When I studied physics it was almost “free admittance” (essentially a high school diploma with at least P-Level courses is what I think would be an equivalent in California).
Within the first semester everyone was weeded out who wouldn’t make it to the degree with theoretical physics and math courses.
It was pretty fair in retrospect. Everyone had their chance and a bad grade in English didn’t prevent anyone from pursuing physics. Since there was only an administrative fee of ~500€ for the semester it also didn’t ruin people’s finances
Within the first semester everyone was weeded out who wouldn’t make it to the degree with theoretical physics and math courses.
It was pretty fair in retrospect. Everyone had their chance and a bad grade in English didn’t prevent anyone from pursuing physics. Since there was only an administrative fee of ~500€ for the semester it also didn’t ruin people’s finances