For South Korea's college hopefuls, taking the Suneung — the national College Scholastic Ability Test — may be only the first hurdle.

Just days after finishing the high-stakes college entrance exam, many students face "nonsul," university-specific essay tests administered as part of the early decision admission track.

The nonsul exams follow Thursday's Suneung, which drew 554,174 applicants nationwide. While Suneung scores establish the baseline qualifications, individual universities conduct additional assessments including essay tests, oral interviews and portfolio reviews for early admission candidates.

Students opting for the early admission track must submit their applications by Dec. 11, while regular admission applicants have until Dec. 31. Official results from Suneung will be released Dec. 5.

Test-takers leave Sungkyunkwan University in Jongno-gu, Seoul, after completing essay tests for the school's 2026 early admission track on Saturday . (Yonhap)
Test-takers leave Sungkyunkwan University in Jongno-gu, Seoul, after completing essay tests for the school's 2026 early admission track on Saturday . (Yonhap)

khnews@heraldcorp.com