"Smart Glasses Banned"...What Will Change for the 2027 CSAT?

First Briefing by Jeonnam Gwangju Office of Education: Applications Open from the 24th
On-Site Visit Required Even After Online Pre-Entry
Cash Payments for Fees Abolished; Preliminary Scoring Table Printed on Admit Card

The Jeonnam Gwangju Unified Metropolitan Office of Education held the "2027 College Scholastic Ability Test Detailed Implementation Plan and Application Guide" on August 12 for those in charge of exam district education offices and high schools.

This event was organized to prevent confusion at the field level and support the stable administration of the exam, especially with the College Scholastic Ability Test being held for the first time since the launch of the Unified Office of Education. The briefing session was simultaneously conducted for 250 application managers from the Jeonnam region (Suncheonman Ecological Culture Education Center) and 80 from the Gwangju region (former Gwangju Educational Research Information Center).

The Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan Office of Education held the "2027 College Scholastic Ability Test Detailed Implementation Plan and Application Guide Meeting" on the 12th. Provided by the Integrated Office of Education

Applications Accepted for Ten Days from the 24th..."Strict Limitations on Proxy Applications"

The application and modification period for the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test is set for a total of ten days from August 24 to September 4 (excluding Saturdays and public holidays), with each exam district handling applications independently. Enrolled students and graduates must apply at their current or former high schools, while those who passed the qualification exam should apply at the exam district office that oversees their registered address.

However, in the case of graduates, if the current address and their former school are located in different exam districts, or even within the same district but in different administrative areas (such as city or county), they are also allowed to apply in the district where their current address is located. It is important to note that if an applicant wishes to change their application details, they must revisit the original location where the application was submitted.

As a rule, applicants must visit the application site in person; postal applications are not permitted. Proxy applications are only allowed in a limited number of cases such as for students with disabilities, inmates, active-duty military personnel, hospitalized patients, and overseas residents (excluding tourists). Even in these cases, relevant supporting documents and a family relationship certificate must be submitted.

On-Site Visit Required Even After Online Pre-Entry... "Full Cashless Payment System" Introduced

The application process consists of both an "online pre-entry" stage and on-site application. Even if an applicant completes the online pre-entry and fee payment, the process is only finalized when they visit the application site in person for identity verification and submission of supporting documents before receiving their application receipt.

Documents required at on-site application include: one copy of the application form, two passport-style photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm), and an identification card. Graduates from other cities or provinces must submit a basic certificate of resident registration to confirm address changes, and students selecting the vocational exploration area must submit a school principal's verification form.

The application fee varies depending on the number of selected test areas, from 37,000 won (for four or fewer areas) up to 47,000 won (for six areas). Notably, starting this year, cash payments have been entirely phased out, and all payments must be made through authorized systems such as credit cards, virtual accounts, or easy-pay services. Application fees are waived for disadvantaged groups, such as recipients of the National Basic Livelihood Security Program.

CSAT on November 19... Attention to New Rules Such As "Smart Glasses" Ban

This year's College Scholastic Ability Test will take place on November 19, with results being announced on December 11. Despite the launch of the Unified Office of Education, the existing structure of eight exam districts (seven in Jeonnam and one in Gwangju) will be maintained. This decision takes into account issues with linking the test information system and differing field conditions across regions. Authorities plan to conduct a comprehensive review of the situation before moving toward a phased integration in the future.

To improve convenience for examinees, beginning this year, the back of the test identification slip will feature a nationwide standardized preliminary scoring table, and the embossing (imprinting) required for ID photos on application forms has been discontinued. The option to receive online score reports has also been expanded from graduates to include current students. However, smart glasses have been newly added to the list of items prohibited in test rooms, so examinees should exercise caution.

An official from the Office of Education stated, "As this is the first year of the Unified Office of Education, we will thoroughly prepare so that no information gap occurs between those responsible in the Jeonnam and Gwangju regions, starting from the application phase," adding, "We will work closely with schools on the frontlines to ensure the stable operation of the exam."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.