pääsykoetta

Pääsykoe, tai pääsyn kokeen, on admissions examination used by Finnish higher education institutions to select applicants for specific degree programs. Se is separate from the national ylioppilastutkinto (matriculation examination) and is one of the criteria used in the admissions process. Pääsykokeet are typically organized by the admitting institution or by a faculty and may vary from program to program.

The format of pääsykokeet can be diverse. They may include written tests (problem solving, knowledge questions, essays), oral interviews, practical tasks, auditions, or portfolio reviews. Some programs rely mainly on a written exam, while others combine multiple elements such as a test plus an interview or a portfolio assessment. The content is designed to evaluate field-specific competences, problem-solving ability, creativity, and potential to undertake the studies.

Scheduling and use in admissions also vary. Pääsykokeet are usually held once a year, with dates published by the university, often in spring or early summer. Applications are submitted to the institution, and the outcomes of the pääsykoe contribute to the final admissions decision, in combination with other criteria such as previous academic performance, grades, and sometimes мотivation letters or references. In some programs, only a subset of applicants proceeds to the 시험 or the exam results are weighted heavily in ranking.

Variations among programs are common, reflecting differences in field demands and institutional practices. Pääsykokeet aim to assess readiness and aptitude for a chosen program beyond what is shown by prior studies, supporting a fairer allocation of study places.