2028 Seoul National University, Yonsei University regular admissions to fall to 30% range; internal grades to become more important

South Korea's higher education landscape is undergoing a significant shift with the upcoming 2028 academic year, as top universities like Seoul National University and Yonsei University drastically cut their regular admission quotas to the 30% range. This move, detailed in the '2028 Academic Year University Admissions Plan' by the Korean Council for University Education (KCUE), signals a major pivot towards early admissions (susi), which will now account for a record 80.8% of all university enrollments. This dramatic increase in early admissions places an unprecedented emphasis on high school performance and internal school records (naesin).

The introduction of an 'integrated' college entrance exam (Suneung) for the 2028 academic year, which eliminates subject choices, has prompted universities to seek new ways to assess applicants. Many institutions, including eight of the top 15 universities, plan to incorporate high school records into their regular admission processes. Seoul National University, for instance, will use a two-stage process for its regular admissions, with the first stage relying solely on the Suneung and the second stage combining Suneung scores with an evaluation of academic capabilities. This reflects a broader trend of seeking more holistic evaluations beyond standardized test scores.

For students, this evolving admissions system presents a heightened pressure to excel not only in standardized tests but also in their day-to-day academic performance and extracurricular activities throughout high school. The shift away from a heavy reliance on the Suneung for regular admissions means that maintaining strong internal grades and a well-rounded student record is more critical than ever. Experts like Lim Sung-ho, CEO of Jongro Academy, advise students to recognize the reduced opportunities for Suneung-based admissions and to focus diligently on their in-school academic management. This change is particularly significant for South Korea, where the Suneung has historically been the ultimate determinant of university admission, and this adjustment reflects a national conversation about the best way to evaluate student potential.