SNU President Considers Special Admission Policy for Science Geniuses

“We need a special admission plan for science and technology geniuses,” said Lee Jang-moo, president of Seoul National University (SNU). In a radio interview, President Lee disclosed his intention to modify the university’s admission policy, under which the school accepts students based on their College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) scores.

“Under the current entrance policy, young science and technology geniuses face difficulties in entering the universities they desire. We need a special educational system to let those who excel in one field develop their talents in the university,” said Lee during an interview at “Esther Park’s Radio Information Center,” a Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) radio show.

His remark implied that SNU may use a different admission policy for students of specialized high schools such as science or foreign language ones.

With regard to privatizing the public university, he said his plan is to make a decision within his tenure, if possible. But he added that SNU can become one of the world’s leading universities only if it raises enough funds and privatizes itself with full autonomy.

As for the location of a new campus, which will be used for international studies, Lee answered that Paju in Gyeonggi Province is very appropriate. But he added that the university is also reviewing several places including the Incheon economic free zone, other sites in Gyeonggi Province, and also a site near the current Gwanak campus.

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