Sisut

Sisut is a Finnish term that refers to a system of standardized national exams used in the Finnish education system. The word "sisut" is an abbreviation of "suomen kielen ja matematiikan ylioppilastutkinto," which translates to "Finnish language and mathematics matriculation examination." However, the term has expanded to encompass all matriculation exams in Finland, covering subjects such as Finnish, Swedish, English, mathematics, history, geography, biology, chemistry, physics, and various electives.

The matriculation examination, or *ylioppilastutkinto* in Finnish, is a standardized test that Finnish high school students must pass to graduate. It is administered by the Finnish National Board of Education and serves as a prerequisite for university admission. The exams are held annually in May, with results released in June. Students typically take the exams over a period of two weeks, with each subject assessed separately.

The sisut system is designed to ensure fairness and consistency in assessment across all Finnish high schools. The exams are developed by subject experts and undergo rigorous review to maintain high academic standards. Results are reported on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible score. While the exams are challenging, they are considered a key milestone in a student’s academic journey, providing a clear benchmark for their readiness for higher education.

In addition to its role in university admissions, the sisut system also reflects Finland’s commitment to equitable education. All students, regardless of their school or background, are evaluated using the same criteria, promoting transparency and reducing disparities in assessment. The exams have been a cornerstone of Finnish education for over a century, evolving to meet the needs of modern academia while retaining their foundational principles.