As a person born in USSR Russia and currently living in Uzbekistan, I can confirm that college entrance system didn't change much in Uzbekistan: 1. You are allo

As a person born in USSR Russia and currently living in Uzbekistan, I can confirm that college entrance system didn't change much in Uzbekistan: 1. You are allowed to apply to 1 state-sponsored university only. If you don't get in, you're SOL. 2. You need to pass medical examination before you submit your documents. This "Medical Form-86" can be bought for $10. 3. You can buy your way into a university, just like rich kids do for Ivy Leagues in USA. The best change since then is the fact that the practice of administering oral and written exams by each university is GONE :) IMHO this was THE MAIN way to deny admission during USSR times. This happened to both of my parents: a. My mom scored perfect on first 2 exams and scored 1 on the final essay. The university in Russia rejected her appeal. Oh, and did I say she was writing for her high school bulletin and won several state essay competitions? b. Same story with my Uzbek dad. Scored well on Math and Physics just to fail the final oral exam. Ended up serving in Army in Saint Petersburg for a few years. Now concerning discrimination in USSR colleges: I have relatives who are Tatars and Uzbeks and I know plenty of Jewish Russians who had no problem getting into universities during USSR times. I also know a few Russians who thought they got perfect scores but ended up getting a ding. Based on my experience, I'd day everyone was against odds due to corruption and lack of connections.