1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the record-high number of students who withdrew from Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University (known as the “SKY” universities) in the previous year. The article suggests that a significant portion of these dropouts were pursuing medical school admissions.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 중도탈락 | jungdotalrak | dropout, withdrawal from university | The number of students who withdrew from the “SKY” universities reached an all-time high. |
| 역대 | yeokdae | all-time, historical | The number of dropouts was the highest on record. |
| 의대 | uidae | medical school | A significant number of the dropouts were aiming to enroll in medical school. |
| 지난해 | jinnannyeo | last year | The high number of dropouts occurred in the previous year. |
| 고려대 | Goryeo Dae | Korea University | The “SKY” universities include Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. |
| 연세대 | Yonsei Dae | Yonsei University | The “SKY” universities include Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. |
| 자퇴 | jatoe | voluntary withdrawal from university | Dropouts include students who voluntarily withdrew from their studies. |
| 미등록 | mideongnok | failure to re-enroll | Dropouts also include students who failed to re-enroll in their studies. |
| 미복학 | mibokhak | failure to return to school | Dropouts refer to students who did not return to their studies. |
| 유급 | yuggeup | being held back, failing a grade | Dropouts include students who were held back or failed a grade. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
지난해 서울대·고려대·연세대(SKY)를 다니다 ‘중도탈락’한 학생이 2천500명에 육박하며 역대 최대 규모를 기록했습니다.
Last year, the number of students who withdrew from Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University (the “SKY” universities) reached nearly 2,500, setting a new all-time high.
종로학원이 대학정보공시 ‘대학알리미’ 정보를 분석한 결과에 따르면 서울대와 고려대, 연세대의 작년 중도탈락 인원은 총 2천481명으로 집계됐습니다.
According to an analysis by Jongno Academy based on information from the “University Information Disclosure” system, the total number of dropouts from Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University last year was 2,481.
관련 공시가 이뤄진 2007년 이래 최대 규모인데, 직전 연도(2천126명)와 비교하면 355명(16.7%) 증가한 수치입니다.
This is the highest number since the relevant disclosures began in 2007, representing a 355-person (16.7%) increase compared to the previous year (2,126 people).
중도탈락은 자퇴, 미등록, 미복학, 유급 등으로 학교에 복귀하지 않은 경우를 뜻합니다.
Dropouts refer to students who did not return to their studies, including those who voluntarily withdrew, failed to re-enroll, did not return to school, or were held back.
3개 대학의 중도탈락생이 역대 최대치를 기록한 이유는 지난해 정부의 의대 증원 방침에 따라 갑작스럽게 2025학년도 의대 모집정원이 확대됐기 때문으로 보입니다.
The reason for the record-high number of dropouts from the three universities appears to be that the government’s policy to increase medical school enrollment led to a sudden expansion of the 2025 academic year’s medical school admission quota last year.
이에 따라 의대 진학을 목표로 하던 상당수의 학생들이 SKY 대학을 중도에 포기하고 다른 대학 의대로 옮겨간 것으로 추정됩니다.
As a result, it is estimated that a significant number of students who had been aiming to enter medical school abandoned their studies at the SKY universities and transferred to medical programs at other universities.
서울 시내 한 의과대학의 모습을 보여주는 연합뉴스 자료사진이 첨부되어 있습니다.
A photo from Yonhap News Agency showing the campus of a medical school in Seoul is attached.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What was the record-high number of students who withdrew from the “SKY” universities last year?
- Which government policy led to the sudden increase in medical school enrollment and contributed to the high dropout rate?
- What types of students are considered “dropouts” according to the article?
- How much did the number of dropouts increase compared to the previous year?
- Where do the article and the accompanying photo suggest the dropouts from the “SKY” universities went?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The “SKY” universities (Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University) are considered the most prestigious and competitive universities in South Korea. They are often the top choices for high-achieving students, and admission is highly sought after. The record-high dropout rate from these universities suggests significant changes in the educational landscape, particularly the government’s efforts to expand medical school enrollment, which may have led some students to reconsider their academic paths.