Spanish word

selectividad

Pronunciation

IPA/selektiβiˈðað/

Meaning

  • feminine noununiversity admissions exam

Example

¿Vas a hacer la selectividad?

Are you going to take the university admissions exam?

Illustration for selectividad (university admissions exam)

More examples

¿Cómo te vas a preparar para la selectividad este verano?

How are you going to prepare for the university admissions exam this summer?

Core concept

Nationwide final secondary-school test that decides university admission in Spain.

Common phrases

  • prepararse para la selectividad

    prepare for the university admissions exam

  • aprobar la selectividad

    pass the university admissions exam

  • suspender la selectividad

    fail the university admissions exam

Similar words

examen: Timed examination given in educational or professional settings to award grades or qualifications.
EBAU: Regional standardized assessment (EBAU) taken in Spain to qualify candidates for university study.
prueba: Assessment or trial designed to gauge performance, learning, or aptitude in various contexts.
PAU: Historic name once used for the university entrance examination in Spain.

Definition in Spanish

Término usado en España para referirse al examen final que evalúa a los estudiantes para la admisión universitaria.

Word origin

The noun derives from selectivo 'selective' plus the suffix -idad, tracing back to Latin selectus 'chosen', and it refers in Spain to the final exam that evaluates students for university entry.

Usage tips

  • The word is feminine in Spanish and typically appears with the article la (la Selectividad), while formal documents often prefer regional official names rather than the colloquial term.

Other meanings

  • college entrance examnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word