2

My native Korean brother-in-law living in Seoul has what I would call a "star" child/pupil. She won piano competitions, she is always studying, and she graduated #1 in her high school class (not an exaggeration, a literal #1 in her class).

I understand in overview only the college entry exam(s). I do not know what my niece's score(s) turned out to be; but the entire family is shocked and dismayed because she did not make it into college.

So that I can have a base of understanding in order to have somewhat fluent Korean conversations with my Korean in-laws on this subject...

  • What are common vocabulary words and phrases surrounding the options for a child that does not make it into college via the entrance examination?

Other questions that I'm sure I need to have a general understanding of to help the family cope with this situation include:

  • What is the entrance exam or exam process vocabulary?
  • Is there vocabulary, defined phraseology, common proverbs or idioms for failing to enter and then schooling overseas?
  • Is there vocabulary, defined phraseology, common proverbs or idioms for going to get a job in this situation?
0

1 Answer 1

3

If a student fails to gain entrance to college, he/she has several choices:

  1. 재수 means "study again" literally,
  2. 유학 means "go abroad to study", or
  3. 취업/취직 means "take a job".

The Korean college entrance exam is called 수능, the abbreviation for 대학수학능력시험. This exam carries the same meaning as the SAT.

In Korea, taking a job is not an option for most of the students. They spend their high school years, entirely, preparing for the college entrance exam. It's definitely not a good situation, but competition is fierce here. So give her a word of comfort and share your elderly wisdom.

1
  • thanks - i expanded the full name of 대학수학능력시험 based on the wiki i found using your answer. this is a big help, and i really appreciate the bulleted list of "what's next" options. that helps me prepare for conversations with this vocabulary. i also did not know the name of the korean college entrance exam, so having the full monty, as it were, is gold. Feb 8, 2018 at 16:13

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.