The unique Japanese entrance exam system that would never work in Korea.JPG
It's called the integrated middle/high school system, or the 'Escalator' system. A huge number of private Japanese universities use this.
Basically, as shown in the pic, if you attend A Elementary, A Middle, and A High School, you get automatic admission to A University without taking any more exams. Most famous private universities use this system to recruit students. To put it in Korean terms, imagine if there was Korea University Elementary, Middle, and High. If you get into the elementary school at age 8, your spot at Korea University is guaranteed by age 20. And it’s not just Korea University; pretty much all the famous private schools in Seoul would have this. Of course, they don't just let anyone in; you have to pass entrance exams for the middle or high school, which are brutal. The problem is tuition is over 10 million won a year. For example, if you pass the Korea University Middle School exam, the parents have to shell out over 100 million won for middle, high, and college tuition, and obviously, there are no state scholarships. Despite that, it sticks around because:
1. Japan's National University System: Japan isn't like Korea where it's SNU then Yonsei/Korea/In-Seoul private schools in a straight line. They have the 'Former Imperial Universities' which are prestigious regional hubs, and other national universities are well-respected too. It's like if Pusan National or Kyungpook National were on par with Yonsei/Korea University—there's less backlash because there are other paths to elite schools. 2. High standards for middle/high entrance: While elementary is controversial, middle and high school entrance exams are merit-based, like how Korea used to have high school entrance exams. People feel like 'they were smart enough to get in there anyway,' so it's not that big of a scandal.
"Users discuss the pros and cons of Japan's 'Escalator' system, noting that while it seems like a free pass, the competition starts at the kindergarten level and Korea's obsession with exam 'fairness' would never allow it."
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