Tizhooshan

Overview

"Tizhooshan" (literally "sharp minds") is the informal name for the selective schools run by Iran's National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents (NODET, known in Persian as SAMPAD). The organisation was founded in 1976 and re-established in 1987 after the revolution. According to one report, it runs 99 middle schools and 98 high schools. The schools admit students through nationwide entrance exams, and admission is very competitive: the same report puts the acceptance rate below 5 percent. The official sites for NODET and Iran's education ministry could not be reached when this page was written, so everything below comes from encyclopaedia sources. Check the current admission notice from the organisation for dates, eligibility and format.

Exam pattern

The organisation selects students through nationwide exams at two points: entry into the first cycle of secondary school (grade 6 to 7), and entry into the second cycle (grade 9 to 10). The Persian-language source describes the exams as based on tests of academic aptitude and analytical aptitude. The English-language source says the tests are designed to measure intelligence, talent and creativity rather than prior knowledge. The two descriptions differ, and the format has changed over the years, so look at the organisation's current guide for the actual sections.

Important changes

In February 2018 (Bahman 1396), Iran's education minister announced that the exam for entry to the first cycle of secondary school (grade 7) was being scrapped, so SAMPAD schools would stop admitting grade 7 students. A day later, the ministry clarified that this applied only to the first secondary cycle, and that the exam for entering grade 10 would remain. In May 2018 (Khordad 1397), it was announced that the schools would stay open and that grade 7 entry would instead use an "intelligence assessment" (sanjesh-e hoosh) to invite students. The Persian-language source still lists two entrance exams, one for grade 6 to 7 and one for grade 9 to 10. Because the rules have changed more than once, confirm which entry grades and which selection method apply in your year.

What the schools offer

The schools use their own curriculum and teaching methods, and teach some subjects at college level, including biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and English. They usually offer two majors: mathematics and physics, and experimental sciences. Tuition is similar to private schools but may be partly or fully waived depending on the student's financial situation. Another group, the state "Nemoone Dolati" selective schools, hold their entrance exam alongside the NODET exams and charge no fees.

After the exam

Students who are admitted join a NODET school at the entry grade. Many alumni continue to postgraduate study.

Preparation tips

• Get the official guide and registration notice for your year from the organisation, since the exam format and entry grades have changed over time.

• Because the exams are described as testing aptitude and analytical ability, practise reasoning problems as well as school subjects.