UNAM control exam: Thousands face in-person test after online irregularities

Thousands of students across Mexico faced the National Autonomous University of Mexico's (UNAM) in-person control exam this week, a measure taken after irregularities marred the online version in July. The university annulled the initial online exam, prompting a new, in-person assessment for 53,568 applicants nationwide.

Many students described the in-person exam as more challenging than its online predecessor. Diego, one of the first to finish in Guanajuato, noted that the content differed from what he encountered online. "The topics I got were different from what I saw the first time in the exam," he stated.

Frida Florido Favila, who was initially selected but then faced the exam's cancellation, expressed anxiety about losing her spot. "I was selected and was very happy; then they said another exam would be held, I did feel a little afraid of losing my place and all the effort I had already made," she recounted. She also found the in-person test more difficult, adding, "It was a bit more complicated, I don't know if because of the different questions, but everything was fine."

In Oaxaca, Alejandro Soriano, who achieved 111 out of 120 correct answers on the first attempt, also found the control exam harder. "I did well, I think it was more complicated than the first exam. There were topics I hadn't studied well," he said. Hashley, who had secured 113 out of the 109 required for her desired program, felt the re-examination caused nervousness and uncertainty among diligent students. "It's wrong that they cheated and affected all of us who did strive," she commented before entering the exam hall.