Finnish high school graduates share experiences of failing final exams

Finnish public broadcaster Yle is seeking students who failed this spring’s national matriculation exams to share their stories of coping with disappointment.

Around 50,400 students took the exams this year, with roughly 26,500 passing. Statistically, about four percent of all tests result in a failing grade, leaving some without the traditional white graduation cap.

The exams carry significant weight, as university admissions favor first-time applicants with strong results. For those who planned their future around passing, the setback can be particularly difficult as peers move on to further studies.

Yle is producing a story for online, radio, and television about how students recover from failing. The broadcaster is looking for recent graduates willing to discuss their experiences. Responses will be handled confidentially by journalists, and personal details will not be published without explicit consent.