Giulia Diniz, a 24-year-old student from Lauzane Paulista in São Paulo, shared her experience of attending preparatory courses for university entrance exams. After enduring a long and exhausting commute from the northern to the southern areas of the city, where she studied at the Poliedro preparatory school, she ultimately decided to shift her focus from in-person classes to online ones due to the physical and mental strain of the daily travel. Her journey reflects a broader trend among students who must weigh the pros and cons of different learning formats in relation to their personal situations.

Having graduated high school in 2018 and spending five years in preparatory courses, Giulia faced multiple transitions between in-person and online learning. Her eventual acceptance into the medical program at the Albert Einstein Israeli School of Health Sciences underscores the effectiveness of both learning methods, but also highlights the importance of adapting to the stage of preparation and individual learning preferences. Giulia believes that the choice between these formats should take into account the student's current circumstances and their evolving needs as they progress toward their goals.

In her final year of preparation, despite recognizing the value of online learning, Giulia returned to an in-person environment. She cited a desire for the direct interactions with teachers and peers that a classroom setting provides as a significant factor in her decision. This underscores a critical aspect of education: the social and collaborative elements can significantly enhance motivation and learning outcomes, particularly in high-stakes preparation settings like entrance exams.