1. Ongoing SAT incidents… “Greater Number of ACT Test Takers”
English Translation
Haena Lee for Chosun Ilbo,
Tasty Learning.
2013.10.21 03:03
ACT Vice President Bunts
visits South Korea
Korean test takers have the
advantage of excelling in
mathematics and science
ACT scores accepted by
university admission offices,
for
scholarships,
and
demonstration of academic
performance.
The GAC program developed by ACT provides practical help upon university admission.
From 2011, the number of ACT (American College Test) test takers has outnumbered those of
the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). For the October this year (2013), there were 200,000
more test takers for the ACT than the SAT; there were 1.6 million test takers for the SAT, and
there were 1.8 million test takers for the ACT. In light of the recent SAT questions leaking
incidents, the credibility of the SAT has decreased and interest in the ACT test in South Korea
has increased. In response to the growing interest in the ACT, LaMar Bunts and David
Chadima, the Vice President and Assistant Vice President of International Programs at ACT
Inc. respectively, of ACT Inc., the company that operates the ACT test, have recently visited
Korea. The Vice President and Assistant Vice President gave an interview to discuss the
philosophy and vision of the ACT test and the college preparation program, GAC.
Consistent presentations… admission offices preference.
Held five times a year, the ACT test is comprised of four sections: Reading, English,
Mathematics and Science. The inclusion of Science as a test subject is the most significant
difference between the SAT.
Vice President Bunts explains the ACT test as “a standardized achievement test that evaluates
the student’s competency in the core curriculum subjects,” and “unlike the SAT that is
difficult to score well with high school studies alone, the ACT is similar to the material taught
in high school.” Assistant Vice President Chadima adds “for the test to address the realistic
learning and educational achievement standards, ACT carries out nationwide research of
achievement standards every three years.”
Another reason behind the popularity of the ACT is the ongoing seminars and presentations
held for admission officers. As a result of the presentations, ACT test scores are now accepted
for admissions, scholarship eligibility and transfer credit. Vice President Bunts credits the
higher number of ACT test takers compared to the SAT to the efforts made, and emphasizes
that the ACT continues to place security as a priority.
Mark Shin, CEO of Peach Tree Education in alliance with ACT Inc., says “Korean students
have a greater advantage taking the ACT as their science and mathematics skills are superior

2. to their American peers.”
♦ Preparation with the GAC program is better
‘Don’t ivy league universities and other renowned universities hold SAT scores in higher
regard?’ ‘Aren’t there many schools that do not accept ACT scores?’ Vice President Bunts
and Assistant President Chadima both responded to these commonly held beliefs with a
resolute ‘no’. “Famous admissions information sites www.cappex.com, www.zinch.com,
www.collegeview.com post the SAT and ACT scores of students enrolled at various
universities. Members of ACT Inc. and the SAT College Board collaborate to create a score
conversion table of the two tests, so test takers do not have to worry at all. Students simply
need to choose the test that is best suited for them” said Assistant Vice President Chadima.
President Bunts advised that “taking the GAC (Global Assessment Certificate) program is
even better”. The GAC program, developed by ACT Inc., has more than 100 centers
worldwide, more than 12,000 students have successfully graduated from the program. The
GAC program covers practical skills needed to excel in university, such as presentation skills
in the IT field. CEO Mark Shin also states “In Korea, more than 600 students have graduated
from the GAC Program and have gone on to continue their studies successfully at pathway
universities abroad.”
GAC Korea Center is holding information sessions on their next program intake
The GAC program, developed by ACT Inc., that allows for transfer credit to pathway
universities, will be holding information sessions on their next program intake (Intake 26 and
27) at GAC Korea Center, 2F Younglim Building, 1538-5 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu (Line
Number, Seocho Station, 300m straight from Exit 3). The information sessions will also
provide stories of successful GAC graduates studying in the United States.
Inquiries: (02) 2281-0982 www.gackorea.org