On August 13, CNN Philippines announced in a tweet that the University of Sto. Tomas Entrance Test (USTET) will not be administered this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, based on a memo made on their official website. In its place, aspiring UST students will have to apply through a new process called the University of Sto. Tomas Admission Rating (USTAR) where the score will largely be based on the "academic performance and record of the applicant."
Incoming college students and even alumni of the school expressed concerns on social media regarding the revised admission guidelines.
Upon the announcement, "USTET" began trending on social media with a mixed reaction from netizens. Many say that the process of USTAR seems unfair for students who had to endure an unjust grading system within their respective high schools. Some also pointed out that not all schools maintain the same academic standards and grading criteria.
Not long after the announcement has been made, however, the said explanation for USTAR was removed from the official website of UST. Further guidelines regarding the applications for academic year 2020-2021 has yet to be clarified, but according to the website, aspiring UST students shall expect the application process to begin soon.
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