It was more complicated than the first one: Alejandro Soriano, the first young man to complete the UNAM control exam in Oaxaca

The Mexican Supreme Court of Justice’s (SCJN) legal interpretation has been cited by a federal judge to dismiss the first amparo petition challenging the suspension of the University of Mexico’s (UNAM) entrance examination. The case was rejected by Judge Ulises Oswaldo Rivera González of the Fourth District Administrative Court. The petition was filed on August 4 by Brenda Haydde Balderas García, who had passed the initial admission test but was denied entry due to failing the subsequent suspended exam. Judge Rivera González ruled that public universities have the autonomy to set their own admission criteria, including requirements for enrollment and academic progression, based on established judicial precedent from the SCJN. He emphasized that decisions such as denying admission based on exam performance do not constitute actions subject to amparo review, since applicants are only entitled to consideration within the framework of institutional rules. According to the ruling, individuals become official students only after being formally admitted and enrolled in a program, at which point they acquire specific legal rights and obligations. The decision underscores the legal independence granted to public institutions under Mexican law, particularly regarding educational processes. It also highlights the procedural stance that applicants must comply with institutional guidelines before gaining full legal status as university students. This reasoning aligns with broader principles of administrative autonomy upheld by the judiciary, reinforcing the notion that institutional discretion is limited to matters directly related to governance and academic standards. Meanwhile, the UNAM continues its efforts to administer the entrance exam in person following concerns over online testing irregularities. The institution has assigned exam locations based on regional considerations to minimize travel costs and time for applicants. Despite these measures, some candidates have expressed dissatisfaction, citing logistical challenges and financial burdens associated with traveling to designated sites. The university has urged applicants to review their assigned locations in advance, arrive punctually, and bring necessary documents, including valid identification and printed exam tickets. In Oaxaca, Alejandro Soriano became the first candidate to complete the in-person exam, reporting that it was more difficult than the previous online version. His score of 111 out of 120 points reflects his confidence in his preparation, though he acknowledged encountering unfamiliar topics. Meanwhile, officials noted that approximately 681 out of 1,920 registered candidates did not show up for the exam in Oaxaca, with lower turnout observed in the first session despite the city hosting a large number of participants. The university has also faced criticism from some candidates who claim they were unfairly excluded from the process, even after achieving high scores. For instance, Brisa Nisdany, who obtained a perfect score in the online exam, demanded clarification from the university regarding her exclusion from the in-person assessment. Such cases highlight ongoing tensions around fairness and transparency in the admissions process, especially amid allegations of cheating during the initial online phase. The administration has stated that investigations into potential misconduct continue, and that support will be provided to those affected by registration issues. In addition, the university has announced plans to expand the in-person exam to accommodate more participants across multiple sessions, starting in León, Guanajuato. Candidates arriving from distant regions have described the effort required to prepare and attend the exam, emphasizing both the emotional and physical toll of the process. Some have traveled long distances, relying on family assistance, while others remain hopeful that their hard work will result in successful admission.