Galician Students Face New University Entrance Exam Challenges

Galicia Holds New University Entrance Exams: 13,000 Students Face Changes Galicia, Spain - Thousands of students across Galicia are preparing for the new university entrance exams, known as the PAU. This year's exams mark a significant change from previous years, with a single, unified exam format being implemented across Spain. The exams, which began on June 2nd, 2025, will determine the future of nearly 13,000 students. This is 20 fewer students than last year. "It's the most important exam of our lives," said one nervous student outside an exam center in Santiago de Compostela. Another student added, "The pressure is immense, but we've all worked hard and we're ready to give it our best shot." The new exam format, a key change for this year, aims to standardize the university entrance process across Spain. This means students will face a single exam, unlike previous years when there were options. The new system also emphasizes the importance of grammar and orthography, with penalties of up to 20% for mistakes in Galician and Castilian Spanish. This change is intended to ensure a more thorough assessment of students' linguistic abilities. The provisional results are expected to be released on June 12th, 2025, providing students with an initial indication of their performance. The final results, after revisions, will be published on June 19th. The exams are being held across 35 universities and secondary schools in Galicia. Despite the pressure, the students and their families remain hopeful for a successful outcome.