The proposed scoring model takes into account the importance of the mother tongue in all university studies and gives it more points than the current system. Differences in scoring for humanities and natural sciences have been reduced, while languages receive higher scores. The goal of the changes is to offer high school students better opportunities to choose matriculation subjects according to their preferences.
Mathematics will continue to have a significant weight in the scoring model in all fields of education, because studying mathematics strengthens problem-solving ability and other skills required for university studies. However, the emphasis of mathematics curricula depends on the importance of advanced mathematics in each field.
“Starting in 2026, the scoring of evidence-based admission will be aligned even more closely with the competence demonstrated in high school subjects related to the field of study. At the same time, it is recognized that interdisciplinary competence is valuable in many fields,” says Marja-Leena LaaksoChairman of UNIFI’s education vice principals’ meetings.
The new scoring model takes into account the feedback received from high schools, takes into account their concerns and aims to ease the pressure on students while they can study subjects that interest them.
The draft scoring model for evidence-based admission was held in a public consultation period from March 31 to April 21, 2023, when it received feedback from universities and key stakeholders. The comments and suggestions were carefully considered and the final proposal contains the main recommendations.
In particular, the representatives of Finnish instructors, high school principals and high school students were satisfied that the new scoring model lightens the students’ burden and enables them to focus on interesting topics.
After reviewing the comments, about 50 small change proposals were discussed. The changes were evaluated in terms of the level of support from universities and stakeholders and their impact on the overall scoring system, especially from the applicants’ point of view.
A new scoring model for evidence-based admission is published uniadmissions.fi on the website in the fall of 2023. This is how young people starting upper secondary school can understand how their high school diploma is scored. Until 2025, the scoring of the matriculation examination will continue according to the current system.
HT