Polish Matura Exams Begin With Mathematics Test

On May 5, 2025, Polish students began their highly anticipated matura exams, a series of crucial assessments marking the culmination of their secondary education. The first exam tackled was the Polish language, followed by the mathematics exam on May 6, and a foreign language exam scheduled for May 7.

The mathematics exam, which took place on Tuesday at 9:00 AM, lasted for 180 minutes. Students were tasked with completing between 27 to 39 problems, encompassing both open-ended and closed-ended questions. The total possible score for the exam was 50 points, with 25 points allocated for open-ended tasks and 25 points for closed-ended ones.

Many students from Bydgoszcz expressed optimism about their performance on the mathematics exam. "It went very well. We were surprised. The optimization task worth 4 points was very easy. I think it was the simplest math paper I’ve ever solved. I hope to score over 90, maybe even 100 percent," shared a student from a biological-chemical profile. Another classmate echoed this sentiment, stating, "I think it was definitely easier than the mock exam. I expect to be a bit upset with myself if I don't get a perfect score because overall, the exam was really simple."

However, not all students found the mathematics exam to be a walk in the park. One student admitted, "I didn’t do my best; I left the exam room first. If I pass, I’ll be very happy. It would be a miracle. I did much better on the Polish exam. The hardest part? Just the calculations. I didn’t prepare for math at all, not even for a minute. I only solved one paper, and that was with someone else."

The mathematics exam is a key component of the matura, which includes three mandatory tests: Polish, mathematics, and a foreign language. To pass, students must achieve at least 30% of correct answers, a requirement that has students feeling the pressure.

As students wrapped up their mathematics exam, they were already looking ahead to the foreign language test the following day. The modern language exam will offer choices including English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, and Italian.

Reflecting on the mathematics exam, students reported that the tasks were reminiscent of those encountered in mock exams, with no major surprises. Amelia, a student from the Environmental Engineering and Melioration School in Krakow, stated, "The exam was easy. The tasks were very similar to those in the mock exam. If someone prepared well, they shouldn’t worry." Bartłomiej Wajdowicz from III LO in Krakow also felt confident, noting that the tasks were straightforward, especially since he was preparing for the extended mathematics exam.

Michał Kowal, another student, added, "Honestly, this exam wasn’t difficult. I completed everything except for one task. The optimization task was very simple. I expect a good result from the mathematics exam."

For many students, the time between exams is spent unwinding. Dawid Solarski, a student from III LO, shared, "After the exam, I play games or watch series. There’s no point in studying now. I need to relax to have a fresh mind for English tomorrow."

Despite the overall positive feedback, some students did express concerns. One student stated, "I’m not satisfied, and I must admit that the exam was difficult. For me, the most important thing is to pass. I’m heading for humanities studies, and thankfully, I won’t have to deal with math there."

As the matura exams progress, students are keenly aware of the stakes involved. The results of the exams will be announced on July 8, 2025, giving students a few anxious weeks to await their fate. For those who do not pass, a retake is scheduled for August 19-20, 2025.

The mathematics exam's structure and content are designed to assess students' understanding of various topics, including real numbers, algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, functions, sequences, trigonometry, and geometry. The exam also allows the use of simple tools like rulers, compasses, and calculators, which can aid students in solving problems more effectively.

As students prepare for the next stages of their education, the matura represents more than just a series of exams; it is a pivotal moment that can determine their academic and professional futures. With the pressure mounting, students are reminded that thorough preparation is key to success.

In summary, the matura exams are not only a test of knowledge but also a significant milestone in the lives of Polish students, shaping their paths toward higher education and beyond. As they navigate these challenges, their resilience and determination will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success.