Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and the University of Indonesia (UI) still top the list of universities with the highest average on acceptance scores in the State University Selection Test (SBMPTN) 2016.

Results of the SBMPTN were announced nationwide Tuesday, and from a total of 721,326 applicants, only 17.5% passed. Passing scores varied, according to test committee, however the highest average of acceptance scores was still dominated by the usual established state-owned campuses.

Rochmat Wahab, chairman of the SBMPTN committee said to kompas.com on Tuesday, “There are a lot of variables in determining the passing average. The amount of study programs [in a state-owned university] is also a determining factor.”

ITB has the highest passing average in the science and technology category. The average score of applicants to ITB reached 700.10, which is actually lower than last year’s 706.52. The UI sits in second place with a passing average score of 667.44 and Gajah Mada University (UGM) is third with 648.46.

For social and humanity studies, the UI tops the list with a passing average score of 669.52 and UGM is in second place with 652.92. Several state-owned universities also have made the list in both science and technology and social and humanity studies categories. 

“Undip [Diponegoro University] is listed in both categories, while UNJ [Jakarta State University] is only in one category. Usually it’s on both [lists],” Rochmat explained. Undip is listed as number five of the science and technology and social and humanity studies categories, while UNJ is at number 10 in the latter category. (asw)