University admissions event announced for public schools

By THE STAR STAFF

The island Department of Education and the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) announced Tuesday that they will hold a simultaneous event this Thursday for 12th-grade students to complete their university admission applications from their respective schools, with assistance from school counselors and university staff.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and will be supported by all 11 UPR campuses. Students will be able to complete their applications online during school hours, regardless of whether they qualify for the automatic admission process.

“This partnership with the University of Puerto Rico represents a valuable opportunity for our graduating students, as it provides them with an additional tool for guidance and support at a critical stage in their academic development,” Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés said in a written statement. “We want every student to have access to the opportunities and resources necessary to continue their studies and achieve their goals.” 

The initiative is in response to Law 113-2025, which establishes a designated school period for eligible students to complete their automatic admission applications. Both institutions have agreed to make it an annual event, to be held on the third Thursday of September.

Jonathan Muñoz Barreto, UPR’s vice president of student affairs, highlighted the importance of providing guidance throughout the process.

“We want every public school student to be able to envision college as an attainable goal -- and, above all, to have the tools to take that next step,” he said.

To complete the application, students were advised to have their full Social Security number, mailing address, personal email address, and the academic program they are interested in on hand.

“Through this initiative, we are bringing the admissions process directly to where our young people are, supporting them and facilitating their transition to college life,” Muñoz Barreto added.