This year’s Panhellenic University Entrance Examinations highlighted dozens of students who stood out through their exceptional performances, proving that success is the result of perseverance, proper preparation, and clear goals. From Rhodes and Lesvos to Crete, Thessaloniki, and Larissa, the top-performing students share their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and the dreams that are now one step closer to becoming reality.

A common denominator in their testimonies is methodical work, belief in their own abilities, and support from family members and educators. Despite the stress and demands of the academic year, most emphasize that maintaining balance in daily life, loving the subject they chose, and staying focused on their goals were the key factors that led them to high scores and the fulfillment of their academic ambitions.

Ioanna Papakosta from Larissa

Ioanna Papakosta excelled in this year’s Panhellenic Exams, scoring 19,780 points.

“I expected that I had done well, but I didn’t expect this score. Our school prepared us properly, and I am truly grateful for that,” Ioanna told onlarissa.gr.

She also stressed that consistent studying and exam preparation are the result of many years of effort, not just one school year. Describing her daily routine during the long preparation period, she noted:

“Systematic studying definitely helps, but on Saturdays you need to go out and spend time with friends.”

Maria-Michaela Chaireti from Rhodes

One of the highest scores in this year’s exams was achieved by Maria-Michaela Chaireti from Rhodes, who earned 19,710 points, according to rodiaki.gr.

“I feel great joy and satisfaction because the announcement of the results validates the hard work and efforts of many years,” she said.

“I feel doubly proud because I managed to complete this journey and achieve my goal relying on my own abilities and the foundations provided by my school.”

The outstanding student warmly thanked her teachers for their support and guidance throughout her preparation, noting that they played a decisive role in helping her reach her goal. She also expressed gratitude to her parents, grandmother, and godfather for their love and constant support over the years.

Anthi Tsikoudi – Aspiring Medical Student

Anthi Tsikoudi, who also aims to study Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, scored 19,080 points.

“I got 20 in Chemistry, 19.7 in Biology, 19.4 in Physics, and 16.3 in Essay Writing.”

She attended Anatolia College on an academic scholarship earned through her middle-school grades and maintained it through graduation. For Anthi, preparation for the Panhellenic Exams lasted two years, although she began taking it more seriously at the start of her final year of high school.

“At that time, I wasn’t in the best psychological state. I felt a lot of anxiety. I kept thinking about how important the grades were and how much effort I would have to put in. I started working harder and realized that, besides studying, the psychological factor was crucial.”

She considers the Christmas period the most important stage of her preparation.

“By then, about 75% of the material has been covered. It’s like a cushion that helps you gather everything together and start again from the beginning.”

Initially overwhelmed by stress, she struggled with time management and studying. Good organization helped her overcome those difficulties.

“On weekends, I studied four hours in the morning and four in the afternoon. I had a schedule—I knew what I had to do and when. Having a plan helped me get rid of anxiety.”

Regarding school guidance, she said:

“I definitely made use of what our teachers suggested. However, everyone studies differently. I preferred waking up later and studying late into the night.”

Her free time was limited.

“Although I planned to go to the gym, I didn’t manage it. When I wasn’t studying, I mostly wanted to rest. I usually took walks around the neighborhood with close friends. I made sure to go out with friends from different academic tracks, because with my close friends from the same track we talked only about lessons and it made me even more stressed.” (laughs)

Speaking about university applications, she explained:

“I already know that I want to work in research. My teachers advised me to study Medicine because it would give me a stronger degree. After that, I will also apply for Biology and Pharmacy.”

As for summer plans:

“I’ve already booked trips with my friends to Paros, Mykonos, and then Halkidiki.”

Andriana Theofylatou from Patras

Andriana Theofylatou, a graduate of the Model High School of Patras, scored:

• Modern Greek Language: 17.2
• Mathematics: 19.8
• Chemistry: 19.1
• Physics: 18.2

“I’m interested in studying engineering here in Patras—I’m choosing between Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. I want to research career prospects further before deciding how to complete my university application.”

She explained that she would receive guidance from her tutoring center, which organizes annual career-orientation seminars, while also consulting professionals working in those fields.

Reflecting on her journey toward the exams, she said:

“Balancing studying and school was difficult. And life outside of all that as well.”

She added:

“I focused on studying and neglected other things. I’m a very anxious person, but I realized that what matters is good-quality studying. I adjusted my study time according to my school and tutoring obligations. Some days I had so many tutoring hours that I chose not to do anything else, while on lighter days I studied continuously.”

“In general, I tried not to let difficult moments overwhelm me or affect my performance and the quality of my studying.”

Was she nervous when the exams finally arrived?

“No. I had received good preparation from both school and tutoring, combined with my own effort. My family supported me greatly, especially psychologically. We had many discussions about anxiety so that on exam day I could stay as calm as possible and write what I knew.”

She concluded:

“I would truly like to thank my tutoring center and my school teachers.”

During her free time, Andriana still met friends:

“But only for simple walks around the neighborhood or maybe a movie. As for hobbies, nothing this year. I couldn’t combine everything, so I had to set priorities.”

Her immediate plans focus on rest and making up for lost time with friends.

“At the same time, I want to spend more time exploring university departments and courses so that I can be completely certain about my final choices.”

Antonis Papanikolaou from Volos

Antonis Papanikolaou, from Nea Ionia in Volos, scored 19,660 points, achieving:

• Biology: 20
• Physics: 20
• Essay Writing: 18.4
• Chemistry: 19.9

“I expected that I had done well, but not this well, because I had doubts about the Essay exam, which is a more subjective subject,” he told magnesianews.gr.

Antonis described the academic year as demanding and said it required moderation rather than strict organization.

“What was needed was systematic studying—about five hours every day—but also rest. I don’t feel that I sacrificed too much, since up until May I still went out two or three times a month.”

Giannis Lalos from Mytilene achieved an average score of 19.3 in the Health Sciences track, recording outstanding results across all examined subjects.

“This year was more demanding and involved more pressure. It required more studying, but in the end it paid off,” he told stonisi.gr, adding that at the beginning of his preparation he did not follow a strict study schedule, although he gradually developed one as the exams approached.

“I want to study Medicine. I will be admitted either in Athens or Thessaloniki, and then I will decide which city to choose,” he said.

“I’ve liked this field since I was a child. It’s rewarding to help people. Of course, you also consider career prospects, but above all I am drawn to the vocation itself.”