Has the Unified State Exam Eliminated Educational Inequality?

Contents:

• The Unified State Exam has changed the composition of first-year students
• Inequality has become multi-level

This year marks 20 years since the introduction of the Unified State Exam (USE) in Russia. Initially, the USE was held only in some regions, but since 2009 it has become mandatory for everyone wishing to receive a certificate of secondary general education and continue their studies at universities. Even during the pandemic, the Unified State Exam (USE) remains the primary entrance exam. For those not planning to enroll in higher education, the State Final Exam (GVE) is available, which is taken only in Russian language and mathematics. The USE remains an important part of the Russian educational system, and its results influence students' futures and career choices.

The Unified State Exam (USE) was introduced to eradicate corruption in higher education admissions. USE supporters emphasize that this objective assessment mechanism ensures equal conditions for all graduates, regardless of their location. This has particularly impacted schoolchildren from the provinces, who now have the opportunity to enroll in Moscow universities on equal terms with students from large cities. Expanding access to higher education has become an important step toward improving the educational environment and enhancing student competitiveness.

The USE tasks and rules are uniform throughout Russia, and the results are accepted by all universities in the country. However, USE scores are not always sufficient for admission. Some majors require additional proof of creative ability, and universities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg State Universities have the right to conduct internal examinations in general subjects. Overall, the introduction of the USE has significantly simplified the admissions process compared to previous years, when each university administered its own exams and independently evaluated the results. Now, high school graduates can submit the same USE results to up to five different universities located anywhere in Russia, making the admissions process more convenient and accessible. The USE has indeed created the conditions for equal access to higher education, but does it truly provide equal opportunities for everyone? Higher education has become more accessible, but factors such as place of residence and socioeconomic status can still influence an applicant's chances. It is important to consider how these aspects can influence exam results and, consequently, students' future careers. Thus, despite the universality of the Unified State Exam, equality in educational opportunities requires deeper analysis and understanding.

In this article, we will examine three key issues in detail.

• Has the Unified State Exam (USE) Expanded Access to Universities?
• What Does Educational Inequality Look Like in the Context of the Unified State Exam?
• How Do Olympiads Change Access to Universities?

The Unified State Exam Has Changed the Composition of First-Year Students

In the early 2000s, entering university was a real challenge for applicants from small towns and rural areas. The problem wasn't just the need to get to the university and find temporary housing for the entrance exams. Applicants who had taken preparatory courses at universities or studied in specialized schools had a clear advantage in preparing for the exams. This created additional difficulties for those who did not have access to such resources, significantly reducing their chances of successfully entering higher education institutions.

As a result, the following situation developed:

• 60% of graduates of Russian universities came from the ten largest cities in the country, including Moscow and St. Petersburg;
• Muscovites were admitted to the most prestigious universities 21% more often than applicants from other cities, and graduates of gymnasiums were admitted 17% more often than graduates of regular schools.

Research shows that elite universities represent a closed caste, difficult to enter from the outside. This limitation is due to a number of factors, such as high requirements for candidates, competition, and the presence of certain connections. As a result, access to a quality education at such institutions becomes difficult for many talented students.

According to sociological surveys, in 2006, approximately 10% of families resorted to outright bribes to enroll in higher education. This problem affected both Moscow and regional universities. Bribes for university admission have become a significant factor affecting the transparency and integrity of the country's education system.

The replacement of university entrance exams with the Unified State Exam (USE) significantly improved the admissions situation for students from the regions. In 2017, Olga Vasilyeva, then the Minister of Education and Science, reported that 65% of first-year students at Moscow universities came from the regions. Previously, before the introduction of the USE, this figure was the opposite: approximately 70% of students beginning their studies at Moscow universities were graduates of Moscow schools. This change has contributed to more equal access to higher education for applicants from different regions of the country.

According to recent research conducted by the Higher School of Economics and the University of Essex, school graduates from small towns demonstrated a significant increase in mobility by 2014. Their mobility rate was three times higher than that of graduates who completed their education before 2009. These data highlight changes in youth migration trends and indicate a growing willingness among graduates from provincial towns to seek educational and employment opportunities outside their hometowns.

Daniil Alexandrov, a sociologist of education at the St. Petersburg campus of the Higher School of Economics, argues that the Unified State Exam (USE) has become an important social elevator in Russia. He notes that this exam significantly influences access to higher education and opens new opportunities for young people, promoting social mobility. The Unified State Exam (USE) allows talented and motivated students to advance toward their goals, regardless of their social status.

Inequality has become multi-layered

Inequality in education and social mobility remains a pressing issue. Although the USE creates opportunities for geographic mobility, this does not mean that social inequality has disappeared. For high school graduates seeking to study in large cities, parental income remains an important factor, in addition to USE scores. Moreover, research shows that success on exams largely depends on the family environment and the quality of the educational institution the child attended. Thus, social inequality continues to impact the educational opportunities of young people.

There are three key levels at which significant causes of inequality in admissions opportunities continue to manifest themselves. These factors can include socioeconomic status, access to quality education, and individual circumstances that influence applicants' opportunities. Inequality in admissions opportunities creates barriers for many students, limiting their opportunities for further education and career advancement.

An analysis of average Unified State Exam (USE) scores in Russian language and mathematics from 2010 to 2014 showed that graduates perform better in regions with a high gross domestic product and improved funding for educational institutions. A direct impact of the number of teachers with higher education on student achievement is also observed. On average, higher scores are recorded in lyceums, gymnasiums, and schools with in-depth study of certain subjects. Large educational institutions and schools with teachers of the highest qualification category also demonstrate higher results.

Average data indicate that in economically weak regions and ordinary schools, graduates do not always achieve high scores on the Unified State Exam. However, this does not preclude the possibility of passing the exams successfully. However, statistics show that the likelihood of achieving maximum results in such conditions is lower compared to more prosperous regions.

Schoolchildren, their parents, and teachers note that school classes are not sufficient for high-quality preparation for the Unified State Exam. In this situation, tutors come to the rescue, helping to deepen knowledge and prepare for exams. According to recent research, the private tutoring market in Russia was valued at 100 billion rubles a year ago. This demonstrates the high demand for additional educational services and the importance of an individual approach to student preparation.

Prior to the introduction of the Unified State Exam, tutoring was quite popular in Russia. Between 2006 and 2009, more than half of students reported taking paid preparatory courses or working with tutors from their chosen universities and other educational institutions before enrolling. With the introduction of the Unified State Exam (USE), the popularity of preparatory courses at universities has significantly declined. Nevertheless, the share of education expenditures in Russian family budgets during a child's final school year increased by 70%. Some researchers believe the high costs of exam preparation are one of the reasons why ninth-grade graduates are leaving for college. This shift in educational preferences underscores the relevance of tutoring and preparatory courses, despite the transformation of the examination system. The effectiveness of tutoring in preparing for the Unified State Exam (USE) is controversial. Research shows that the impact of parental financial investment in education may be modest, but still positive. Graduates from wealthier families have more opportunities to improve their scores through paid tutoring with qualified specialists. This creates certain advantages in the competition for university admission. Thus, even a slight improvement in results can have a significant impact on the future of applicants. Money is not the only factor contributing to inequality. A family's cultural capital has a significant impact on educational achievement. In the school system, especially in high school, subjects unrelated to university admissions are increasingly being given less and less time. The comprehensive development of a child or adolescent becomes primarily the responsibility of parents. If a family lacks the financial means to attend clubs and sections, or lacks the experience and education to choose extracurricular activities, this significantly limits the child's development. It is important to understand that access to a variety of educational resources and activities plays a key role in shaping the future success of students.

Family poverty significantly impacts the likelihood of achieving high scores on the Unified State Exam (USE). However, exam results are not the only factor determining admission to prestigious universities. Even among graduates with similar results, differences in the choice of educational institution are observed depending on the family's financial situation. Students from more disadvantaged families are significantly less likely to enroll at highly selective universities. The family's educational capital also plays a significant role: research shows that graduates whose parents, especially fathers, are highly educated are more likely to enroll in prestigious educational institutions. Thus, socioeconomic factors and the educational background of parents influence the choice of university and the chances of successful education.

For graduates from families with limited resources, the Unified State Exam has opened up new opportunities in choosing an educational trajectory: "I'll enroll where I have enough points." University professors have long noted an increase in the number of first-year students who have no idea about their specialty and show no desire to delve deeper into its study. This leads to many students being unprepared for the demands of the academic process and facing difficulties adapting. Thus, the importance of an informed career choice and motivation for learning is becoming more important than ever.

According to a 2015 study among university professors, some respondents noted that "random" people are entering educational institutions. Researchers from the Tyumen Industrial University concluded that this process has already resulted in thousands of unmotivated specialists entering the labor market. This underscores the importance of student selection at the admissions stage to ensure high-quality education and the training of qualified personnel.

Random university selection based solely on Unified State Exam scores most often occurs among applicants from low-income families. Sociological surveys conducted in 2008 and 2010 showed that after the introduction of the mandatory Unified State Exam, the proportion of graduates from this group considering multiple universities for admission increased. While families with higher incomes in 2010, as in 2008, preferred to choose one desired university, counting on the possibility of studying for a fee in case of insufficient passing score for a state-funded place. Thus, the financial capabilities of families significantly influence the strategies for choosing an educational institution and the accessibility of higher education.