This year, over 1,500 students graduated from basic school in Tartu. There are 1,300 places in high school and 1,000 places in vocational school. But many young people from outside Tartu are filling these places, so the competition is fierce.
Mathematically, there should be enough places, but many young people still don't know where they can continue their studies. Katrin Parv from the Tartu Education Department says that over 1,000 invitations have been sent out, but only 300 young people have confirmed their choice.
Perhaps the young people are waiting for a better offer. Some already have an invitation but are waiting for another. None of Tartu's high schools are fully filled yet.
School leaders say the numbers are changing quickly. Usually, classes are ready by Midsummer Day, but this year it's taking longer. Ain Tõnisson from Tamme High School asks students to decide quickly and inform other schools if they decline a place.
Monika Väärt from Tamme School says that most students in her class have received invitations. But in other classes, there are many who still haven't received any. Uncertainty and confusion in the system are causing a lot of stress for young people.
Families should create a calm environment for young people so they don't feel pressured. Next spring, the new SAIS 3 system should make things easier.
Ain Tõnisson hopes that technology will help speed up the process. Currently, the process takes weeks, but in the future, it could be done in minutes. This would reduce stress, especially for diligent students who have to wait a long time.