énem

Enem is the Portuguese acronym for Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio, which translates to National High School Exam. It is a standardized test administered annually in Brazil to assess the knowledge acquired by students who have completed or are nearing the end of their secondary education. The exam serves multiple crucial purposes within the Brazilian educational system.

Primarily, the Enem is used as a primary tool for admission to public and private universities across Brazil. Many higher education institutions, including federal universities, use the Enem score as their sole admission criterion or as a significant component of their selection process through systems like the Sistema de Seleção Unificada (SiSU). It also facilitates access to scholarships through the Programa Universidade para Todos (ProUni) and student financing via the Fundo de Financiamento Estudantil (FIES).

The exam itself is comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects typically taught in Brazilian high school curricula, including Portuguese language and literature, foreign languages (English or Spanish), mathematics, natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), and human sciences (history, geography, philosophy, sociology). It is structured into multiple-choice questions and an essay, evaluating not only factual knowledge but also critical thinking, reasoning, and writing skills. The Enem's broad scope and its widespread use make it a pivotal event in the lives of many young Brazilians, significantly influencing their academic and professional trajectories.