I remember taking UPCAT 5 years ago on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I can't remember but I think I wore a pair of straight cut jeans, an oversized shirt, a messenger bag and a pair of rubber sandals/shoes. If you look at what I wore then and compared it to what I usually wear now, you could say that I've changed a lot--I hope--because I wasn't really into fashion then.
Upon arriving at Archi (my testing area), I felt out of place for everyone seemed to be too modern or urban but I put it behind me and gave the test all I've got. It was hard answering a tough exam when you have colds because your nose just keeps on running :/ but it happens! hahaha. Anyway, the important thing is that I passed the UPCAT and it changed my life. :) And to think, UPCAT is all about what you know and not what you wear!
But I have to admit that I have this fantasy of coming up with a wardrobe that I'd wear if I could turn back time--here's the list:
1. Nautical Top -I think the material is great for both cold and hot weather and it looks really comfy too. Nautical tops like this one is easy to pair up with anything and it comes handy when you don't know what to wear.
2. Nude/Light-Colored Trousers or Shorts - Again, the material looks comfy and they go well with almost everything.
3. Watch - To keep track of time!
4. Tote - I tend to bring a lot of things.
5. Red Umbrella - For a pop of color (Red is my fave) and for protection from the elements.
6. Oxfords - I believe that a nice pair of shoes may take you places... at least in my imagination. The patented material is also ideal for the rainy weather.
7. Lip balm - The last thing I'd want are dry, chapped lips.
Overall, I opted for a nude nautical look for an easy get up that is both chic and comfortable. Nude is very light, refreshing and easy on the eyes.
My UPCAT 6 years ago, also on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I was a typical high school girl, and like Joshua, I also wasn't into fashion back then. Oddly, I still remember what I wore that day - a red collared shirt, straight cut jeans, sneakers, and a vintage corduroy blazer. I also borrowed my mom's convertible backpack-tote bag that day.
I took the exam in Diliman, because our school, which is in Las Pinas, for some weird reason, insisted that we all take the exam there. I was assigned to "Bocobo Hall", along with two classmates. Bocobo Hall is actually the Law Center - crazy coincidence, eh? Anyway, my mom and my aunt came with me that day. Traffic was hell, and it still is every UPCAT season. To be honest, I don't remember much about the exam anymore. Most people say that the exam was easy, but getting in is hard. I'm not really sure I agree with it. In any case, I passed. Now, six years, a bachelors degree, and an awesome college experience later, I'm still here. XD
My outfit then wasn't really that bad, but since we're taking this chance to go back in time, I shall also recreate my UPCAT look, but more present-me this time.
1. Top - Like Joshua said, comfort is important. That said, you don't need to sacrifice style for comfort. A classic stripe top will do the trick.
2. Jeans - I'd go for a pair of boyfriend jeans or worn in skinnies, but really, wear whatever style of jeans you're comfortable with.
3. Boots - Since UPCAT is always on the first weekend of August, when it is raining most of the time, it would be practical to wear shoes that are not only practical but also fun and stylish.
4. Watch - We cannot stress enough how important it is to be at the testing center on time.
5. Classic Satchel - A classic satchel that can carry all your things is a must. The most important thing to bring is your test permit and your pencils. Other than these, you may opt to bring snacks and whatever you think you might need. ;)
6. Water Bottle - The test will take all morning/afternoon. You might want some water and/or snacks with you.
7. Glasses - If you have poor eyesight like me, it would be safer to wear glasses rather than contacts, since contacts might get uncomfortable after hours.
We also asked some of our friends what they wore when they took UPCAT:
"Uhmm... jeans at shirt tapos sneakers? XD basta naaalala kong wala akong jacket kasi nilamig ako nun :))" - Lui
"Jeans, rubber shoes, and my lucky shirt na sinusuot ko tuwing may big exam!" - Prima
'I wore an off-shoulder fitted blouse (with maroon and white vertical stripes), denim jeans, and sneakers." :) - Giselle
"Lucky jeans, lucky black/gray jacket, chucks(?).. di ko matandaan [yung] shirt pero favorite shirt ko rin :))" - Mico
"Blouse, pants at slippers. :))" - Nice
"omg sobrang di ko na maalala. Perooooo, iisa lang naman look ko nung high school... dark blue jeans. Tapooos... white adidas na rubber shoes. Sa shirt, ewan... Tapooos, sure ako na naka-hoodie ako, kasi sabi nila malamig... Dark-green and grey striped hoodie (na nabili namin sa market market for 300)" - Viko
"Jeans, t-shirt na fit at... flats. Tapos, backpack na maliit." - Fame
"Sinuot ko lucky shirt ko na beige na maluwag, leggings, tapos sneakers at jacket kasi umuulan " - Bea
"Big shirt para comfy, jeans and toms para comfy ulit... at bag na maliit para sa pencils, skyflakes at exam permit. Comfort is the way to go ang peg ko pag exam." :) - Kamae
"Ang pagkakatanda ko ay tshirt at pants. Walang special o kung anuman." - Ian
"Sure ako na may jacket ako... at nakaheels kasi natakot akong hindi makita ang proctor at remaining time. At maraming pagkain (tuna sandwich, lemon square cheese cake, two plus, chips -Piattos ata)." - Dudday
"Decent t-shirt along with my favorite pants... At pinagjacket ako ni Mother Dear para hindi ako lamigin. True enough, SOLAIR was really cold! :|" - Ayesha
"Sa pagkakaalala ko, naka-blue shirt ako and jeans and sneakers." - Juno
"Naka-tsinelas yata ako nun. T-shirt, cargo pants, at tsinelas. What is fashion. =)))" - Peyt
"Sneakers, denim skirt, hot pink top, yellow hoodie, and lots of (noisy) bangles in assorted colors" - Dee
"Napaisip ako dun. Di ko na maalala eh. Hahaha. Specifics not sure, pero generally it's a shirt, a jacket, pedal, saka rubber shoes. Dapat super comfy." - Unix
"Green 3/4 shirt, pants, black chucks." - Maan
"Pants, Baseball T-shirt na short sleeves, sneakers." - Dom
There you go! Basically, what we all went for was comfort. UPCAT is, after all, an exam more than anything else. Whatever happens, do your best, and keep your fingers crossed that this weekend won't be the first and last time you'll be in the UP Campus. ;)
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