The results of the 2027 college early admissions process reveal a stark polarization among applicants, driven by anxiety and strategic choices. While the number of students applying through school record-based admissions has decreased due to a drop in current students, the essay-based admissions have seen a significant surge from N-year students.
In particular, the semiconductor contract programs, which guarantee employment with major companies amid a tough job market, have achieved record competition rates. Conversely, medical schools, traditionally seen as top-tier options, have experienced a decline in competition rates due to the introduction of regional doctor systems and expanded enrollment.
According to data from Jongno Academy, Etoos, and Jinhaksa, the competition rate for early admissions at 11 major universities in Seoul reached 21.72 to 1, with 8,860 more applicants than the previous year, an increase of 1.8%. While applicants for the top five universities' semiconductor contract programs surged by 19.4% compared to last year, the competition rate for medical schools at eight major universities in Seoul fell from 39.10 to 36.86 to 1.
Meanwhile, the three regional universities designated under the '10 Seoul National Universities' initiative saw an 11.6% increase in applicants compared to last year.
Seoul's Major Universities: Strategic Moves as Essay Admissions Fill the Gap
The competition rate among the 11 major universities in Seoul (Kyung Hee University, Korea University, Sogang University, Seoul National University, University of Seoul, Sungkyunkwan University, Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, Chung-Ang University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and Hanyang University) rose slightly from 21.46 to 21.72 to 1.
However, a closer look reveals significant fluctuations among universities. Central University saw a 16.9% increase in applicants, while Sogang University and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies experienced increases of 12.6% and 22.7%, respectively. In contrast, Sungkyunkwan University, Yonsei University, and the University of Seoul saw declines of 9.9%, 8.3%, and 7.8%.
A notable trend is the 'concentration phenomenon' in admissions types. While the competition rates for school record-based admissions (from 8.12 to 6.68 to 1) and comprehensive admissions (from 13.55 to 13.36 to 1) decreased, the essay-based admissions skyrocketed from 75.00 to 82.00 to 1.
Despite a reduction of 59 positions in the essay admissions, the number of applicants increased by 18,088 (7.4%). Notably, Sungkyunkwan University's essay admissions recorded a staggering competition rate of 462.83 to 1, while Sogang University's humanities program reached 129.33 to 1, indicating a last-minute surge in applications for essay admissions.
Record Competition for Semiconductors; Medical Schools See Decline
The landscape for top-tier natural science programs has also shifted. The five semiconductor contract programs (Yonsei University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, Sogang University, and Hanyang University) attracted 5,992 applicants, marking a 19.4% increase and achieving a record competition rate of 28.53 to 1. Notably, Sogang University's system semiconductor engineering program, in partnership with SK Hynix, recorded an astonishing 297.67 to 1, while Hanyang University's semiconductor engineering program reached 211.00 to 1.
In contrast, the once-dominant medical schools have seen a decline in competition. Among the eight universities in Seoul with medical programs, seven (excluding Central University) reported lower competition rates. The overall competition rate for medical schools dropped from 39.10 to 36.86 to 1, with declines across all admission types, including essay admissions (from 233.11 to 226.06 to 1).
Regional Universities Divided by '10 Seoul National Universities' Initiative
The application trends for regional universities have sharply diverged based on government policy direction. The universities designated for the '10 Seoul National Universities' initiative—Pusan National University (up 19.0%), Chungnam National University (up 8.6%), and Chonnam National University (up 5.1%)—saw a combined increase of 14,014 applicants (11.6%), raising their average competition rate to 9.16 to 1. In contrast, Kyungpook National University, excluded from this initiative, experienced a 0.9% decrease in applicants and a drop in competition rate.
This year, the newly introduced 'regional doctor system' admissions also disrupted the early admissions landscape. The regional doctor selection program at Kosin University recorded a competition rate of 39 to 1, Dong-A University at 38.2 to 1, and Eulji University at 33 to 1, attracting many top-tier applicants. Among regional medical schools, Jeonbuk National University, which is recruiting nine students, received 219 applications, the highest number recorded.
Experts Analyze the Competitive Landscape Ahead of 2028 Admissions Reform
Admissions experts agree that the results of this early admissions cycle reflect a psychological pressure stemming from the perception that this is the 'last year of the current admissions system.'
Im Seong-ho, head of Jongno Academy, stated, "Major universities in Seoul are experiencing a dual trend of strategic maneuvering and stable applications due to the psychological burden of the current system's final year for the 2027 admissions cycle." He noted that the medical school application situation has shifted from confident applications to more stable choices, influenced by the expansion of regional doctor recruitment and resulting in a dispersion effect among top-tier applicants, while interest in semiconductor contract programs has surged.
Kim Byeong-jin, head of Etoos Education Assessment Research Institute, explained, "The overall decrease in the number of applicants and current students has inevitably led to a decline in applicants for school record-based admissions and other types. This year marks the last application cycle under the revised 2015 curriculum, which has highlighted a trend toward stable, lower-tier applications."
Woo Yeon-cheol, head of Jinhaksa Admissions Strategy Research Institute, added, "High school seniors, facing significant pressure to retake exams, have leaned toward stable and appropriate applications in school record-based and comprehensive admissions, while N-year students with competitive exam capabilities have actively pursued higher-tier essay admissions. This indicates a growing trend among applicants to seek practical options in semiconductor programs and contract-based admissions rather than medical schools."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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