▲ an Examination Paper for the College Scholastic Ability Test.

These days, an academic career is one of the important parts of a person's life. Especially, it is very important to choose a good university to get a good job in the future. An advanced degree can help people get a good job, and career-switchers move into new career tracks in most cases. Because the most common way to go to a university is through the College Scholastic Ability Test, mostly, all high school seniors and even adults take the College Scholastic Ability Test. So, it is one of the most significant events in South Korea. As such, various social problems occur about CSAT.

First of all, some students can have depression. Some students feel the futility of their life and their hard work because of this one test, and other students have a sense of shame and frustration thinking that they have not studied harder. These emotions can lead to extreme results like suicide. For example, the day after CSAT, a student attempted suicide after taking CSAT in Suncheon. The police guessed that he took a pessimistic view of his life and chose an extreme decision and was under investigation. Like this, the burden of the test and depression can cause shocking results.

▲ Students Taking an Examination

Second, the test is determined by a single chance. If a person fails the test because of his condition or some reasons, it cannot be helped, to matter how hard he studied. Also, some students that cram to repeat have to wait one year and sink into despair because most people feel uneasy about being behind others. Students may have to give up their dreams on one test, making it even harder.

▲ a Student who Cries After Checking Her Grades

All students have to lessen the feeling of pressure about CSAT and should have the idea that CSAT is not all about their life. In addition, test takers' family and acquaintances should not impose a severe strain on them and help their management of mental health.

Dec. 7th, 2019

by Son Chae Yun