TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — About 121,000 students have registered to take Taiwan’s three-day college entrance examination, which began Saturday and concludes Monday, per TTV.
The first day of testing covered Mathematics A and Natural Sciences. Sunday’s sessions included English and Chinese, while Monday’s exams will test Mathematics B and Social Studies. Each subject lasts between 90 and 110 minutes.
On Sunday morning, many parents gathered on the National Taiwan Normal University campus, holding banners to encourage test-takers. Parents’ associations also set up booths offering stationery and cookies in case students forgot supplies or needed refreshments.
One examinee said Mathematics A was the subject students feared most, commenting, “Let us all work hard to pass Mathematics A. If you pass Mathematics A, you will pass everything.” He said he arrived early at the test center to work through warm-up questions and calm his nerves.
A parent accompanying a child said that while parents naturally have expectations, “I just love my child, no matter how he does.”
College Entrance Examination Center Director Chang Hsin-jen (張新仁) said the top three categories of exam violations on Saturday included 67 cases of students failing to carry valid identification documents, 19 cases of drinking water or chewing gum during the exam,and 15 cases of not completely turning off mobile phones, per CNA.
On Sunday, the first period of testing was dedicated to English, with 120,959 students expected. Of those, 2,797 were absent, for a 2.31% absence rate.
The Central Weather Administration said conditions during the exam period are expected to be warm and comfortable, though some areas may experience brief rain. Individual results will be available for inquiry on Feb. 25 at 9 a.m.
At National Taiwan University’s special test center, 145 students are taking the exam, the highest number of applicants requiring special assistance in nearly a decade, per CNA. Candidates using Braille computers or standard computers are required to save their answers to a USB drive, including a backup, before the end of each exam session.
The NTU special test center serves students with disabilities and serious illnesses. Test administrator Tai Yu-min (戴玉敏) said the total of 145 students marks an increase from 134 last year.
Tai said the largest group consists of students with learning disabilities (46), followed by those with autism (45) and emotional or behavioral disorders (11).
She said 50 students applied to take the exam using specialized computer assistance, while 24 requested Braille computers, the highest figures in 10 years. Tai said all examination services and equipment must be certified and approved by the CEEC.
