For many, the MSU-Systems Admission and Scholarship Examination (MSU-SASE) unarguably serves as the easiest step in what later becomes a far more demanding MSUan journey. Frankly, the competitive, strict, and disciplined atmosphere during academic activities as simple as short quizzes that are barely worth a single percent of your grade is a clear testament to that. The setup is standard practice and it always looks like: one seat apart, nothing on the table, and the only noise permitted in the room is the lingering sound of the air conditioning from ancient times. With over thirty thousand applicants this academic year, one would expect an examination climate that ensures integrity with zero tolerance for anything less. However, public scrutiny sparked as pictures of examinees cramped at a single table with no space left for God, along with countless statements of blatant academic dishonesty with proctors as conspirators circulated online.
The MSU system has always taken pride in the institution’s so-called prestige for decades. People in Mindanao have it that only the best of the best get accepted. Now, the inadequate examination conditions and the multiple cheating and leaking allegations have truly tainted the institution’s respectable image. To call it a shame would be an understatement. These issues undoubtedly undermine the credibility of the admission process and defeat the very purpose of state universities—equity and free education for the less privileged. Many of the takers most likely poured their blood, sweat, and tears—juggling academics and work, holding onto the thin thread of hope of going to college as a first generation in the family. That is the reality of an average 12th grader whose only gateway to a brighter future is having a fair shot at taking the SASE—all they had was the chance, yet even that was taken away by self-interested cheaters and the incompetent system.
Sure, there is a clear increase in applicants—challenging the traditional methods of conducting the SASE. However, there is absolutely no excuse to allow the questionable examination setting. Leading institutions such as University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas have always conducted different day examinations to cater to the high number of applicants. Obviously, it would take more time and resources, but at the end of the day, it is the least they could do. The MSU System openly aims to compete with the Big 4, and the rising number of applicants is proof that we are on the right track. Yet, they cannot even do as little as provide halfway decent testing centers. They brag so much about the rigorous selection process when they barely commit to it.
As if the shameful state of testing centers is not irking enough, there is an alarming number of cheating allegations. The worst part? Most of them are allegedly initiated by the “esteemed” proctors. Rumors of questions leaked from prior to the SASE to blatant encouragement of cheating during the exam proper. It is utterly disgusting to comprehend how any of it possibly transpired—how every bit of this shameful corruption took place. It is difficult to fathom how such violations of trust could occur under an institution that prides itself on integrity, honor, and excellence. The irony is bitter: the same university that upholds these values may now face the task of restoring them within its own gates.
Furthermore, I believe it is crucial to look at the bigger picture: this is not the first time MSU was faced with cheating allegations during SASE—it just became rampant enough to get sufficient traction from the public. This greatly reflects the extreme lack of transparency and accountability from the system for it to get this severe. For consecutive years, MSU never took action, and it all led us to this huge pithole. This year’s misfortune serves as an eye-opener to the disturbing pattern. It is only right to demand better from the system—something that they should have given long ago.
The SASE was supposed to measure who deserves to enter MSU—yet it revealed what MSU has already become. The solution is not far-fetched: staggered exam schedules, proper testing venues, transparent proctoring, and independent auditing are the bare minimum if the institution truly aims to be recognized as a “world-class institution.” Accountability must not end with nameless proctors or whispered rumors; it must reach the desks of administrators who allowed this circus to unfold. To let this scandal pass without consequence is to declare that “Integrity, Honor, and Excellence” were never meant to be lived by, only to display false glory. Until MSU proves otherwise, the only test it has truly failed is its own.
Written by Lily Gilmore
Post a Comment
Any comments and feedbacks? Share us your thoughts!