Sweden here, we have different quotas. They need to be balanced but for specialty more art based programs like architecture they might involve auditions or simi

Sweden here, we have different quotas. They need to be balanced but for specialty more art based programs like architecture they might involve auditions or similar. All programs have requirements, to take a STEM program you need to have calculus, physics and similar from high school. If you don't have it there's generally a system to study for a year to pass those courses, allowing you to change track. The entrance is then essentially. (Checked my program) 1. 66% based on high school grades 2. 34% on a SAT/ACT like test. The test is different though, no essays or other subjective stuff. It essentially has two parts both multiple choice, one testing language and one testing logic. Score is assigned by bell curve of all takers. Generally not as good predictor of student suitability as grades but allows people who just barely passed high school due to lack of motivation, issues at home and similar to still have a chance getting into their dream career if they are smart enough. You can generally with really high motivation study for the test and raise your score a bit, not hugely though, and having that motivation is another predictor for success studying so works itself out.