The Croatian State Matura in mathematics is one of the final exams through which high school students demonstrate that they have acquired sufficient mathematical knowledge during their secondary education. Mathematics is one of the three main subjects tested in the Matura, and students can choose to take it at either a higher or lower level.
For graduating high school students, the Matura period is one of the most stressful times, as their future education largely depends on it. A good result is a prerequisite for university admission. 40 years ago I personally approached the exam with the goal of achieving the highest possible score at the higher level because I planned to enroll in mathematics at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb.
Since the Croatian State Matura is a final exam, students are expected to have prepared throughout their entire high school education. Passing each grade required a positive score in every topic. Summing up, students should have adequate knowledge and at least some familiarity with all topics. However, mathematics is not the only subject, so how can one remember everything? In my experience, if a student truly understood a topic in the past, it will not take long to refresh their memory. That is why quality preparation is crucial, and this is precisely what eMatematika offers. Our team includes outstanding instructors who have themselves achieved very high percentages on their own Matura exams, and a few even achieved 100% on the higher A-level exam.
Students are often misled by the fact that in some previous years, a 25% score was enough to pass, which causes some to prepare less thoroughly. This approach is risky. The Croatian State Matura cannot be retaken multiple times. You have one opportunity in summer and one in autumn, but by autumn, your desired university may already be full. Therefore, all effort should go into passing during the summer session. It often happens that a student learns a lesson well enough for a passing grade in school but still makes mistakes on the exam. We are not machines—errors happen. This is precisely why proper preparation is essential: good to reduce anxiety and stress during the exam.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Croatian State Matura in mathematics:
1. What is the difference between higher and lower levels?
It depends on the university you plan to attend. The lower level tests basic mathematics knowledge and mainly covers material from the first two years of high school. The exam is worth a total of 40 points and lasts 150 minutes. The higher level tests all knowledge acquired throughout high school, is worth 60 points, and lasts 180 minutes.
2. What topics are covered in the exam?
– A Level (Higher Level): Numbers and algebra (20%), functions (30%), equations and inequalities (30%), geometry (30%)
– B Level (Lower Level): Numbers and algebra (42.5%), functions (15%), equations and inequalities (20%), geometry (22.5%)
3. When should one start preparing for the Croatian State Matura in mathematics?
Preparation time depends on the chosen level. It is estimated that preparing for the higher level can take up to four times longer than preparing for the lower level. We recommend starting early, as it gives more time to identify weaker areas and receive guidance from our instructors. For most students, the second semester is the ideal starting point for focused Matura preparation.
4. How are passing thresholds determined?
Thresholds are determined using the Angoff method, where experts estimate how many candidates will answer each question correctly. Generally, the passing threshold is 25%.
Pass the Matura, enroll in your desired university — prepare with eMatematika.hr