The first mock exam of the year for high school seniors took place on March 26, 2025, marking a significant event in the academic calendar as students prepare for college admissions in a year filled with uncertainties. This mock exam, officially known as the National United Academic Achievement Evaluation, was administered under the supervision of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and aimed to provide students with a real exam experience while allowing them to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Approximately 1.24 million students from 1,940 high schools across the country participated, with about 430,000 third-year students taking the exam. The exam included subjects such as Korean, English, and Korean History, covering the curriculum from the first and second grades. Mathematics also had specific scopes set by subject, ensuring that students were tested on relevant material.
The exam schedule was tightly organized, starting at 8:40 AM with the Korean language section, followed by Mathematics, English, and Korean History, along with optional subjects. The structure of the exam was designed to maintain a fair level of difficulty while excluding questions that favored students with extensive private tutoring. This approach aimed to provide a more accurate assessment of students' understanding of the national curriculum.
In addition to the high school seniors, first and second-year students also participated in the mock exam, which served as their first major assessment since entering high school. For first-year students, the exam primarily focused on the middle school curriculum, giving them a chance to acclimate to the testing environment.
Chief among the concerns this year is the recent announcement by Vice Minister Choi Sang-mok, who stated that the number of medical school admissions would revert to previous levels, causing confusion among prospective students. This decision has added an additional layer of pressure as students navigate their academic paths.
Experts in the education sector are advising students to manage their stress effectively while preparing for the mock exam. They emphasize the importance of balancing exam preparation with maintaining a healthy study routine, as this can significantly impact performance.
The grade cutoffs from the previous year's mock exam provide a benchmark for students. For instance, in the March 2024 mock exam, the cutoff scores for first-year students were 91 in Korean, 88 in Mathematics, and 90 in English for the top tier. Second-year students had similar benchmarks, while third-year students also faced competitive standards.
As students prepare their study strategies, the emphasis on understanding core concepts rather than just rote memorization is becoming increasingly important. The recent trend in educational assessments has shifted towards evaluating students’ comprehension and application of knowledge, which aligns with the goals of the National Curriculum.
Following the exam, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will process the scores with the assistance of the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, ensuring that the results are reliable and accurately reflect student performance. Score reports will be available for students to print from their schools between April 14 and April 28, 2025.
In a noteworthy change, the evaluation format for English and Korean History will only display raw scores and grades for grades 1-3, while other subjects will include standard scores, percentile ranks, and grades. This shift aims to streamline the assessment process and provide clearer feedback to students.
The mock exam serves not only as a practice opportunity but also as a crucial indicator for students and educators alike. It allows students to gauge their readiness for the actual college entrance exams later in the year, which are known for their intensity and competitiveness.
As the academic year progresses, students are reminded to keep their focus sharp and maintain a balanced approach to their studies. The pressure of college admissions can be daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, students can navigate this challenging landscape successfully.
Looking ahead, the education community will continue to monitor the impact of changes in admission policies and exam formats. Stakeholders are keen to ensure that students receive the support they need to thrive academically while also managing the stress that often accompanies such high-stakes testing.
Ultimately, the March mock exam is just the beginning of a series of assessments that will shape the future of these students. As they move forward, the lessons learned from this experience will be invaluable in preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in their academic journeys.
