UNAM forms commission to review admission exam after scoring controversy

The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) has ordered the creation of a special commission to review its admission exam process after a controversy erupted over an unprecedented number of near-perfect scores on the undergraduate entrance examination. The move follows widespread outcry from academics, aspirants, and parents who noted that the minimum passing score had risen sharply, suggesting that almost perfect performance was required to be admitted. Source: CNN Source: La Jornada

The controversy

The controversy centers on the selection exam for undergraduate programs, where an elevated number of candidates achieved extraordinarily high marks. Researchers have questioned the integrity of the process, pointing to the statistical improbability of such results. Alma Maldonado, an educational researcher at the Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, analyzed the situation on CNN's Perspectivas program, highlighting the suspicious nature of the scores. Source: CNN

University response

Rector Leonardo Lomelí instructed the formation of a technical commission composed of university experts from various disciplines. The commission will review the entire exam procedure and the selection outcomes. In a statement, the UNAM said the review will be conducted "con rigor académico y criterios técnicos" (with academic rigor and technical criteria) to generate proposals for improvement. Additionally, the university is attending to requests from rejected applicants for exam reviews and has scheduled appointments for those whose participation was canceled to view the evidence. The UNAM assured it will release results promptly and reaffirmed its commitment to equity and transparency. Source: La Jornada