Over 30% of universities recorded a competition rate of less than 3 to 1. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent analysis of the 2024 academic year’s regular admissions by Jongno Academy revealed that over 30% of universities recorded a competition rate of less than 3 to 1, indicating an admissions rate below the required threshold. The study analyzed 188 universities nationwide, finding an average competition rate of 4.67 to 1, similar to last year’s 4.61 to 1.
In detail, 59 universities (31.4%) had competition rates below 3 to 1, slightly less than last year’s 66. In regular admissions, a student can apply to a maximum of three universities, leading to the consideration of a rate below 3 to 1 as insufficient due to the likelihood of multiple acceptances.
This year, a decrease in admission quotas at non-metropolitan universities and higher competition rates at regional education colleges led to a reduction in universities with rates below 3 to 1. Among the 59 universities, four were in Seoul, three in the Gyeongin region around Seoul, and 52 in non-metropolitan areas, making up 88.1% of the total.
Last year, the distribution included four in Seoul, four in the Gyeongin region, and 58 (87.9%) in non-metropolitan areas.
Region-wise, colleges in Seoul had an average competition rate of 5.79 to 1, and the Gyeongin region 5.96 to 1. In contrast, non-metropolitan areas had a mere 3.57 to 1. Specifically, universities in South Jeolla Province had the lowest average competition rate of 1.88 to 1, followed by Gwangju (2.39 to 1) and South Gyeongsang Province (2.84 to 1). The highest competition rates were in Incheon (6.32 to 1), Gyeonggi (5.89 to 1), Seoul (5.79 to 1), and Sejong (5.70 to 1).
Jongno Academy noted that universities with competition rates below 3 to 1 would likely need additional admissions processes, considering the number of students who receive multiple acceptances. The additional admissions period is scheduled from February 22 to 29.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
