Private institutes increase classes amid medical school expansion
People attend a briefing session at a private institute in southern Seoul's Seocho District, Feb. 13, after the government announced its plan to increase the medical school admissions quota. Yonhap
Classes targeted at preparing for medical school in private institutes are on the rise, as 40 universities nationwide applied on Tuesday for an expanded admissions quota of over 3,000 spots for next year.
As the finalization of the medical student admissions quota looms, the academic sector anticipates a surge in individuals from various majors and age groups, including office workers, gearing up for medical school.
A proposal to increase the medical school admissions quota by 2,000 was announced on Feb. 6 as part of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's medical reform efforts to enhance public access to health care services.
Mega Study, one of the major private institues in Korea, held an information session on Tuesday about a night class tailored for preparing for medical school, which is set to open on March 18.
According to an institute official, 15 office workers from diverse sectors attended the presentation. In response to continuous inquiries, the institute decided to offer a night course they can come to after work. This marks the inaugural launch of the learning center's night class.
"Individuals from various sectors, including school teachers, financial professionals and even journalists, have been inquiring about preparing for medical school," said Nam Yoon-geon, a manager at Mega Study.
The age range also varies, with the majority falling in the late 20s to mid-to-late 30s bracket, according to Nam.
Etoos, another major private institue, began promoting medical school preparation courses on its website, featuring a renowned teacher wearing a party hat.
Promotional messages on the website celebrate the increase in the medical student quota by over 2,000, emphasizing that it will be easier to enter medical school and encouraging those currently working to give it a try.
A sign promoting the entrance examination to medical school is attached on a building in southwestern Seoul's Mok-dong, where private institutes are concentrated, Feb. 8. Yonhap
Jongro Academy already held an online information session focusing on medical school entrance the day after the government announced its plan to raise the medical school quota last month.
Approximately 4,000 people listened to the live event, and the video it uploaded online has garnered over 30,000 views.
Lim Seong-ho, the director of Jongro Academy, said that since the government's announcement, the number of employed people seeking guidance on studying for medical school has increased two to threefold compared to usual.
"Those currently working often inquire specifically about preparing for medical school and engage seriously in counseling," Lim said.
He shared the story of how a 38-year-old who worked in journalism for over 10 years quit his job to prepare for a new career by entering medical school.
"People are increasingly coming in with long-term goals of two to three years," he said.
The average age of those preparing for medical school is rising, as sophomore or junior university students and even office workers take a shot at gaining admission to medical school.
Jongro Academy's statistics show that the proportion of those aged 25 or older among those who entered medical and health departments increased from 0.7 percent previously to 3 percent last year.
The academic sector predicts this trend will rise further. In the college entrance exam from 2028, there will be no separation between liberal arts and natural sciences, which raises the sentiment that opportunities for liberal arts students to enter medical schools will be broadened.
Private academies believe that expanding quotas will inevitably result in an increased preference for medical school.
"For students, their goal is now entering medical school rather than just entering a distinguished university," Lim said.