Applications Accepted for 12 Days from August 21 to September 5
Increase in Test-Takers Due to "Year of the Golden Pig" Seniors and Repeaters
Medical School Quota Restored to 3,058 and Intensified "Satam Run" Among Key Variables
Applications for the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), scheduled for November 13, began on the 21st. This year's CSAT is expected to see even fiercer competition due to an increase in both current third-year high school students born in the "Year of the Golden Pig" and repeaters. In addition, the restoration of the medical school admission quota to its previous level and the intensification of the "Satam Run" phenomenon-where science-track students opt for social studies subjects-are predicted to further heat up the race among top-tier students.
On the 21st, when the application for the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test began, examinees were submitting their applications at the Gangseo Yangcheon Office of Education. 
Applications for the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) have begun simultaneously. Except for current students and repeaters who can apply directly through their high schools, examinees who have difficulty registering, such as those with a GED, and their representatives are submitting applications at the Gangseo Yangcheon Education Support Office reception center in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 21st. The application deadline is September 5 at 5 PM. Photo by Joint Press Corps 20250821
The Ministry of Education announced that CSAT applications will be accepted from August 21 to September 5 for 12 days at 85 regional education support offices and high schools nationwide. On-site registration is available daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The number of test-takers is a key point of interest this year. Among current third-year high school students, those born in 2007 (453,812 students)-the Year of the Golden Pig-are about 10% (approximately 47,000 students) more than those born in 2006 (406,079 students). The number of repeaters is expected to be similar to last year's record high, as the integrated CSAT will end after the 2027 academic year, which may lead to another influx of repeaters this year. Last year, the number of repeaters surpassed 160,000.
Changes in medical school admissions and the acceleration of the "Satam Run" phenomenon are also considered major variables. According to Jongro Academy, results from the nationwide academic assessments held in March, April, and May, as well as the mock exam in June for this year’s third-year students, show a growing trend of students choosing social studies subjects (Satam), which are perceived as less burdensome than science subjects (Gwatam).
Jongro Academy predicts that, for the 2026 CSAT, the number of students able to achieve grade 2 or higher in the eight science subjects will decrease by 11,000. As a result, top-tier natural sciences students, including those aiming for medical school-who must effectively take science subjects-are expected to face greater difficulty meeting the minimum CSAT requirements. The reduction of the medical school quota to 3,058, the same as in the 2024 academic year, is another unfavorable condition for medical school applicants. Lim Sung-ho, CEO of Jongro Academy, advised, "Natural sciences students should establish a very tight study plan for science subjects during the remaining period and develop ultra-short-term study strategies, especially during the long Chuseok holiday."
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