College admissions exams are a major stressor for students all around the world. In this article, we’ll be exploring college entrance exams across the globe. If you’d like to learn about additional college entrance exams, check out this article
Below is a description of some of the most common college entrance exams in several countries!
1. Switzerland- Matura/Maturität Exam
Students take the matura (also known as Maturität) exam in Switzerland, and it plays a role in admission to higher education faculties. The exam can differ across differ regions (also known as cantons) in Switzerland, but typically tests students on core subjects such as mathematics, science, and languages. Some students opt to also take Matura subject tests on artistic or practical subjects.. The Matura examination also typically includes a final project/thesis in addition to the subject tests. The exam is scored on a scale of 1-6, with 6 being the highest score.
Fun fact: around 20% of Switzerland youth obtain a Matura certificate every year.
2. Turkey- YKS (Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı, which translates to Higher Education Institutions Examination)
The YKS is comprised of 2 parts: the TYT ( which tests student’s basic abilities in core subjects such as Turkish, science, and math) and the AYT (which are subject-specific tests that students can take for admission to specific undergraduate programs, such as social sciences). These exams are notoriously stressful, and most students begin studying for the exam as early as Freshman year. While high scores can earn students admission into top universities, low scores can diminish future opportunities.
Fun fact: The slogan "Life = 180 minutes?" has been used to critique the exam, which supposedly measures students’ 12 years of academia in a span of 3 hours.
3. Japan- National Center Test for University Admissions (also known as "Center Test" or "Center Exam")
Japan’s Center Test assesses students on key subjects, including Japanese, math, and science. Scores on the exam play a significant role in college admissions, although they are not the sole factor colleges consider (some colleges also require additional materials, including recommendations and essays). The test is taken by over 550 thousand Japanese students annually.
Fun fact: As students apply to universities prior to knowing their scores,most students write their answers on the question sheets (which can be taken home) and check their answers using rubrics published by cram schools.
4. New Zealand- "National Certificate of Educational Achievement" (NCEA)
The NCEA has 3 levels, with level 1 being completed by Year 11, level 2 by year 12, and level 3 by year 13. To pass each level, students must accumulate a specific amount of credits, which are obtained through a wide range of subjects. Both internal tests (tests administered through individual schools) and external tests (nationally administered tests held at the end of the school year). Like in Japan, the NCEA is not the sole determinant for college admissions, as factors such as interviews, written responses, and additional tests are also considered.
Fun fact: Students can earn “Merit” or “Excellent” certificates if they obtain a high amount of credits.
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