University Application Admissions: Many Vacancies in Medicine and Dentistry; Expert Cites Concentrated Choices

(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 11) The results of the centralized distribution for the 115th academic year university application admissions were announced today. 11 medical schools reported 137 vacancies, and dental schools reported 35 vacancies (up from 19 last year), both showing significant increases. For students planning to take the subject-specific aptitude test, expert analysis suggests that despite an overall decrease in vacancies and total回流 (return flow) numbers, opportunities in popular departments remain abundant.

Chen Yurong, an admissions consultant from Winner Education, stated in a phone interview with CNA today that while overall vacancies in this year's application process decreased, popular medical schools saw 137 vacancies (79 last year) and dental schools 35 (19 last year), a notable increase. The same situation applies to the highly popular electrical engineering departments. For instance, National Cheng Kung University's electrical engineering department was split into Group A and Group B for the first time this year. Group A had 20 openings but 17 vacancies. This does not indicate a lack of popularity. An analysis of the first-stage threshold shows that the required score for NCKU EE Group A rose from 42 to 44 (English, Math, Science), indicating strong student interest and fierce competition.

Chen analyzed that in recent years, students' interests have become more defined, leading them to concentrate their applications on specific departments. For example, students interested in electrical engineering will fill all their application slots with electrical engineering programs. This results in more duplicate admissions in popular fields, consequently creating more vacancies.

The lowest fill rates today were observed in foreign language, law/politics, and liberal arts/history/philosophy groups. Chen attributes this to the same trend of students prioritizing their preferred department over the university's overall reputation. Previously, students might choose a university first, but now they concentrate on departments that align with their interests.

Chen mentioned that teachers encourage students to bravely pursue their true interests without excessive worry about future industry changes. No field will become completely obsolete, and diligent study and effort will lead to good career prospects.

Chen advised students preparing for the subject-specific test, especially those in science groups, to review past exam papers and utilize online resources with detailed solutions. Breaking through conceptual bottlenecks can lead to rapid progress and understanding, so students should not give up too early. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150611