🔶 Iran’s university entrance exam; academic success in the hands of the wealthy?

🔻 A report by Danial Amiri

The publication of results from Iran’s nationwide university entrance exam is usually accompanied by the introduction of students who have managed—through top ranks—to pave the way for entry into reputable universities. A great deal is shared about their long hours of studying, personal effort, and planning. But this year’s entrance-exam results have once again drawn attention to another issue: the family circumstances and educational resources of those who have succeeded in this competition.

An examination of the academic records of the top 30 students in the mathematics, experimental sciences, and humanities tracks shows that none of them studied in ordinary public schools. Among these students, 19 studied at gifted talent schools, four at public sample schools, four at non-governmental schools, two at Alborz high school, and one at a martyr’s family school (shahid).

In other words, about 63% of these ranks belong, on their own, to students from gifted talent schools. In the experimental sciences track as well, nine out of the top 10 ranks studied at these schools.

A review of the family backgrounds of some of the top students has also sparked discussions about the impact of parents’ social standing on their children’s academic success.