The Image of High School Dropouts Is Changing

Dropping Out of High School Becomes a Trend Among Top Students

In South Korea, getting into a good university is very important for the future. Many students and parents want to enter top universities to have better opportunities. This strong competition makes studying very stressful. As the economy slows down, more students want stable and high-paying jobs like doctors and pharmacists. The competition starts as early as elementary school. Because school grades are becoming harder to manage along with college entrance exams, more students are deciding to drop out of high school to focus on the exam.

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Dropping Out to Focus on the College Entrance Exam

 

In the past, people thought only troubled students dropped out of school. Some students did it because their grades were too low, so they focused only on the college entrance exam. But in 2023, many students who drop out are actually top students. They talk about it openly on YouTube and social media. The reason is that getting good grades in school has become harder because of the new education system. Studying for both school tests and the college entrance exam is stressful. High school students take tests four times a year, which is difficult for those who want to apply for early admission. However, students who drop out only need to pass the high school equivalency exam to apply for college. This test is easier than school exams, so it helps students focus on the college entrance exam.

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Passing the Equivalency Exam Early Leads to Early College Admission

To take the college entrance exam, students must be high school graduates or expected graduates. Those who pass the high school equivalency exam early can take the college entrance exam twice. There was a student who dropped out, passed the equivalency exam, and studied for one extra year. He later entered Yonsei University with his peers and even wrote a book about it. If students get a good score, they can enter college one year earlier than others. They may miss high school memories with friends, but for students with clear goals, dropping out can be a smart choice.

More top students are now dropping out to focus on the college entrance exam. As education policies change, people’s views on high school dropouts are also changing.

 

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