수능 (Suneung)

Today the sound of silence gripped Korea as high school seniors took the 수능 (Sunung). The Suneung is the college entrance exam in Korea. It is a six hour test that determines the universities you can apply for depending on your score. The subjects covered include: Korean, Math, Social Studies or Science, English, and an additional foreign language. The Suneung is only offered once a year, so students prepare from early morning to midnight everyday for about a year to take this test.

Korea has the highest percentage of young people attending and graduating from university, to the competition to enter a good school is severe. In addition, Koreans have high respect for the top 5 schools (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology,Seoul National University, Pohang University of Science & Technology, Yonsei University, and Korea University) but not too much for other universities. While finishing higher education is commendable, most employers would hire a graduate from one of these schools without looking at the other aspects of the resume before considering a graduate from another school. The emphasis is not on how well rounded you are, the focus is on the tangible aspects that are attributes for potential success.

As a result of this clearly defined standard of a good university, the Suneung determines which students can apply for these schools. In addition, since the majority of students attend university, the few that do not pass the Suneung must find their way in a society where not attending university is the minority. It is quite a phenomenon where those that choose to live simple honest lives is considered the road less traveled.

Because this test is such a defining point in students lives from a Korean standpoint, the government instills several measures to ensure that test takers can focus solely on the test. One example is that Incheon International Airport diverted and delayed landings during the test to ensure students were not distracted by the sounds of incoming planes. Another example is that officers closed roads that were close to schools where students were taking the test. This test is almost an unofficial holiday in a way because much of everyday life is modified to fit the needs of the test takers.

There is so much emphasis placed on passing this test. The pressure on students to excel in this test is very high. As a result, there have been tragic consequences. Suicide among high school students in Korea is one of the highest in the world. This was displayed this morning when we woke up to the news that a high school student in a neighboring town scheduled to take the test committed suicide. I think it is crucial for parents to keep things in perspective for their children: this test does not define them and their future does not solely depend on the results of this test. More importantly, regardless of the results, the student is loved by his/her parents and they will continue to provide moral support as they pursue their future.