ACCESS AND STUDENT ENTRANCE TO THE UNIVERSITY: STATUS AND IMPROVEMENT PROPOSALS FACILITATING TRANSIT

Abstract

This article analyses two key issues that may modulate the academic career of a university student. In the first place, we study the issue of the university access, with its implications regarding pathways, possibilities and limits. We raise the
issue of the effectiveness of the current process, especially considering the functions traditionally assigned to the entrance exam from secondary education: the match of knowledge, the valuation of the student maturity, external assessment
system, the prediction of the success of the university studies, and the placement of students at different degrees. Secondly, we approach the issue of the entrance into the university scene, a singular and important transition procedure where the connection between this institution and postcompulsory secondary education is vital. This issue is specially focused on two important points: competence’s values in the formative progress and the adoption of a whole and comprehensive
perspective to understand university student. To conclude, we note some proposals that, from our point of view, may help to create, promote and improve the processes of access and transition of students to university level.