In why way was it a joke?
Si is DiTella hard to get into?
You are in straight if you approved the CBC of UBA...so, the Di Tella is for thouse loosers who failed at UBA. Most private universities works as a second option of UBA.
FYI the CBC is a leveling course of 1 year where you have to approve 8 subjects.
There is a lot of elitism surrounding the UBA — even though it's "para el pueblo."
Many people view private universities as places where the "loosers who failed at UBA" pay for their degree. Ultimately, success all comes down to the individual. I know UBA graduates who can barely get themselves dressed in the morning, and I know people from private universities who are very successful (and vice-versa).
However, here's one thing UBA and private university students do have in common:
Many of them take forever to finish their degree! 8+ years to finish what is a 5 year program is not uncommon. One reason is because you can fail courses/exams multiple times and retake them... or even put off taking an exam for a future date which is sometimes YEARS in the future!
First regarding "Is DiTella hard to get into?" Is there ANY private school in Argentina that's hard to get into if you have the money? This includes secondary schools. I think the answer is NO. I'm not aware of any tests similar to SATs administered in Argentina as part of university admissions. Some universities like DiTella have higher standards than universities like Belgrano but I think that money and connections can get you into any school in Argentina unless you are really seriously academically deficient and I think even then the lesser universities will take anyone.
I agree that the CBC is very hard and it is the leveler. Admission to UBA is open to anyone however to continue you must finish the CBC which is demanding. Many who can't handle it go to private universities if they have the money. I feel more confident dealing with graduates of UBA than the private universities precisely because I know that they have had to get through a demanding 'basic training' than graduates of private universities. I'm sure that DITella and San Andres have reasonably high standards but I'm always suspicious of private schools when it comes to graduating students. These expensive private schools can afford to hire some visiting professors from the US and have better facilities and some international contacts but I am not sure that their graduates are better prepared than those of UBA.
There is a lot of elitism surrounding the UBA — even though it's "para el pueblo."
Many people view private universities as places where the "loosers who failed at UBA" pay for their degree. Ultimately, success all comes down to the individual. I know UBA graduates who can barely get themselves dressed in the morning, and I know people from private universities who are very successful (and vice-versa).
However, here's one thing UBA and private university students do have in common:
Many of them take forever to finish their degree! 8+ years to finish what is a 5 year program is not uncommon. One reason is because you can fail courses/exams multiple times and retake them... or even put off taking an exam for a future date which is sometimes YEARS in the future!
No personal experience of UBA but I have watched students progress through their medical and architecture schools and I'm impressed.I have worked in International Higher Ed for over 35 years, done extensive research on higher education systems. UBA is still the best in most areas. Unfortunately for myself, Higher Ed has turned into a major business ( in particular in the US). Do not get allured, for the lack of a better word by partnerships and exchanges.