The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) commenced the University Entrance Exam (PAU) this Tuesday, a significant academic milestone for 10,750 students across the archipelago. ULPGC Rector, Lluís Serra, offered words of encouragement to the students just before their first exam, Spanish Language and Literature II, wishing them "good luck" and urging them to remain calm.

Nervousness was palpable at the Tafira Campus, the main venue for the PAU in the province of Las Palmas, where 2,240 students gathered. The weather conditions, including cold, a light breeze, and drizzle, did little to ease the tension, although the young individuals also expressed their "eagerness to start the test," as they commented.

Students like Leire Hernández, from IES Nelson Mandela, shared "a mix of nerves" and confidence in the process. Hernández aims to study Primary Education and highlighted her strong performance in Bachillerato, with an average of 10, hoping the exam includes works like "La Casa de Bernarda Alba" or contemporary narrative.

Other candidates, such as Fabio Salazar and Félix Ruiz from IES Politécnico, also expressed "a bit of nerves" and a desire for the Generation of '27 to be included. Salazar plans to study Business Administration and Law in Salamanca, while Ruiz is participating "just in case" to study Music in Holland.

The Vice-Rector for Students at ULPGC, David Sánchez, reported that nearly 5,300 students are taking the exams in the province of Las Palmas, with 4,700 participating in the general phase. Sánchez emphasized the complex logistics behind the exam, which are prepared from September and culminate in student allocation and the printing of nearly 100,000 exam copies.