly articulate the competencies related to the intended major in the academic record.
For freshmen, the second semester marks a critical point in not only adapting to high school life but also laying the groundwork for college admissions. Strengthening foundational skills in key subjects such as Korean, mathematics, and English is the top priority. Failing to fully grasp the core concepts of first-year common subjects can lead to overload in future advanced studies and preparation for the integrated college entrance exam.
Alongside foundational learning, careful consideration must be given to the subjects to be taken in the second and third years. In the context of the integrated college entrance exam and the five-grade academic performance system, how students select and study subjects related to their intended major will be a key evaluation factor. If a career path is unclear, exploring fields that require strengths in subjects the student enjoys and excels in can be a beneficial approach.
Kim emphasized, "Rather than shouldering the burden of preparing for academic exams and college entrance exams alone, students should regularly consult with their teachers to ensure they are on track with their goals. By focusing on the priorities necessary for each grade level, students can dispel vague anxieties and establish a clear direction for college admissions."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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