my thoughts go out today to the half a million Korean highschool students writing their university entrance exams (CSATS). It is no exaggeration to say that their performance in these exams will affect the rest of their lives. It's such an important day that flights around the country are shifted so as not to disturb students during the listening portion of the test. Office workers must start work an hour later to avoid traffic before the exam, and trains have to limit the use of their horns. Mothers around the country are at temples, praying for good results. These poor Korean students have been preparing for these exams for the last year. poor wee things. The stress is so intense, and each year, a handful of students commit suicide straight after the exam.
Can I just say once again how happy I am to have gained entrance to uni in NZ! 3 x C grades was all we needed! talk about a walk in the park. we don't know how lucky we are.

here's an interesting article about the CSATs in Korea: interesting article

and here's a picture of Korean mothers praying at a temple.