Private Tutoring, Studying Alone, and Labor Market Performance

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of supplementary education during high school years, such as private tutoring and studying alone, on post-school labor market performance. Using a representative longitudinal sample of Korean high school seniors in 2004, we find that studying alone has a positive effect on wages after controlling for college entrance exam scores, but private tutoring does not. This implies that private tutoring does not directly affect earning potential, although it may do so indirectly by raising test scores. We also find that both self-directed learning and self-study directed by others are effective for enhancing post-school labor market productivity.