MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, March 2, 2026 — The Bulacan State University Admission Test (ATBulSU) for Academic Year 2026–2027 drew criticism from parents and guardians after thousands of applicants flocked to the one-day, two-batch examination held on Sunday, March 1.

Parents expressed frustration over what they described as poor crowd management and disorganized queuing. One parent, who declined to be identified, told Taytayan, “Napaka-unorganized. Pinapila lahat doon sa Xentro Mall, nandoon na ang line, tapos magpapasingit dito sa harap [ng BulSU Main Gate]. Problem is, pinapila nila ‘yung mga nauna sa dulo tapos ‘yung mga bagong dating ay pinapasingit nila dito sa binuksan nilang bagong line, hindi tuloy nagmo-move forward ‘yung mga nakapila sa dulo.”

Another guardian, Lyn Impreso, compared the exam to other universities’ entrance tests, noting that the one-day schedule caused overcrowding. “Ginawa lang kasing one day [ang ATBulSU] kaya masyadong crowded unlike sa ibang school na ang [entrance exam] nila ay dalawang araw. Kumuha kami ng exams sa UP noong August pero hindi naman ganitong crowded,” she said.

Concerns were also raised about the strict rules on personal belongings. Exam takers were not allowed to bring items such as handkerchiefs, belts, jewelry, and mobile phones inside the campus, forcing them to leave their possessions at the gate. 

“Maganda na may rules pero hindi rin naman maiiwasan na may magdala ng cellphone kasi ‘yun ang way of contact nila eh. Bukod tangi ito lang ang exam na ganito kahigpit,” Impreso added.

Security personnel defended the policy, saying reminders had been issued well before the exam day. “Ulit-ulit naman na ang reminders sa kanila eh. Hindi na responsibilidad ng mga guard ang mga gamit na naiwan, sila rin mismo ang nag-iwan ng mga gamit nila,” a guard at Gate 1 explained.

According to the University Admissions Office, more than 31,000 applicants took the test across the main campus and external campuses in Hagonoy, Meneses, Sarmiento, Bustos, and San Rafael. This figure is 1,000 higher than last year’s turnout, reflecting the growing demand for admission to the state university.

As of now, the University Admissions Office has not yet announced when the results of ATBulSU 2026 will be released, leaving thousands of hopeful students and their families awaiting the outcome.

Image from Nina Franchesca Tomo