Ahead of the college entrance examination, the so-called "social studies run" and "probability and statistics run" are increasing. The social studies run refers to natural science students choosing social studies subjects instead of science. Meanwhile, the probability and statistics run refers to switching from calculus and geometry to probability and statistics.
Admission experts noted, "With the large number of babies born in 2007, the year of the golden pig, now in their senior year, the social studies run and probability and statistics run are increasing. Some medical schools allowing applications with social studies has also contributed to this. "
◇ Social studies selection: 55% in March last year → 65% in March this year → 67% in May... Probability and statistics: 52% → 59%
The social studies run and probability and statistics run are increasingly seen in this year's mock exams. In the nationwide academic ability assessment taken by seniors, the participation rate for social studies recorded around 55% in both March and May last year. However, this rate increased to 64.6% in March and 66.6% in May this year. Among social studies, there was a concentration of students in social culture and world geography. Also, in the June mock exam, which also the repeat students take, the registration rate for social studies was recorded at 59.7%, an increase from last year's June mock exam (54.7%) and the college entrance exam (55.6%).
The selection rate for probability and statistics was between 52% and 53% in last year's March and May assessments, but this year it rose to the 59% range in March and May. In contrast, the selection rate for calculus fell from 45.1% in May last year to 38.8% this May. The number of candidates for probability and statistics in the June mock exam has not yet been tallied.
◇ D-156 until the college entrance exam, students are contemplating the "social studies run" and "probability and statistics run"
As of the 10th, there are 156 days left until this year's college entrance exam. It can be said that there is not much time to change subject choices with the social studies run and probability and statistics run.
A senior student in Seoul said, "I’ve been getting ambiguous grades of 3 to 4 in Chemistry I and am seriously contemplating the social studies run." Posts like "Haven't you done the social studies run yet?" and "Doing the social studies run and probability and statistics run definitely improves quality of life" have also been surfacing in admission communities.
The social studies run and probability and statistics run are admission tactics aimed at selecting relatively easier subjects in order to achieve slightly higher scores. This year, particularly with the influx of the large cohort of 2007 babies, the competition in admissions has intensified. The number of babies born in 2007 was 496,822, which is 40,000 to 60,000 more than the seniors of 2005 (438,707) and 2006 (451,759). Moreover, there are also 30,000 to 50,000 more than the younger cohorts of 2008 (465,892) and 2009 (444,849).
Additionally, the number of repeat students and those taking the exam for the second time has increased. With the college entrance exam system set to change in the coming years, many graduates see this year as their "last chance to challenge the exam again." In fact, the number of candidates (503,572) who participated in the June mock exam was the highest on record. This indicates that the competition in admissions is becoming more intense.
It is also analyzed that allowing applications with social studies grades by certain medical, dental, traditional medicine, pharmacy, veterinary schools, and engineering disciplines has influenced the social studies run.
Im Sung-ho, the head of Jongno Academy, said, "This year, the number of repeat students is expected to reach the highest level in 22 years, which suggests that the burden on students will increase. The phenomena of the social studies run and probability and statistics run are likely to lead to a chaotic situation when finalizing subject selection for the college entrance exam."