UNAM rejects pleas to change exam sites amid student travel complaints

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has stated it will not alter the assigned locations for the upcoming in-person entrance exam, despite significant complaints from applicants. The university's decision comes after irregularities, including suspected use of artificial intelligence, were detected in the initial online examination.

UNAM explained that the exam sites, located in Mexico City, León, Oaxaca, and Tijuana, were assigned based on "regionalization criteria" to minimize travel times and costs. However, the university acknowledged that the process might require students to travel far from their homes and advised them to plan transportation, accommodation, and meals in advance.

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For this reason, changes of venue will not be possible.

The university's stance has drawn criticism from students who shared their assignments on social media. Many reported being sent to cities distant from their residences, with some from northeastern states like Nuevo León and Tamaulipas assigned to Tijuana in the northwest. Others from Michoacán, the State of Mexico, and Yucatán were directed to Oaxaca or Mexico City.

This situation arises after UNAM ordered a verification exam for 58,783 applicants following a review that revealed statistically atypical results and potential cheating in the virtual test administered between May 23 and June 10. While UNAM has not issued an official statement addressing the student complaints, the exam is set to take place between August 12 and August 19.

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Is anyone else going to Tijuana and is from Tamaulipas or another state? Are you going? I can't, it's too much expense and then having to travel to CDMX for registrations and the start of the semester.