Sahmyook University releases 2027 essay guide, detailing short-answer exam strategy

Sahmyook University is offering prospective students a detailed roadmap for its 2027 admissions cycle with the release of its "2027 Application Guide for Short-Answer Essays." This guide specifically addresses the university's "short-answer essay" (yakseul-hyeong nonsul) format, which is a key component of its early admissions process.

The comprehensive guide provides an overview of the entire admissions process, including the departments and number of students admitted through the essay-based track. A notable feature is the detailed analysis of previous admissions data. This includes information on preliminary numbers, application rates, actual competition ratios among students who took the essay exam and met the minimum university entrance requirements, and the number of correct answers achieved by successful candidates. This data aims to equip students with objective metrics for self-assessment and strategic planning.

Sahmyook University has substantially increased the number of students admitted through its essay-based "Nonsul Excellence" track for the upcoming cycle. Excluding theology and arts/physical education departments, the university will admit 277 students, a nearly 80% increase from the previous year's 154. This expansion solidifies the essay track as a flagship admissions route. Notably, the highly competitive pharmacy program is introducing the short-answer essay format for the first time, offering 5 spots.

The "Nonsul Excellence" track emphasizes essay performance, with admissions determined solely by essay scores, disregarding high school grades. The minimum university entrance requirements are also set at a manageable level, requiring only one subject to achieve a 3rd-grade level. This presents a significant opportunity for students in the middle-tier (3rd grade or lower in mock college entrance exams) seeking admission to universities in the Seoul metropolitan area. However, the pharmacy program has stricter requirements, demanding a combined 5th-grade level across three subjects from Korean, English, Math (Calculus or Geometry), and Science.