Students increasingly favor statistics over calculus and geometry as exam format changes loom
Category: Education
As the clock ticks down to the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), a notable shift in student preferences for math subjects is becoming evident. In classrooms across South Korea, students are grappling with the implications of upcoming changes to the exam format. With only months to go before the test, the latest analysis suggests that the percentage of students opting for calculus and geometry is set to drop to around 35%, marking a historic low.
This anticipated decline is attributed to a growing trend dubbed the "statistics run," where students are increasingly choosing probability and statistics over the traditionally favored calculus and geometry. According to Jongno Academy's recent analysis of the 2027 CSAT, the choice of calculus and geometry is expected to plummet significantly, down from 43.9% in the previous year. This shift reflects broader changes in college admissions policies that have made it easier for students to apply to science and engineering programs without a calculus or geometry background.
Jongno Academy's findings reveal that the percentage of students selecting calculus and geometry has been steadily decreasing. The trend began after the introduction of the integrated CSAT format in 2022, which saw the choice rate for these subjects rise initially but then sharply decline. In 2022, the selection rate was 48.3%, increasing to 54.9% in 2024, before falling to 54.4% in 2025 and dropping to 43.9% in 2026. Now, it is projected to dip below 35% for the first time.
In mock exams conducted earlier this year, the trend was evident: in March, the selection rate for calculus and geometry was just 31.6%, significantly lower than the previous year's 40.5%. This pattern continued in subsequent assessments, with rates of 32.2% in May and 34.8% in both June and July, all showing declines of 6.5 to 8.9 percentage points compared to last year.
One major factor driving this trend is the changing admission requirements at leading universities. Until recently, eight out of ten top universities in Seoul required applicants to take either calculus or geometry for science programs. Starting in 2025, most of these universities, excluding Seoul National University, began allowing students to apply with a background in probability and statistics instead. This change has significantly reduced the pressure on students to excel in calculus and geometry, prompting many to switch to the less demanding statistics option.
Seoul National University remains an exception, as it still mandates calculus or geometry for many of its natural science programs. Nonetheless, the broader acceptance of probability and statistics as a valid subject for college applications is reshaping how students approach their studies.
The implications of this shift could be far-reaching. As the 2028 CSAT approaches, the selection of calculus and geometry will be completely eliminated, transitioning to a system where all students will take algebra, calculus I, and statistics as common subjects. This means that advanced topics in calculus and geometry will no longer be part of the exam, raising questions about how universities will assess students’ mathematical competencies in the future.
Experts suggest that without the ability to measure advanced math skills through the CSAT, universities may need to rely more heavily on students' high school records, particularly their performance in advanced math courses and their grades in relevant subjects. Lim Seong-ho, head of Jongno Academy, noted, "It will become increasingly difficult to assess students' advanced math capabilities through the CSAT alone. As a result, universities may examine students' academic histories and performance in math courses more closely during the admissions process."
As the registration period for the 2027 CSAT approaches, running from August 24 to September 4, students are advised to carefully evaluate their subject choices. The main exam is scheduled for November 19, and with these changes on the horizon, students must prepare accordingly.
With the trend toward statistics likely to continue, students may find themselves in a competitive environment where proficiency in statistics becomes increasingly valuable. This shift reflects changing educational policies and highlights the need for students to adapt to new academic landscapes.
In light of these developments, students should be proactive in seeking support and resources that align with their chosen subjects. Whether through tutoring, study groups, or online resources, ensuring a solid grasp of statistics could prove to be a decisive factor in their future academic success.