The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) has opened its "examen de control" admissions exam in only four states, concentrating most sessions in Mexico City [1].
This decision forces thousands of applicants to travel long distances to secure a testing spot, raising questions about the university's accessibility for students outside the capital [1].
The exam is scheduled to take place from Aug. 12 to Aug. 19, 2024 [1]. According to the university's schedule, the testing sessions are distributed across four specific locations. Mexico City (CDMX) will host the most sessions over three days [1].
Other available locations include León in Guanajuato and Tijuana in Baja California, both of which will host exams for two days [1]. Oaxaca will host the exam for one day [1].
While the university has not provided a specific reason for limiting the exam to these four locations, the concentration of dates in the capital has left thousands of aspirants with no choice but to travel to Mexico City [1].
Separate from the testing dates, the process for reviewing results begins earlier this month. The publication of preliminary scores is set to start on Aug. 5, 2024 [2].
“Thousands of applicants must travel to Mexico City.”
The concentration of admissions testing in a few urban hubs creates a significant socioeconomic barrier for rural and low-income students. By limiting the 'examen de control' to four states, UNAM effectively shifts the financial and logistical burden of university entry onto the applicants, potentially skewing the demographic of the incoming class toward those who can afford travel to Mexico City.
