Entrance exam is a term derived from the Latin “vestibulum”, which means “entrance, entrance courtyard; beginning". In Brazil, the entrance exam is a type of exam applied by universities to students who intend to enter a higher education course.
The vestibular exam consists of qualifying tests for different subjects, functioning as the main means of selection of candidates for admission to higher education.
Public and private institutions apply the entrance exam. Generally, public universities are the most popular. In some entrance exams, the number of students competing for a vacancy can be very high, increasing the difficulty of access.
The selection tests are structured following several methods that vary according to the responsible institution. One of the methods used is the splitting of the contest into two phases.
In the first phase, candidates answer closed questions (multiple choice), and in the second phase they answer open questions (discursive), preparing the answer in text form. The candidate's participation in the second phase of the competition requires approval in the first phase.
Some students who intend to take the entrance exam choose to attend a pre-university course (also called a “Coursinho”) to benefit from better preparation for the exams. The courses are very popular with students as they offer the opportunity to review the content following the guidance of a teacher.
See also the meaning of Sisu.
Entrance Exam (Anatomy)
The term “vestibular” is used in Anatomy to designate the anatomical vestibule (cavity) of the inner ear, mouth, or vulva.