My (not-so-helpful) tips on college entrance tests

Since most of the high school seniors are panicking about the upcoming UPCAT tomorrow, I decided to blog something that might help. (Hopefully.) I can’t believe I took that test a year ago! Time flies really fast. I suddenly remembered the day of the test, I woke up at 400AM, since I was scheduled to take the exam at 600AM, but I was the last one to arrive considering I live a good ten minutes away from the place. Ugh.

Anyway, the most important tip I can give is to NOT study the night before the test. You will most likely forget them the next day anyway. But even though, do not panic. That’s the second worst thing you could do. Just relax! And also, don’t forget to eat. It will help you think properly.

Below are the tips I could think of regarding the specific entrance tests. These are arranged from what I - not you - found the hardest to the easiest.

1. UPCAT
There are around 65,000-70,000 other students taking the test with you, but don’t feel pressured. I found this the hardest because it covered everything - English, Math (including Geom and Trigo), Filipino and Science (Gen. Sci., Bio, Chem, Physics). It’s mindfucking. Especially Math. And Science. But more on Math. And it’s right minus wrong. Four mistakes equate to a point deduction. So I suggest to really think about your answers since you are given enough time to. I believe it is safer to answer an item with an intelligent guess rather than to leave it blank.

2. ACET
I found this easier than the UPCAT. It only focused on two subjects: English, which is mostly on grammar, synonyms, reading comprehension and the like, while Math is, well, Math. But please remember, ACET is time-pressured. MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY. Don’t spend too much time on one number. I remember a set of 25 Math-related word problems that we had answer for only 20 minutes. If you don’t know the answer, shotgun! Believe me, it does wonders (not only in the ACET but also on the other remaining CET’s). Regarding the essay, make it short and straight-to-the-point. You’ll just be composing your article for 20 minutes. Also, don’t use big words if you aren’t sure with its meaning. The topic? I think they concentrate more on the current social issues. When I took the test, it was about Efren Penaflorida (the CNN Hero) and the youth.

There are no Filipino parts for this test. Regarding Science, I think I only encountered less than five items, and they were under General Information (ie. who invented the ATM?)

3. DLSUCET
I found it quite harder than the USTET because Math mostly concentrated on Trig and Science on Chem. English focused more on language. You’ll do well! Also, bring a jacket.

4. USTET
We have different perceptions regarding the tests, and I found this the easiest, I don’t know why. English was just the same as DLSUCET, while Math concentrated on Algebra. I don’t think I encountered Trig and Geom-related questions here. My memory is currently failing me because I can’t remember if there are any science-related questions.

Also, some parts of the test depends on your chosen course. I applied for Advertising Arts, therefore there were parts that tested my ~*visual skillz*~ I remember this part wherein there are illustrations of papers with dotted lines, and if you fold these papers on those lines, what would they look like. There, too, was a drawing test. Don’t worry about it. I was told that it doesn’t affect the results (and I proved that). I was asked to draw 3 logos and 3 mascots (I think) for my first choice, but because I wanted to go home early, I only drew 1 logo. I have another drawing test for my second choice but I disregarded it. I got accepted on both choices. Lol.