Belarusian Students Share Their Experiences with High-Stakes Exams

Centralized Testing in Belarus: Students Share Stories of Stress and Success Grodno, Belarus – The Centralized Testing (CT) exams in Belarus are a significant milestone for students, marking the end of their secondary education and a gateway to higher learning. This year, Formula CT, a local tutoring center, offered a unique perspective on the experience by featuring students discussing their preparation and feelings in a short video. The video provides a candid look into the pressures faced by these students. "Four exams times 90 minutes, plus travel time times four... that's six hours of pure stress!" exclaimed one student in the video, highlighting the intense workload. Another student added, "Stress accelerates cortisol production and affects memory, especially in mammals. We are, in essence, CT-driven marmots, only without sleep." Their comments underscore the intense pressure and long hours involved in preparing for the exams. Despite the challenges, the video also captures the students' determination and resilience. They express a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. The video concludes with a hopeful message of success, reflecting the students' unwavering dedication and the support system provided by Formula CT. The video's popularity, with 392 views in just one day, demonstrates the resonance of its message with a wide audience. It serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and resilience of students facing high-stakes exams and the importance of providing them with adequate support.