Professional choice and selection bias: evaluation of university admission system in Chile in a pro-inclusion agenda context

Focusing on the prerogative of greater inclusion, the Chilean university admissions system has gone through a series of reforms in the last two decades, the effect of which has aroused evaluative interest. Using official databases, the purpose of this article was to analyze the profiles and changes in higher education trends of a university-selective nature as a result of the reform process. In spite of redesigned programs and the ensuing increase in the number of students that enter higher education, results revealed that inequalities persist in the opportunities of professional selection based on social and cultural capital attributes. Beyond the skills and aptitudes that the reforms seek to put at the center of the issue, entrance exams conceal the structural bias of an educational system that is difficult to change. Although it is clearly evident in the admissions process, selection bias affects the professional option in terms of institution and program choice, continuity, and timely graduation.

Key words:
University selection; Social inclusión; Admissions system; Selection bias; Higher education