South Korea CSAT math elective selection expected to drop to 35%

The proportion of students selecting ‘Calculus and Geometry’ for the mathematics section of the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is projected to drop to approximately 35%. This marks a significant decline from 43.9% in the previous year and represents the first time the selection rate is expected to fall into the 30% range since the introduction of the integrated CSAT in 2022.

This trend, often referred to as ‘Hwak-tong Run’ (moving toward Probability and Statistics), is driven by major universities removing mandatory requirements for specific math electives when applying to natural science departments. While eight of the top ten universities previously required Calculus or Geometry, most—with the exception of Seoul National University—now allow students who took ‘Probability and Statistics’ to apply to these departments.

As the 2028 CSAT moves toward a common subject system that eliminates these specific electives, experts suggest that universities may place greater emphasis on high school academic records (GPA) to evaluate a student's advanced mathematical proficiency and coursework completion.