U.A.’s entrance exam was rigorous in both its written portion and its combat expectations. Everyone’s quirks needed to be in top shape, but how did Deku pass the entrance exam?
Deku was able to pass the entrance exam because of the “rescue points” factor. He passed the written portion but scored zero points on the practical exam, however, saving Ochaco from disaster netted him enough rescue points to pass.
He learned about the rescue points during a video message from All Might.
Plot Behind How Deku Could Pass The Entrance Exam
In chapter #3, Pro Hero Present Mic explained the rules of the U.A. ‘s entrance exam.
You’ll experience ten-minute-long “mock cityscape manuevours”. Each site is filled with three kinds of faux villains. Points are awarded for defeating each according to their respective difficulty levels. Use your quirks to disable these faux villains and earn points.
Present Mic to Students | Chapter #3
Each student bursts onto the exam with full control of their quirk. Standouts Bakugo and two-quirk Todoroki make quick work of a few robots, but Deku falls behind for the entirety of the exam.
The point-collection time period is almost at its end. At that moment, Deku sees Ochaco trapped under a pile of rubble. A robotic villain stands over her, seemingly about to crush Ochaco underneath the weight of the rubble and the force of the step.
Deku decides to disregard his last opportunity to achieve points against other robots and goes for the one harming Ochako. Before she’s crushed, Deku is able to pull together his newly founded One For All power tightly enough to destroy the villain.
Although a good deed, Deku did not expect saving Ochaco to do him any favors. He still scored no official points during that portion of the exam, traveling home feeling defeated.
Him and his mother awaited patiently for his U.A. letter to arrive, either informing Deku that he passed or failed. Once it arrives, he takes it into his room to listen to the result privately. A projection of All Might bursts onto Deku’s bedroom wall.
This exam, you see, we weren’t just watching for villain-based points! A hero course that rejects those who do the right thing is no hero course at all! Think this is all for the cameras? Think what you want! In this job, you risk your life and put your money where your mouth is. Rescue points were also a factor here! Another fundamental way for the U.A. to evaluate you. Sixty points for Izuku Midoriya.
All Might to Deku | Chapter #3
So that’s the answer. Deku was able to pass the entrance exam because he saved Ochaco. Doing so netted him “rescue points” that counteracted his flaws in the rest of the test.