The article discusses the increasing public and media focus on the entrance exams to secondary schools in Slovakia, emphasizing a shift in the last two to three years from initial shock over students with top grades being rejected from gymnasiums, to detailed discussions on applicants' interest in various schools and strategies for navigating the application process. The author critiques the growing industry around entrance exam preparation, which they see as an exploitation of families unable to afford such services, suggesting that this trend reveals deeper systemic inequalities within the educational system. The article raises concerns about the fairness of the current system, particularly in Bratislava, where a significant shortage of school places exists. It points to the role of local governance in addressing these disparities, mentioning the position of the mayor who holds opinions on the matter. The emphasis is on how the lack of accessible preparatory resources and increasing pressures impact students and their families, creating an environment of stress that can further marginalize those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Ultimately, the author argues for a more equitable approach to education, suggesting that in a just society, no student should face such discrimination based on their family’s financial capabilities. They call for a reassessment of the education system to ensure all students have equal opportunities in their academic pursuits, especially in a year marked by political campaigning and public discourse surrounding education policies.