This Thursday, the names of the students who achieved the best grades in the college entrance exam in Catalonia were announced. These students will be able to show their grandchildren the news reports that will appear in all the media when they are older. Catalonia is now filled with students who have obtained modest, or even mediocre, grades, and they will surely not be any less happy. It is highly probable that they will have good lives. However, this week they may not feel like superheroes, as they are not the top-scorers in their city. It is important to note that 97.01% of Catalan students passed the exam with an average score of 6.7 out of 10. There are complaints about the difficulty of the math section. The question arises, is it worth putting so much emphasis on this exam?
The obsession with grades is compared to how sports teams focus on collecting points to win a league, or how many people obsess over their cholesterol levels. In the education system, grades serve as a way to rank and filter students for limited spots in different programs. Those who want to secure a place must maintain high grades consistently. Journalists also play a role in this numerical debate by annually seeking out and highlighting students with the best grades. This practice is supported by the government, leading to interviews and photoshoots that paint these students as heroes and heroines. However, success in academics does not necessarily guarantee success in life. Even if a student had a mediocre high school experience and exam results, they can still thrive in the future.
There is a significant amount of pressure placed on 17-year-olds to decide their future paths, and there is a misconception that if they don’t pursue a certain career, their dreams are shattered. However, it is essential to remember that many students change majors or drop out of their chosen fields as they learn more about themselves and their interests. Belén Palop, a professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, emphasizes that the idea of one specific career bringing happiness is simplistic and unrealistic. Judith, now 29, had to retake the entrance exam in September with a final score of 6.35. While initially limiting her options, this experience eventually led her to become a primary school teacher with a specialization in English. She found success in this career path and was able to support herself financially without burdening her parents.
The importance of the college entrance exam, known as the Selectividad, may need to be reevaluated. As education becomes more hands-on and interconnected, the impact of exam scores could be reduced and complemented with specific entrance tests, personalized interviews, or motivational letters to showcase a student’s genuine interest in a particular field. It is essential to remember that there is hope for those who may not have achieved top grades, as success in life is not solely determined by academic performance. Each individual’s journey is unique, and there are multiple paths to success beyond exam results. By redefining the emphasis on exam scores and considering a more holistic approach to admissions, students may have a better chance to pursue meaningful and fulfilling careers.
