Yareli Acevedo tells how she combined medicine and administration at UNAM and high-performance cycling

More than 43,000 applicants have registered for the University of Mexico’s (UNAM) entrance examination, with seven out of every 10 candidates successfully signing up within 24 hours. The registration process has been largely successful, marking a key step in the university's efforts to evaluate prospective students ahead of their official admission exams. The exam, which took place in León, Guanajuato, saw over 500 young participants take part in its first day of application. The test was conducted on computers, with strict measures in place to prevent communication among examinees. Academic staff moved through the rows to monitor the process, ensuring fairness and transparency. Some students arrived early, some exhausted after long nights of studying, while others traveled from distant locations such as Morelia, Michoacán, and Querétaro, accompanied by family members who had supported them throughout their preparation. Among those taking the exam were Ilya Martínez, Natalia García, Daniel Estrada, and Santiago Rodríguez, who traveled from Morelia in a vehicle driven by Eduardo García, the father of one of their companions. They expressed confidence in their performance, citing their success in an earlier online version of the test, which they believe gave them an advantage. Ilya Martínez, applying for the Literature and Intercultural Studies program at the ENES Morelia campus, admitted feeling nervous despite her belief in her readiness. The morning of the exam began with a long queue forming outside the venue, stretching more than 100 meters along the Adolfo López Mateos Boulevard. Participants carried printed forms and identification documents, shielding themselves from the sun with folders or papers. The temperature reached 28 degrees Celsius, adding to the challenge of the day. Parents and guardians joined their children, offering encouragement and support. One mother, Elisa Estrada, embraced her son before he entered the testing area, expressing hope for his success. The actual exam started at 5 p.m., with participants given three hours to complete the test. However, some arrived later due to delays in transportation, particularly from Querétaro. Over 32 teaching staff from the UNAM campus served as observers during the exam, while more than 50 individuals acted as monitors inside the room. Daniel Estrada, who finished the digital portion of the test in just 47 minutes, found the in-person version easier than the previous online one, though he noted the increased pressure from the presence of supervisors. Despite these challenges, many students remained optimistic. Rosa Bravo Rivera, another participant, came with her father, a man from the countryside, determined to prove herself. She and others shared similar sentiments, believing that their hard work would pay off. The atmosphere was tense yet hopeful, with families and friends gathered nearby, offering emotional support. The UNAM plans to expand the in-person exam to include 2,777 additional participants across four sessions at the León campus, with the second session scheduled for August 13. The university has emphasized the importance of maintaining rigorous standards and fair conditions for all candidates. Observers and monitors will continue to ensure compliance with the rules, including the prohibition of electronic devices and other prohibited items. As the final results of this initial round of examinations become available, the focus will shift to the next stages of the admissions process. For now, the participation rates and the determination of the applicants underscore the high stakes and intense competition surrounding entry into one of Mexico’s most prestigious institutions.