This May 6th, with the implementation of the Mathematics exam for admission to Higher Education. Holguin joined the national process that will define the academic future of thousands of young Cubans.
These assessments are taking place in a context marked by efforts to revitalize the educational system, fraught with expectations. The challenge is not only to assess knowledge. But also to strike a balance between individual aspirations and ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Educational authorities have implemented various strategies to improve results. Following the low performance rates in previous exam sessions. These measures include ongoing teacher training. Systematic visits to pre-university schools, personalized follow-up for students with difficulties, and periodic evaluations.
However, these efforts face a greater challenge: the growing lack of motivation among students. Who know that, regardless of their performance, they will be able to continue their university studies thanks to the relaxation of the requirements.
This policy of mass access, although understandable, has created a paradox. On the one hand, it democratizes admission to higher education. On the other, it dilutes the value of these assessments as a filter for academic quality.
The result is that many students underestimate their preparation. Confident that their place in university is assured. This phenomenon cannot be attributed solely to youth apathy.
In a context of economic crisis, where salaries are insufficient to cover basic needs. Many young people opt for jobs that allow them to contribute to their families’ livelihoods. Even when this means postponing or abandoning their academic aspirations.
This dilemma is aggravated when considering that many university programs do not offer clear prospects for short-term economic improvement.
Given this situation, higher education appears to many as a long and uncertain path. Where the effort invested does not necessarily translate into better living conditions.
However, there are still students committed to their academic preparation. Aware that the true value lies in the quality of the education received.
Entrance exams are not just an academic assessment, but a thermometer for measuring deeper tensions in an educational system trying to regain its rigor in an adverse context, where daily survival competes with university education.
In this scenario, more strategies are needed to improve performance, but they are insufficient if they are not accompanied by policies that ensure that educational effort translates into personal development. Concrete opportunities, and, above all, a path to a better future.
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernández
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