The GZAAT Admission Exams During COVID-19

When it comes to transferring to a new school, everyone knows it is not easy. Having to adapt to new people, environment or studying method is a big challenge, but having to pass the admission exams to step into school in the first place, seems far scarier.

GZAAT has held its entrance exams annually for many years, and 2021 was not an exception. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the school still managed to hold them in person throughout March and April.

Everyone can agree that taking tests during this difficult period has been extremely stressful and unusual. We wanted to find out how the incoming students managed to deal with the situation this year and what they thought about the examinations, so we decided to interview one of the students, Natalia Abashidze, about their experience.

Drawing by Mariam Devadze

Interviewer: To start off, can you tell us more about this year's examination dates?

Natalia: In my case, the exams started on March 28th when I had my first test in English. Next, was the Georgian language on 29th, and on 30th -Math. Finally, I had an individual interview with the principal and a few members of the administration on April 22nd.

Interviewer: What about the regulations, how did the school deal with the pandemic and what was the environment like?

Natalia: I liked how the school organized everything. All the safety measures were taken. The distance was kept and everyone wore masks. Although wearing a mask for hours was not the most pleasant experience, I definitely have to point out the cozy environment in the stressful classroom where I took the test. Under so much pressure and a sea of emotions, a friendly attitude all around the campus made me calm down. I expected everything to be extremely strict and stressful but in reality, I felt really comfortable.

Interviewer: How did the pandemic affect your preparation for the exams? Were there any challenges you had to face?

Natalia: Coronavirus had an impact on everyone who was writing the exams this year. Personally, I find it better to study face to face with a teacher, as it is easier for me to comprehend the material. So remote learning has definitely been a challenge. Yet the pandemic also had its pros, for example, I became more responsible and started to focus on studying more. I was also able to improve my time management skills and stop procrastinating.

Interviewer: Thank you and good luck!

There is no doubt students this year had to face many obstacles, whether it was adapting to the coronavirus pandemic or solving a difficult math equation but no matter the situation they along with GZAAT managed to prepare for the admission exams and go through the process peacefully. The results they get back are not important, as the experience they gained is what’s valuable and will grow them as a people.

Edited by Elene Berelashvili