Hello, everyone! This is just the same post entitled “UPCAT TIPS” but with this cute header I made to go with it.
University of the Philippines College Admission Test
Application Process: Online or Paper
Application Period: June - August (the UPCAT is usually the first CET you’ll take)
Exam Date: August or September
Language Proficiency (both Eng. and Fil.) - This part tests your basic knowledge of grammar for both languages (i.e. correct usage of words, verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, etc.) If you have no problem with grammar and composition, I don’t think you’ll find this part difficult. BUT I suggest that you refresh yourself on the subject-verb agreement and pronoun-antecedent agreement topics for English because these were tricky. For Filipino, review the correct usage of words.
Math - The Math portion in the UPCAT was relatively easy, depending on your relationship with the subject. Make sure to review basic algebra (especially answering word problems!!), intermediate algebra (solving systems of linear equations, solving complex fractions, etc.), computing for the measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), analytic geometry (equations of a circle, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola), and geometry (interior and exterior angles of polygons, transversal lines, etc.). It was easy, BUT the coverage was wide.
Science - The Science portion of the UPCAT usually contains many graphs and diagrams. You need to learn how to analyze these data in order to arrive at the correct answer. Also, pay attention to the descriptions being placed under the diagrams because - on more than one occasion - I was able to determine the correct answer by doing so. For this part, grasp the basics for each science (Bio, Chem, Physics, Earh Sci - especially Earth Science!!!), but also sharpen your analytical skills.
Reading Comprehension (English and Filipino) - Surprisingly, this was the most difficult portion of the UPCAT. If you’re an avid (and fast) reader, I don’t think you’ll find this part challenging - at least, the English portion. I was stressed out during the Filipino selection because English was my first language. I suggest that you widen your Filipino vocabulary and get used to reading Filipino selections. Another tip for the reading comprehension portion is to read the question/s for each passage first before reading the actual passage. This way, you can start looking for the answers instead of reading the text from start to finish, which is just a waste of time. Determine what you need to look for and start scanning the text, then move on to the next passage.
1. Start reviewing early.
The material covered in CETs is usually very diverse, so you need to start reviewing early. I suggest that you finish majority of your reviewing during the summer because once school starts, other things such as homework, projects, extracurricular activities, etc. will compete for your time. However, try to squeeze in some review time in your busy schedule to keep the material you’ve reviewed fresh.
2. Attend a review program.
Although this is not a prerequisite to passing the UPCAT (in fact, my best friend did not take any review classes at all, but he managed to pass the entrance tests to the top 4 Universities in the country, including UP Diliman), I learned useful techniques from the review classes I took. Not only do they refresh you on the important lessons you’ve learned over the years, they also teach you effective strategies for taking CETs.
3. Pay attention to your grades.
Your chances of passing the UPCAT all depend on your UPG, which is computed in the following manner: 60% UPCAT score, 40% grades. In my case, my UPCAT application asked for my grades from Grade 9 – 11 and my class standing/ranking. Again, being the topnotcher of your batch is not a prerequisite to entering UP, but grades still matter. However, don’t despair if you know your grades aren’t stellar. That same best friend I mentioned earlier wasn’t much of an academic achiever. Your UPCAT performance still matters greatly.
4. Take many practice tests.
I think this is the most effective way to review for an exam. Apart from the practice exams that my review center gave me, I also bought some of the MSA Review books. I answered them while timing myself, and I regularly checked my progress. UP also releases an UPCAT online reviewer, which was like a mock test. I really recommend that you try this because it features questions/topics which are quite similar to the ones that appeared in the actual test.
1. When in doubt, make an intelligent guess instead of leaving the item blank.
Actually, I’ve heard many conflicting opinions about this matter. The UPCAT is the only CET that enforces the” right-minus-wrong rule”, meaning for every wrong answer, ¼ of a point is deducted from the number of right answers. Because of this, I’ve read tips from other blogs saying that it’s better to just leave the item blank than to risk a wrong answer. However, you lose the chance of getting one right answer. My math teacher finally put a stop to my dilemma when he presented a computation which showed that you have a greater chance of getting a high score if you answer everything (I’m sorry, I can’t remember his computation haha). When you encounter a difficult question, eliminate the outrageous or impossible choices then choose from the remaining ones.
2. Answer as quickly and as accurately as you can.
Time is of the essence. And when there’s a time limit, you need to use your time carefully. Don’t get stuck on a difficult question. Move on to the next one and just come back for it. IF you run out of time, shade a random circle. (see advice above)
3. Bring water and snacks.
You’re allowed to eat while taking the test because there are no breaks in between. The UPCAT is almost 5 hours long, so you need to bring something to eat. I remember bringing a pack of Oreos and a mamon (hehe). One of the test takers in my room brought a large bag of Lays for himself. To each, his own. Don’t bring something that’s too messy though, because you might stain your test paper with it.
1. REJOICE. For a while, then start preparing for the next CETs hays.
2. Wait anxiously for the results.
The UPCAT is most likely the first test you’ll take (around August or September). We were told that the UPCAT results will be released on February or March of the following year. Imagine the wait. THEN, in true UP fashion, the results were released late one night in December, five days before Christmas. Stay tuned to social media (that’s how my friend found out about the results being released early) because other students are bound to be tweeting the good news – especially in December.
Good to luck to all UPCAT takers this year! 😊
