As high school students around the world prepare for university, one of the biggest challenges they face is the university entrance exam. Each country has its own unique system for college admissions, and the university entrance exams can range from straightforward to downright bizarre. Here are ten different entrance exams from around the world, along with some interesting and unforgettable stories.
1. University entrance exam in China – Gaokao
The Gaokao is China’s national college entrance exam, and it’s one of the most grueling exams in the world. Students spend months preparing for this nine-hour exam, which covers subjects such as Chinese, math, and English. The results of the Gaokao determine which universities students can attend, and it’s not uncommon for students to study 12 hours a day in order to prepare.
One interesting fact about the Gaokao is that it’s so important that entire cities shut down during exam day. Police officers are even dispatched to prevent any noise pollution that could distract students.
2. Japan – National Center Test
The National Center Test is Japan’s standardized college entrance exam, and it covers subjects such as math, science, and English. Students take this exam in their third year of high school, and their scores determine which universities they can apply to.
One interesting fact about this exam is that it’s held on a Saturday and Sunday in January each year. The test is so important that trains run earlier than usual on exam day to ensure that students arrive on time.
3. South Korea – Suneung
The Suneung is South Korea’s national college entrance exam, and it’s known for being extremely difficult. Students spend years preparing for this nine-hour exam, which covers subjects such as Korean language and math.
One interesting fact about the Suneung is that it’s held on a Thursday in November each year. On exam day, police officers are dispatched to escort late students to their testing centers.
4. University entrance exam in United States – SAT
The SAT is the most widely used college entrance exam in the United States, and it covers subjects such as math, reading, and writing. Students take this exam in their junior or senior year of high school, and their scores are used by colleges to determine admission.
One interesting fact about the SAT is that it’s been around since 1926. Over the years, the exam has undergone several changes, including a recent decision to remove the essay portion of the test.
5. United Kingdom – A-levels
A-levels are a series of exams taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in their final year of high school. Students typically take three or four A-levels in subjects such as math, science, and humanities.
One interesting fact about A-levels is that they’re graded on a scale from A* to E. In recent years, there’s been controversy over grade inflation and whether students are being given higher grades than they deserve.
6. France – Baccalauréat
The Baccalauréat is France’s national high school diploma, and it’s also used as a college entrance exam. Students take this exam in their final year of high school, and it covers subjects such as French language and literature.
One interesting fact about the Baccalauréat is that it’s divided into three sections: scientific, literary, and economic. Each section has its own unique set of requirements and exams.
7. Germany – Abitur
The Abitur is Germany’s national college entrance exam, and it covers subjects such as math, science, and foreign languages. Students take this exam in their final year of high school.
One interesting fact about the Abitur is that it varies from state to state in Germany. Each state has its own unique requirements for the exam.
8. India – Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)
The JEE is India’s national college entrance exam for engineering and technology programs. Students take this exam in their final year of high school, and it covers subjects such as physics, chemistry, and math.
One interesting fact about the JEE is that it’s extremely competitive. In 2020, over 1.6 million students took the exam, but only around 250,000 were accepted into engineering and technology programs.
9. Russia – Unified State Exam (USE)
The USE is Russia’s national college entrance exam, and it covers subjects such as math, Russian language and literature, and foreign languages. Students take this exam in their final year of high school.
One interesting fact about the USE is that it’s been controversial in recent years. Some critics argue that the exam is too focused on memorization rather than critical thinking skills.
10. Australia – Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
The ATAR is Australia’s national college entrance exam, and it’s used to determine which universities students can apply to. Students take this exam in their final year of high school, and it covers subjects such as math, science, and humanities.
One interesting fact about the ATAR is that it’s calculated using a complex formula that takes into account a student’s scores on their best four subjects.
In conclusion, college entrance exams vary widely from country to country. Some are known for being extremely difficult or competitive, while others are more straightforward. But no matter where you are in the world, one thing is certain: preparing for these exams can be a memorable experience full of ups and downs!
Now you can tell story about your university entrance exam.
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Story of a friend:
I was doing my final A-level exams last year, and I was down to my last set of exams; English Language & Literature. I finished the exam and it all went well, I was very confident that I’d get my predicted B. I sat tired after five hours of exams and the lady came round collecting the papers in.
She picked up my paper and moved on. I collected my various texts and sheets together and left the exam hall. It was over! When I got home I unpacked my bag to get my stuff out and I was horrified at what I saw; my answer paper. My entire world turned upside down. The examiners had taken the wrong papers in and I stupidly didn’t realise.
As a result, my firm and insurance uni choices didn’t take me. I went into clearing and was generally unaccepted. I went to a very reputable school, and my head of year was afraid the school would lose its reputation and didn’t feel that he could help me. All my friends were off to uni and everyone was celebrating – except me.
Hi The last entrance exam which I appeared in was neetpg.
I took a one year drop to prepare for the exam. My rank was 14k in neetpg 2022 and I was certainly sure of the fact that I can perform better. So began my journey which had its own ups and downs. I did not know at that moment that it will be too difficult with too many crying episodes taking a toll on my mental and physical health.
But somehow i wanted to land in a better place which kept me going. I learned a lot during this phase. It was quite difficult to switch from being a hosteller to studying completely at home with no library around (Hostellers will understand). A month before nov inicet I could not study at all because of my mental health issues and some family problems. At that time my brother supported me a lot and some of my friends .
I landed up with rank of 622 which was quite good yet i didnt take the seat ( which i even regretted sometimes before neetpg) And then before neetpg I injured my leg due to which I could not even stand without support. Climbing stairs at that time was like a nightmare for me. I recovered in a week but the time lost was feeling like a burden to me. A week before neetpg I gave a mock test in which i scored less than what i usually used to score which made me quite tense regarding the exam. But somehow things turned out well and here I am telling u my story.
Some of the lessons I learned from this experience –
1. Believe in yourself- Toppers are not wonder kids. They are just like you and me who refused to give up. You only get to see the success part and not the failures they have faced in this journey. There will surely be times when no one will believe in you. In those times trust yourself, trust the process and you will surely suceed.
2. Have a strong support system around you – U will surely need that because there will be many setbacks in this journey.
3. Believe in material – Dont get into fomo. Just focus on your basic material and focus on repeated revisions rather than jumping from one source to another.
4. Consolidation – Just keep on consolidating the material. You should have the material ready to be done in last 15 days. Last 15 days are the most crucial; they can make or break the rank.
5. Focus on pyqs – You just cant go for the exam without doing the pyqs. If you get these wrong your rank will go down like anything. Not just the pyqs but previous year topics are also really important.
6. Take light breaks – These breaks will help you to rejuvenate. Mind it, its a long journey. Run it like a marathon not like a sprint. Save your energy for the last. You can try meditation to keep you sane during this journey.
7. Be consistent – It is better to take small steps rather than giving it all at once and then doing nothing for days.
8. Mindset – This happens to be the most important. You need to attempt the exam with calm and relaxed mind. Actually its easier said than done. But your entire preparation will go into drain if you lose your cool during that day. Dont burden yourself with expectations. Detach yourself from the outcome and just give it your best shot.
These things will help you in any competitive exam you take. Hope it helps……?
wow, long story. and very helpful for the 8 lessons you’ve learnt.
I had gone to meet one of my teachers to tell him that I had not cleared the JEE. He told me one thing that gave me the energy and motivation to pursue further studies :”If IIT-JEE had existed during the times of Ramanujan(A great Indian Mathematician), he’d probably not have cleared because he knew only Mathematics”.