UM ITB Prep (SSU-ITB): Enter ITB Through the Independent Path

Many prospective ITB students confuse the ITB Independent Selection (SSU-ITB) with SNBT. Both are paths to ITB, but their mechanisms differ.

Core differences: - SNBT is run nationally by SNPMB; SSU-ITB is run by ITB itself - SNBT only assesses the UTBK score; SSU-ITB assesses several components: the ITB Academic Exam, the UTBK score, and the report card - SNBT material is TPS, Literacy, and Mathematical Reasoning; SSU-ITB adds an Academic Exam in Math and Physics - SNBT runs around April-May; SSU-ITB is usually in June

Best strategy: Take both. The UTBK score you earn for SNBT still counts as one SSU-ITB component, so the preparation reinforces each other. Add ITB-level Math and Physics practice 2-3 months before the Academic Exam.

The core of ITB Independent Selection is the Academic Exam (Ujian Kemampuan Akademik), which differs from the UTBK. Understanding its format makes preparation more focused.

What is tested: - Mathematics is mandatory for all SSU-ITB applicants - Physics (Mechanics & Waves) is mandatory for science-engineering faculty and school aspirants - FSRD applicants add an online Drawing Ability Test

Question character: - Emphasis on deep conceptual understanding, far above rote formula memorization - Many applied problems requiring step-by-step reasoning - Difficulty calibrated to ITB's academic standard

Adaptation strategy: - Master Math and Physics fundamentals before drilling hard problems - Practice Mechanics and Waves problems specifically since they are the Physics focus - Get used to solving with a timer to train time management

Because the UTBK score also counts toward the assessment, UTBK practice must not be left behind.

Aspirants to the Fine Arts and Design Faculty (FSRD) have an extra component that sets them apart from science-engineering applicants.

FSRD-specific components: - An online Drawing Ability Test - A portfolio of fine arts, design, or craft (you may use the portfolio submitted during the UTBK or create a new one per the rules) - They still follow the common components: Academic Exam, UTBK score, and report card

What the drawing test assesses: - Object drawing: accuracy of proportion and structure - Scene drawing: composition and idea delivery - Creativity and visual originality

Tips for preparing a portfolio: - Pick your best works that show a range of ability - Include your working process, all the way through to the final result - Build a thread or theme so the portfolio has a story

Mentoring by FSRD alumni tutors helps students choose works and strengthen the portfolio concept.

SSU-ITB applicants may choose up to 4 study programs, except programs at ITB Cirebon Campus which have their own rules. The selection strategy shapes admission chances.

Principles for arranging choices: - Choice 1: your dream program matching interest and academic strength - Choices 2-3: related programs with more realistic chances - Choice 4: a safety program with larger capacity

What to consider: - Fit between interest and the faculty's character (STEI, FTI, FTMD, FSRD, and others) - Capacity trends and competitiveness of each program - Report card consistency in supporting subjects

Advice: Don't pile all four choices onto equally ultra-competitive programs. Spread the competitiveness so there is still a chance even if the first choice doesn't work out.

ITB does not release official passing grades, so program competitiveness is an estimate based on applicant trends and capacity.

Highly competitive program groups: - STEI: Informatics Engineering, Information Systems and Technology, Electrical Engineering - FTI: Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering - SF: Pharmaceutical Science and Technology

Competitive program groups: - FTMD: Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics - FTSL: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering - SBM: Management, Entrepreneurship - FSRD: Visual Communication Design, Product Design

Groups with broader chances: - Some programs in FITB, FTTM, SITH, and FMIPA with relatively larger capacity

Important note: Applicant numbers change every year. Use this estimate as a rough guide when arranging your 4 choices, and strengthen all components (Academic Exam, UTBK, report card) to widen your chances.

Estimated SSU-ITB 2026 schedule (based on previous years' patterns):

- Registration opens: May 2026 - Registration closes: June 2026 - Exam simulation: June 2026 - Drawing Ability Test (FSRD): June 2026 - Academic Exam: June 2026 - Results announcement: June to July 2026

Registration fee: The SSU-ITB registration fee is around 700 thousand rupiah per applicant and already includes the fine-arts test for FSRD aspirants. Fee waivers generally apply to applicants from underdeveloped (3T) regions and KIP Kuliah scholarship recipients.

What to prepare: - A current-year UTBK score (mandatory) - A high school diploma or certificate (SKL) - Report cards for semesters 1-5 - A portfolio (for FSRD aspirants only) - An account on the admission.itb.ac.id portal

Check official sources: Always confirm the schedule and rules on the admission.itb.ac.id portal because exact dates can change each year.