Admission to higher education in Israel and the role of the psychometric entrance test: Educational and political dilemmas

This paper describes the admissions process to higher education in Israel, which is frequently debated in public. It presents the historical background, outlines the psychometric considerations, summarises the extensive research data gathered in validity and evaluation studies, and provides the social and political perspectives. The paper points to how developments in the volume and importance of higher education have affected the way upper-secondary certificates mediate university entrance. Particular reference is made as to how far the pressures are changed by the use of a psychometric entrance test. Two laws, dealing with admissions to higher education, that are currently being put to vote in the Israeli parliament, are described and discussed.