Gintaras Sarafinas. Getting into prestigious high schools is becoming harder than entering universities
Competition for entering prestigious high schools in Lithuania has increased significantly, outperforming that of universities.
The article discusses the rising competition for admission to Lithuania's prestigious high schools compared to the country's universities. Statistics reveal that in the engineering fields, the competition for state-funded university spots is minimal, with less than two applicants per place in various study programs. In contrast, high schools in the capital, Vilnius, have seen much sharper competition, with the Vilnius Lyceum having an average of 4.8 applicants per available spot, highlighting a significant change in the landscape of educational admissions. Moreover, it examines specific examples from several high schools, including Vilnius Žirmūnų Gymnasium and M. Biržiškos Gymnasium, where the number of applicants per place also indicates a fierce battle for entry. This shift indicates that the desire for quality education at the secondary level has intensified, potentially influencing the future trajectories of students and the types of institutions that are perceived as valuable. Lastly, the article raises questions about the implications of such competition on students, educational standards, and the societal values surrounding education in Lithuania, suggesting that more emphasis may be placed on early academic achievement than on later university admissions, thus shaping educational policy and family choices in the years to come.