High School in Romania

High school is seen as a privilege in Romania, and this portion of the educational system is taken very seriously. Unlike the educational system in North America, high schools in Romania are extremely selective. Following the completion of elementary school, students must take The National Test, which determines a teen’s academic future. The National Test is given to all students in June of each school year. Students have the option of choosing one of two test subjects (Romanian Language and Literature or Math and Geography/History). In order to pass this examination, students must earn a mark of 5 (passing). Students who earn a mark that is less than 5 do not have the opportunity to attend high school. Instead, these students must attend a 2 year trade or craft school.

Even if a student passes The National Test with an average mark (7 or 8), enrolling in a desirable school is tough. Students who earn the highest marks (9 to 10) have first choice when it comes to popular high schools. National Test scores are made public (both on the Internet and in school hallways), so that future students aspire to achieve a high score or face public humiliation.

Students who hope to take the Bacalaureat Exam (passing this exam is the only way to gain entrance into a Romanian university) must attend a high school that prepares students for university. Five different types of high schools exist that will allow students to apply for university. These high schools include:

Military College: these 3 schools are run by the Romanian Army, and students are expected to act as soldiers. In fact, all students who attend these schools are considered part of the Romanian Army.

National College: National Colleges are in high demand with many students. These schools are directly connected to various international programs, and all of these schools place a large amount of importance upon theoretical studies. In order to attend one of these schools, students must obtain a mark of 8.7 or higher.

Grup Scolar: these schools are really high schools and trade schools combined. While some of these schools are not regarded highly, others are seen as being excellent schools. Depending on the type of program that a student wishes to study, some Grup Scolars can be excellent.

Technical College: these schools prepare students for a technical degree or trade degree. Admission into these schools is not difficult.

Liceu: high schools that have not gained any special recognition are known as “Liceus.” Admission into these schools is not demanding, though not all students are accepted.

Interestingly, grading at the high school level varies from school to school. Presently, a unified grading method for all high schools does not exist. Therefore, it can be difficult to compare grades from one school to the next. However, all schools have set grading standards that are understood by most universities. To a foreigner, this system may seem illogical, though it works well within Romania. It is extremely important for all students to achieve high marks in high school, since any student wishing to go on to university must pass the Bacalaureat Exam. Passing this exam is the only way to gain entrance into university, and many students do not pass this exam. Unlike North American high school students, high school students in Romania make studying their number one priority.