"Testing the Strong Ones"

Thursday was a very important day.

I had the day off!

However, that's not as important as why I had the day off. National Holiday? No. Frozen pipes or broken heat at the school? No.

Thursday was the day the high school seniors had to take the nation's college entrance exams. (CSAT's)

This exam is a HUGE deal. I believe the test is only administered once a year on one day, and it can make or break your future career plans. (some people say that you can only take it once, but of that, I am not sure). My middle school was shut down because the majority of our teachers had to proctor the exam. This means they stood for 7 hours yesterday, and came to work complaining of back pain and exhaustion. I felt terrible when my co-teacher sat during our class with a heating pad wincing in pain.

 

The day before the test, the seniors parade out of their respective high schools with the rest of their schoolmates wishing them luck on the exam. Cheering them on, while feeling bad with the knowledge that some of these students are going to spend the rest of the day studying. The younger students probably go home to study as well as they know they will have to take it when they become seniors... or just because they go home and study anyways. That's the boring life of a Korean student: Eat, go to school, eat, go to after school academies, eat, study, play Starcraft, sleep. Rinse and repeat.

The day of the test can be hectic. 650,000-700,000 students have to report to their correct testing locations, and if they go to the wrong place - panic sets in. Thankfully, police, firefighters, and even a motorcycle club are willing to help out these students. Students are not the only nervous group. Parents are seen praying at churches and temples for their sons and daughters success - if not directly outside the school's gate.

The test usually runs about 10 hours including breaks and lunch. Unlike the SAT's back in the States, there is a listening portion in both Korean and English. During this time, it is vital that the students not be distracted by honking horns, rumbling trains, construction work, or airplanes outside the school's hosting the tests. Trains are delayed, police are more abundant near the schools, construction comes to a halt, and the airports basically close down for an hour or so. Rumor has it that the tests are pretty difficult and that the government is aiming to look at the testing rules and maybe adjust them, such as being able to take the test more than once a year.

I'm sure the day after the test is followed by relief that it is over and done, but also fear about their scores. There always seems to be a jump in suicides from students who think they failed, or after the scores are reported their fear becomes reality. Sad, but true.

I'm just thankful I didn't have this pressure as a student.