Daeun is a senior in Korea who recently took the 2026 CSAT (수능). She has lived her whole life in Korea and attended only Korean public schools. As a 문과 (humanities) student, her university choice is extremely important, shaping both her academic path and future opportunities. Her experience reflects the pressures of Korean public school life, where success is often measured by test scores and admission to top universities. Daeun’s story gives insight into student life in Korea, the role of societal expectations in shaping educational paths, and how young people make decisions about their futures in a highly competitive environment.
Can you describe how you felt while preparing for the 2026 CSAT and on the day of the exam?
Daeun: Preparing for the CSAT was exhausting but also intense in a way that taught me a lot about discipline and time management. I had to balance school classes, private academy sessions, and self-study, which sometimes felt overwhelming. On the day of the exam, I felt a mix of nervousness, anticipation, and relief because all the preparation led up to that moment. Even after finishing, there was still a lingering pressure to achieve a high score, since it plays such a big role in university admissions and in how society views success.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a humanities student in Korea’s education system?
Daeun: One of the hardest things was feeling like the university name defined my entire future. For humanities students, especially, there is so much emphasis on entering a top school, and it often feels like our worth is measured by that. I also noticed how money can affect opportunities. Some students can afford extra academies or tutoring, which makes competition even more stressful. In addition, keeping up with both schoolwork and preparing for the CSAT while managing stress and sleep felt like a constant balancing act.
Have you thought about retaking the exam or exploring other options to improve your chances for university?
Daeun: Yes, it’s something I’ve seriously considered. A lot of students who want a more prestigious university think about retaking the CSAT. For me, I have to weigh the stress, time, and cost against the potential benefits. Being a humanities student, where top university names really matter, makes this decision even more difficult. I also had to think about whether I want to follow society’s expectations or find a path that feels right for me personally.
This is our school in spring!
How do societal and cultural pressures in Korea affect students’ experiences and choices?
Daeun: It’s hard not to feel the pressure. In Korea, there is a strong cultural focus on academic achievement, and many people equate success with getting into a top university. This can make school life stressful because grades and exam scores are often prioritized over learning, creativity, or personal interests. At the same time, I’ve seen how this pressure motivates some students to work incredibly hard, but it can also lead to burnout or self-doubt. It made me realize how different education systems can shape the way students experience growing up.
Looking back, what lessons or perspectives have you gained from preparing for the CSAT and experiencing student life in Korea?
Daeun: I’ve realized that education is about more than just exams. Learning to manage stress, seek support from friends and family, and reflect on what matters to me personally has been just as important as studying. I’ve also understood that there are many ways to measure success and that following only what society expects doesn’t always lead to fulfillment. Even in a competitive system, moments like discussing ideas with classmates or sharing tips with friends reminded me that student life also includes learning from each other and building connections, not just focusing on the test.
Daeun’s experience highlights the real experiences of student life in Korea, where education, culture, and societal expectations are tightly linked. For humanities students, the university name carries significant weight, shaping both personal and academic decisions. Her story reflects the pressures of preparing for the CSAT, balancing schoolwork, and making choices under a highly competitive system. At the same time, it shows that growth comes from learning to manage stress, reflect on personal goals, and value connections with peers. Daeun’s perspective offers a glimpse into how culture and education shape students’ lives and the ways young people adapt and make choices in modern Korean society.
Humans of Korea 
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