Comparative assessments, uniform examination requirements, central high school diplomas, and maturity reforms - standardization is playing an increasingly significant role in our education system. After the introduction of educational standards for intermediate qualifications, the academic discussion is now focusing on the educational standards for upper secondary education. Of particular interest is the question of the impact of standardization on the quality of teaching and the high school diploma as well as the maturity certificate. It remains uncertain whether standardization leads to a decrease or an increase in the level of the highest school qualification. In light of the trends toward uniformity, there are concerns that upper secondary students are increasingly finding it difficult to shape their educational paths individually due to limited choices. There is also a discussion about whether innovative school concepts in the area of secondary education, such as profile upper secondary schools, still have enough room for design due to standardization. Ultimately, it needs to be clarified to what extent increased comparability of educational qualifications will enhance or diminish educational equity.