Both the Public Television and RFE/RL’s Armenian Service July 20 newscast did not refer to one of the highlights of the day, to the protests of parents dissatisfied with the results of the entrance exams. Many parents near Brusov State University mentioned that an unfair situation was created through the fault of the Ministry of Education: the applicants who received 7-8 points were accepted to university, while those who received 16 points were not. One of the applicants received 16 points, applied to 8 departments, but was not admitted to any. Bright Armenia Fraction MP Anna Kostanyan addressed the issue on her Facebook page: “At the moment, many parents are complaining in front of the ATC (Appraisal and Testing Centre) that their applicant children received high scores, but were not accepted because they did not meet the requirements of the primary application. However, if they had to be guided only by the primary application, why were the applicants given the opportunity to submit 8 applications. If they do not meet the requirements of the first application, then the second one must at least be considered for the competition.
Now it turns out that, for example, the applicant who received 8 points was accepted by the first application, and the other applicant, who received 17 points, is not accepted to any department because he did not satisfy the first application requirements.
I submitted one of such applications to ESCS, when the applicant was not admitted to YSMU.
At the moment, the parent is alarming that the ministry refuses to register him/her for reception to the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport.” The deputy later published letters from numerous applicants.
PAP MP Naira Zohrabyan has also made a note: “ESCS Minister, can you explain that trick, how is it possible to be admitted to a university with 8.5 points, and, not to be admitted with 18 points? Dozens of parents have applied to me today, who along with me want to understand how 8.5 is more than 18? A clear explanation must be given to the parents.”
A wave of protests has risen on social networks on this topic. However, both media outlets preferred to remain silent regarding this topic. Instead, the Public Television presented the official announcement of the Ministry of Education that the competition for university vacant positions is starting. “Media Advocate” initiative notes that these two media outlets are constantly trying to circumvent the acute problems that faces the public. This was one of the most important events of public interest, which was covered by almost all TV channels.
