Central university admission system not popular: poll
Students and parents have described the central university admission system as "inappropriate" according to a recent survey conducted by Dr Amornrat Pinyoanantapong, who taught at Srinakharinwirot University's Faculty of Education.
The survey - among 3,182 students, parents, teachers, school administrators and uniŽversity executives - evaluated the 2006 academic year's university admission system and studied its impacts. It found that students and university executives did not agree with the idea of allowing students' academic performances in their senior secondary education year to count for up to 30 per cent of the university admission criterion. "They felt it would pose a problem because there are different grade standards in schools," Amornrat said. Students also felt that preparation for tests required by the university admission system were a cause of stress. They said such preparation deprived them of leisure time and they had to spend money on tutorial classes. However, the survey found respondents were quite happy about the university's direct admission system. They said that, overall, the direct system of admission was appropriate. Amornrat recommended the Education Ministry and Office of Basic Education Commission ensure the same grading standard among schools. She also supported the use of aptitude tests and subjective tests. "Universities may also encourage students to compile portfolios and recognise them as an admission criterion."
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