The National High School Exam (Enem) is one of the largest selection processes in Brazil and a turning point for many students who aspire to higher education. Every year, thousands of students prepare intensively for the test, which includes essays, multiple-choice questions, and covers a vast multidisciplinary content. However, how does Enem compare to similar processes in European countries?
Enem and the Appreciation of Social Issues in Brazil
The Enem is notable for including socially relevant topics, such as racism and Afro-Brazilian culture. This year, for example, Goiânia teachers Laura Macedo, Débora Rocha and Júlia Sahium brought forward the essay topic, focusing on the contributions of Afro-diasporic culture to Brazilian identity, something that the Enem 2024 explored with the proposal of “challenges for the valorization of African heritage in Brazil”. This type of approach reflects the Enem’s role in engaging students in social debates, encouraging reflection on issues of identity, history and inequality.
The European Context: How Does University Entry Work?
In European countries, selection processes vary, but tend to be less focused on a single exam. In Portugal, for example, students take the National Exam, and the grades obtained in specific subjects are used as admission criteria for related university courses. In France, the system includes the Baccalauréat (Bac), which assesses students in several areas and is divided into written and oral exams. In Germany, the Abitur measures advanced knowledge in subjects chosen by students, allowing a degree of pre-university specialization.
Difference in Content and Approach
In Brazil, the Enem is a multidisciplinary exam that assesses students' performance in areas such as languages, natural sciences, humanities and mathematics. In addition, the essay is an essential and unique aspect, often addressing social or ethical issues. In Europe, although there are exams that cover several disciplines, such as the Bac in France, the depth of each subject is more intense, with students generally having the freedom to choose subjects that are more aligned with their desired course at university.
Assessment Process and Grades
A major difference between the Enem and European exams is the assessment system. The Enem uses Item Response Theory (IRT), which adjusts grades based on the consistency of the candidate's answers. This means that performance is assessed both by the correct answer and by the way in which the candidate answers. In European exams, such as the Bac and Abitur, the grade is more direct and reflects the sum of the points obtained.
Implications for Students
In Brazil, a good score on the Enem can guarantee a place at a public university through SISU, or provide access to scholarships at private institutions through ProUni. In Europe, on the other hand, public universities are largely free or have low fees, but the selection process is highly competitive.
Thus, while Enem allows students from diverse backgrounds to have a fair opportunity to enter higher education, the European system tends to offer earlier specialization and solid training in specific areas.
Both Enem and European admissions systems aim to provide opportunities for academic development. However, the Brazilian approach stands out for the breadth of topics covered and the effort to discuss social issues, while Europe values early specialization and an in-depth assessment of specific subjects.
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