Abstract:

The traditional approach to student selection in higher education has focused mainly on admitting students solely based on their academic performance. However, this method often fails to identify the most suitable candidates for specific fields of study, leading to a mismatch between students' abilities and the requirements of the programs they choose. Universities of applied sciences have recognized this challenge and have started to provide flexible pathways for students that are interested in studying in universities of applied sciences.

This paper explores the concept of flexible pathways in student selection and its potential to improve the match between students' abilities and the demands of different fields.

In order to get the best results from flexible pathways, the secondary education plays a crucial role in identifying students' talents, interests and university readiness. By providing a wide range of educational opportunities and guidance, secondary schools can help students explore their strengths and passions and lay a strong foundation for future academic aspirations. However, the traditional student selection process often overlooks these valuable aspects and focuses primarily on standardized test scores or grades.

In addition, the inclusion of secondary education in the student selection process will facilitate a seamless transition between educational levels. It creates continuity in students' learning and allows for a smoother transition from secondary to higher education. This cooperation between upper secondary and vocational schools and universities of applied sciences not only improves the accuracy of student selection, but also strengthens the whole education ecosystem by promoting synergies and cooperation between institutions.

This paper explores the importance of recognizing and exploiting the role of secondary education in identifying potential students for higher education. By introducing flexible study pathways that value a comprehensive assessment of students' abilities and interests, universities can ensure a more inclusive and efficient selection process. This change has the potential to improve educational outcomes, promote talent and help students succeed and achieve more in different fields of study.

Keywords:

Student selection, higher education, flexible pathways.