Early Decision Admission Grades for Seoul Universities Hit 5-Year High

Admission standards for early decision college applications in Seoul have reached their highest point in five years, with the average grade for successful applicants in the natural sciences track entering the 1.0 range for the first time. This trend reflects a highly competitive admissions landscape, driven by an increase in the number of students in their final year of high school and a surge in applications from repeat test-takers who possess strong academic records. Data analyzed from the 'Adiga' college admissions portal shows that the average admission grade for the student record and subject-based track in Seoul universities was 2.28 for humanities and 2.28 for natural sciences. These figures represent the highest in five years. Similar trends were observed in the Gyeongin and provincial regions, indicating a nationwide tightening of admission requirements. Experts attribute this to a larger cohort of students born in the 'Golden Pig Year' of 2007, a period known for high birth rates, and the strategic participation of many experienced students in the early decision process. Despite a slight decrease in the total number of third-year high school students compared to previous years, the overall applicant pool remains robust, suggesting that admission grades are likely to continue their upward trajectory.

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This year's college entrance exam is the last under the current 9-grade GPA system, so there will be a considerable number of repeat test-takers applying for early decision.