Comprehensive IPN-UNAM Upper Secondary Education Admission Guide and Study Notes

Institutional Framework and Admission Process Objectives

The admission to bachillerato studies at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) is determined by the candidate's performance on an online examination. This guide is designed to provide information, recommendations, and study strategies to prepare for this specific assessment. The institutional leadership includes Dr. Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas as Rector of UNAM and Dra. Patricia Dolores Dávila Aranda as General Secretary. The document emphasizes that there are no agreements with private institutions for preparation courses, and any claims of guaranteed admission by outside parties are false. Candidates must be assigned through the official process to enter these institutions.

Examination Logistics and Official Results

The online examination consists of $128$ multiple-choice questions. Applicants are granted a maximum of $3$ effective hours from their starting time to complete the test, which is considered sufficient for continuous work. The only official document for results is the Gaceta Electrónica de Resultados, published at the website https://miderechomilugar.gob.mx/. Candidates can also access an informative diagnostic report on the IPN-UNAM portal using their folio number and date of birth, though this diagnostic has no official validity for admission.

Language Arts: Spanish and Verbal Ability

The Spanish section focuses on information retrieval and textual organization. Key topics include the characteristics of bibliographic records and the functions of graphic components like titles, indices, and recuadros. Students must understand the use of nexos for introducing ideas (e.g., además, por ejemplo), relating statements temporally (e.g., luego, después), and linking arguments (e.g., pero, sin embargo). Linguistic resources for expressing causality, concession, and condition are evaluated, alongside the correct use of punctuation marks such as commas, semicolons, and parentheses. Verbal Ability tests reading comprehension, requiring the identification of explicit information, inference of facts, and the ability to distinguish between facts and opinions. It also includes vocabulary management through synonyms, antonyms, and analogies.

Mathematical Knowledge and Scientific Thought

The mathematics curriculum covers the meaning and use of integers, fractions, and decimals, including percentages, powers, and roots. Algebra topics involve literal expressions, first-degree equations, systems of linear equations with two unknowns, and second-degree equations including products and factorization. Statistical information management includes measures of central tendency, absolute and relative frequency tables, and notions of probability. Geometry requires knowledge of lines, angles, similarity of triangles, the Pythagorean Theorem ($a^2 + b^2 = c^2$), and trigonometric ratios (\text{sin}(x), \text{cos}(x), \text{tan}(x)). Perimeter, area, and volume calculations for various geometric bodies are essential. Mathematical Ability complements this with numerical sequences, spatial series, and reasoning problems.

Natural Sciences: Biology, Physics, and Chemistry

Biology focuses on biodiversity, Darwinian evolution, and the relationship between adaptation and natural selection. It covers cellular processes including photosynthesis, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and the carbon cycle. Human health topics include balanced nutrition, respiratory disease prevention, and reproductive health via mitosis and meiosis ($5.1$). Physics encompasses the description of movement (\text{velocity}, \text{acceleration}), Newton's Laws, the Law of Universal Gravitation, and electrical charges. The internal structure of matter is explored through the kinetic particle model, heat, temperature, and Pascal's Principle ($3.4$). Chemistry examines the properties of materials—physical and chemical changes—and the conservation of mass. Atomic structure involves protons, electrons, neutrons, atomic numbers, and mass numbers ($2.2$). Chemical reactions include the mole as a unit of measure, acids and bases, and redox reactions.

Ethics, Nature, and Society: History and Geography

History is divided into world history and the history of Mexico from the 16th century to the late 20th century. Major world themes include the Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, the World Wars, and the Cold War. Mexican history focuses on Mesoamerica, the Viceroyalty of New Spain, the Independence movement, the Porfiriato, the Mexican Revolution, and the transition to a globalized era (1970-2000). Geography analyzes geographic space through categories like region and territory, using tools like GIS and GPS. It also covers natural resources, plate tectonics, demographic dynamics (migration and population growth), and economic globalization. Formations in Civics and Ethics emphasize human nature, moral autonomy, democratic values, the division of powers in the Mexican State, and the rights of adolescents.

Advanced Study Strategies and Learning Tools

Effective study is defined as analyzing and understanding information rather than just remembering it. The guide suggests creating a study calendar by determining the days remaining until the exam and distributing hours across subjects based on mastery levels. Active reading is crucial; students should search for unknown words in a dictionary and maintain a critical mindset. Collaborative study and the use of graphic organizers are encouraged. For example, Synoptic Charts (Cuadros Sinópticos) help schematize essential ideas using a hierarchy or "keys." Cause and Consequence Charts facilitate understanding complex events like the French Revolution. Comparative Tables allow for the evaluation of properties between elements, such as different mountain ranges (e.g., Sierra Madre Occidental vs. Sierra Madre Oriental). Summaries and Timelines (Líneas de tiempo) serve to synthesize information and order historical events chronologically.

Mathematical Problem-Solving Methodology

A general 8-step method is proposed for solving problems in math, physics, and chemistry. This includes reading carefully, identifying the question and data, schematizing, selecting a silver procedures, and verifying results. For example, to find two numbers that sum to $15$ where the smaller ($y$) is $9$ units less than double the larger ($x$), the system is:

$x + y = 15$

$2x - y = 9$

Using substitution, from the first equation, we find $y = 15 - x$. Substituting this into the second equation: $2x - (15 - x) = 9$, which simplifies to $2x - 15 + x = 9$, resulting in $3x = 24$, so $x = 8$. Therefore, $y = 15 - 8 = 7$. Verification: $8 + 7 = 15$ and $2(8) - 7 = 9$.

Technical Requirements and Examination Protocols

Applicants must use a computer (PC or laptop) with a webcam and microphone; tablets and cell phones are prohibited. The "Lockdown Browser" must be installed as specified in Document B. A mandatory mock exam (Simulacro) is required to verify equipment functionality and the testing environment. On the exam day, the space must be quiet, well-lit (avoiding backlight), and free of distractions, including images of other people in the background, as AI monitors for unauthorized companions. Allowed materials during the test are limited to two blank white sheets, a pencil, an eraser, and a sharpener. Forbidden items include calculators, smartwatches, and notebooks. Candidates should enter the platform 15 minutes early, though the exam starts exactly at the scheduled time. It is recommended to answer easier questions first to secure points and manage the 3-hour limit effectively.