#cet guide

Before Applying

1.     Select your CETs carefully.

The summer before my last year in high school, I was planning to apply to at least 8 schools. I ended up applying to only 4.  The application process can be stressful and time-consuming (filling up application forms, preparing requirements, writing essays, etc.). Apart from school work, I had application requirements added to my workload. Not to mention the precious weekends you’ll miss because of taking the college entrance tests. Because of this, I advise you to think carefully about the schools you apply to. Only apply if you’re actually considering attending that school in the future. Overdoing it could just add unnecessary work or stress on yourself.

2.     Be Updated about Application Periods and Deadlines

As early as June, start browsing the websites of the schools you’ve selected. Take note of important dates, such as the start and end of application period, the deadline of applications, and the date of the exam.

3.     Inquire if your school does batch processing.

Batch processing is very convenient because the school/guidance office is responsible for getting application forms and submitting the accomplished ones afterwards. You can save yourself a lot of time and effort from going to the school to submit your application form yourself. The only downside to this is that you can’t accomplish your application form at your own pace since the school will pass every student’s forms and requirements all together.

4.       List down your achievements and past membership in organizations.

Some application forms will ask you to list down your past achievements (whether academic or extracurricular), participation in competitions/seminars, and your membership in school organizations (such as varsity teams, student council, etc.) and even organizations outside school (youth group). Before application period starts, try to recall the details of these so that it would be easy for you to write it down on your application form later on. You may even ask the help of your teachers or parents if there were some achievements/activities you missed. 

 Application Period: Requirements

1.     Learn about the nature of the application process.

While some schools still give out paper forms to be filled out by applicants, others have upgraded their application process. Find out how you’re supposed to apply to these schools, whether you need to fill out a form by hand (like in the case of Ateneo) or fill out an online form and submit scanned copies of your requirements (like in the case of DLSU). Some online applications also require you to download the forms to be filled out (recommendation forms, scholastic record, etc.). By learning about the process, you’ll know what to prepare (like a scanner, for example).

2.     Prepare your requirements as early as possible.

Once application period has started, start preparing your requirements. In particular, you’ll most likely be needing ID pictures (the size depends on the school you’re applying to), a photocopy of your birth certificate, and your transcript or report card. While you can easily take care of the first two yourself, make sure to request a copy of your grades from your current school if needed. If you are given a form that needs to be filled up with your grades (like for the UPCAT), make sure to give this to your school principal/registrar (or anyone else that is authorized to fill up your grades). It’s best to prepare these early so that you won’t find yourself desperately looking for your birth certificate or begging a school official to rush the production of your transcript record a few days before the deadline.

*For convenience, when having your picture taken, get it in various sizes (1x1, 2x2, passport, etc.) so that you won’t need to have it taken again.

3.     Take note of the special instructions when it comes to requirements.

Some universities have special instructions when it comes to the requirements you need to submit. For example, for last year’s application, UST requested for a photocopy of an applicant’s birth certificate on long bond paper instead of A4. Another example is DLSU’s requirement for the ID picture. Applicants should make their ears visible and refrain from smiling in the passport-size photo.

4.     Start writing your personal essay.

The only schools I know that require a personal essay to be submitted together with the application form are ADMU and UA&P. I only applied to the former, but I found it very difficult to finish writing my essay. The question/theme given for the essay was not difficult. I just kept changing the main topic of mine because I wasn’t sure what the admissions committee would be interested in. My advice is to start drafting your essay early then have it proofread by your parents or your teachers/guidance counselor.

5.     Choose a teacher who knows you well for the recommendation letter.

Some schools (like ADMU) require students to submit recommendation letters. In ADMU’s case, they provide a recommendation form together with the application kit. If you are given freedom to choose any teacher, choose someone who knows you well, particularly your good qualities. (It also won’t hurt if you choose a teacher who is good at writing! Haha)

Application Period: Filling Out the Form

1.     Draft your application form.

It’s a little nerve-wracking to fill up an application form (especially if erasures aren’t allowed!), so my guidance counselor required our class to photocopy our application forms first and fill up the photocopied form. By doing so, you can still have it checked by your parents or teachers if you did the right thing.

2.     Pay attention to instructions.

Some universities have specific instructions written on their application form. For instance, some forms will require you to mark your answers with an “X” instead of a check mark. Other forms ask for your mother’s name before she was married (don’t make the same mistake I did lol). Just to be safe, read the instructions carefully and follow them.

3.     Write legibly.

I think this is self-explanatory. Write your answers in ALL CAPS print.

Submitting Your Application

1.     Submit early.

Chances are that many other students will be rushing to submit their application forms a few days before or on the deadline. To avoid long lines (and possibly missing the deadline altogether), submit yours at least a week before the deadline. If your school is doing batch processing and they asked you to submit your application requirements to them on a certain date, stick to that deadline. Remember, you're not only delaying your submission but possibly also delaying the application of others.

2.     Take care of your test permit.

Once your application has been processed, you will receive your test permit. This is very important because it is the only proof that you applied and are eligible to take the test. Don’t lose it. Bring it on the testing date.

3.     Take note of your application number.

The numbers you see on your application form or test permit (application number, reference number, or pretty much any other number used to identify you) is also important. You might need it to access the results later on.

4.      Check out your testing site before the scheduled date. 

This tip is helpful for those who are not familiar with the area where the school is located. Explore the campus and look for your specific testing site to familiarize yourselves with the route and the time it takes to get there. 

 Guide to Each Test 

The following is what I can remember about each subtest of the ACET. The order of the tests here may not be accurate:

1.     English Proficiency

This portion tests your knowledge of basic grammar (correct usage of verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, single-word analogy, etc.). The questions were not very difficult. HOWEVER, this was a difficult portion of the ACET because aside from answering 90 – 100 multiple choice questions, you also need to write an essay within the time limit. Think of it as a two-in-one portion. If I remember correctly, the time limit ranged from 30 – 45 minutes, which seemed so short, believe me. ☹ For the essay, a topic will be given to you. I can’t remember the essay topic of last year’s ACET, but I remember it being quite broad. For this portion, I advise you to speed through the multiple-choice part (without sacrificing accuracy, of course) so that you still have enough time for writing your essay.

2.     Reading Comprehension

In this portion, a few of the passages were quite difficult to understand, and the questions didn’t always ask for facts. Sometimes it required you to analyze the meaning of a text (whether implied or explicit). To prepare for this test, practice reading faster. Try not to read the whole passage; it’s more efficient to read the questions first then skim the passages for the answers.

3.     Math

The Math portion was quite difficult. There were many questions about lines (slopes of lines, equations of lines, finding the point of intersection of two lines, etc.) and geometry (finding the angles in transversal lines, perimeter and area, etc.). There were also a few world problems. Once again, your enemy in answering this test is TIME.

4.     Abstract Reasoning

As the name of the test suggests, its purpose it to test your aptitude in finding patterns or differences in figures. This shouldn’t be very difficult, and you can look at CET reviewers online or in bookstores for sample tests like this. However, TIME is very limited. In last year’s test, there were 25 questions that I had to answer in 5 MINUTES.

5.     Vocabulary

Probably one of my favorite portions of the ACET, it is designed to test your vocabulary. It would really help if you are a wide reader, since I recognized most of the words from the books I read. To prepare for this part, I suggest that you take the necessary steps to widen your vocabulary. Aside from reading more, try learning the definition of a few unfamiliar words each day. Similar to the Abstract Reasoning portion, there were 25 questions that had to be answered in 5 minutes.

6.     Logical Reasoning

This portion was also quite difficult. The questions came in the form of statements/premises (e.g. “Insects are filthy creatures”, “Man is a mortal being.”). Then, you have to pick the most logical conclusion that can be drawn from the statements/premises given (e.g. “All Caucasians are mortal beings”, “No Caucasians are mortal beings”, “Insects are always filthy creatures”, “Insects are sometimes filthy creatures”). To prepare for this test, review basic Logic (if you took this up in Math/Research class). Make sure to know how to draw a logical conclusion from a set of premises. You have more than 5 minutes to answer this portion, but the time limit was still quite short. 

7.     Numerical Ability

I remember that this was the last portion of the ACET and, at least for me, also the most relaxing. It was 25 items of the word problems you encounter in Algebra, basically (age, work, mixture problems, etc.). There were also a few questions that required you to apply your knowledge of ratio, proportion, and variations. You have more than 5 minutes to answer this portion, but again, the time limit was still short.

How to Prepare for the ACET

1.     Speed

Of the Top 4 CETs, the ACET is definitely the most stressful one to take because of the TIME PRESSURE. I read somewhere that the ACET was designed not to be finished (hence, the ridiculous 5-minute limits jk jk); however, this does not mean that you shouldn’t try!  If you wish to pass the ACET, you must work on your speed when it comes to answering. You can do this by timing yourself while taking practice tests. Keep practicing until you can finish answering most, if not all, of the items within the time limit ( while still paying attention to accuracy, of course). By simulating the hectic, time-pressured environment you’ll most likely experience in the ACET, you’ll be able to cope better with the pressure during the actual exam.

2.     Review Math

If you’ve noticed, many of the subtests are related to Math (Math, Numerical Ability, Logic). Therefore, I suggest you to pay special attention to this subject. No need to review Science since the ACET doesn’t have a Science portion.

3.     Practice your Writing Skills

If you thought you were done with writing when you submitted your essay together with your ACET application, think again. With your application essay, you have the privilege of time and guidance from Grammar Nazis or your English teachers. In the actual ACET, you’ll have neither. Therefore, you need to practice writing a proper essay. Make sure you know how to apply the rules of grammar and how to construct a sound essay (introduction – body – conclusion). Aside from this, you also need to come up with the main idea (and the supporting ideas) of your essay more quickly so that you can finish writing it within the short time limit. (And of course, write legibly!)

Additional Tips:

1.     Choose the best time for you.

I don’t know if this will be the case every year, but for my batch, we were given the freedom to pick our preferred time to take the exam (morning or afternoon). I think you should choose the best time for you, while considering the time when you’re most alert/active/energetic and the travel time.

2.     Get there early.

The traffic in Katipunan is usually bad, and it gets worse when it’s the scheduled date for the ACET. Unlike the other tests, where your parents can drop you off directly in front of your assigned building/site for the exam, ACET takers are picked up by a shuttle from a certain place and brought to the testing site. Trust me, you’d want to be early.

3.     Do your necessities before the test.

Ifthey tell you that the proctor will allow you to use the bathroom before the test starts, DON’T FALL FOR IT. I had a super strict proctor who said he’d start the test even if there were still people in the bathroom (smh). In all honesty, my ACET experience was horrible because I was holding in my pee for at least 2 hours. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to leave the room (even for bathroom breaks) once the test begins, except during break time. There’s a break in between (around 15 minutes), but with the long lines and few bathrooms spread far apart, the time might not be enough.

In my opinion, the questions in the ACET were average in terms of difficulty (I found the questions in the DLSUCET more difficult). However, the time pressure really makes a difference. I also observed that the acceptance rate of the ACET is not as high as the DCAT. If I remember correctly, the scores of applicants are ranked based on percentile (meaning your performance/score depends on the performance of others as well), and ADMU only accepts a certain number of students. However, don’t despair if you are waitlisted! Many of the applicants who passed decide not to enroll, so their slot is given to others. I have a classmate who was waitlisted, so she submitted a letter of appeal (you’ll be given instructions on how to do this later) and other requirements. A few months later, she was informed that she made it 😊

1.     Aptitude/IQ 

The first part of the DCAT was an aptitude test which contained some items from abstract reasoning, numerical reasoning, logical reasoning, patterns, sequences, etc. Basically, it is designed to test your aptitude or IQ. It is not very difficult.

2.     Language Proficiency

I don’t remember much about this portion of the test, but I remember that it was also not very difficult. It just contained basic questions about proper usage and grammar. The usual “fill in the blanks” or “determine which part of the sentence is wrong” format.

3.     Math

The math portion was quite difficult. There were confusing word problems (particularly age and work), trigonometry questions, factoring, and a little geometry. I found it more difficult than the Math portion of the UPCAT.

4.     Science

The science portion was also very difficult. There were questions that required you to identify the chemical symbol of a compound given its chemical name and vise versa. In addition, I also needed to balance chemical equations and solve for the molar mass, molarity, etc. (stoichiometry). There were also difficult questions for Biology and Physics, but I don’t remember specific ones anymore. However, there weren’t much questions for Earth Science.

5.     Reading Comprehension

The Reading Comprehension portions of all the entrance exams I took were all the same to me. As long as you know how to read and understand, you can answer this.

6.     Analysis (I don’t know what to call this part)

I really struggled with this portion because I didn’t know what its purpose was. It was a mixture of graphs, figures, articles, or selections. The questions which accompanied these were very difficult, and it really tested your ability to analyze and determine the best answer out of the choices. I think what made it stressful to answer was the fact that it would shift from a graph or a figure that required you to compute for a certain value to a long news article with analytical questions. It was like a more difficult and complicated Reading Comprehension portion.

7.     “What would you do if…”

This was the easiest portion of the DCAT, hands down. It just contained situational questions (e.g. “You heard that classes were suspended. What would you do?”), and you choose your answer from four choices. I think its purpose is to determine the values/morals of the test taker. You don’t need to study for this one.

 How To Study for the DCAT

1.     Focus on STEM subjects

I think the subjects you should focus on are Math and Science, since these portions were the most difficult. To be safe, you should review even the difficult concepts/topics (e.g. Trigonometry, Stoichiometry, Cellular Respiration, etc.).

2.     Sharpen your analytical skills.

Train yourself to read and understand passages/graphs/figures, especially complicated ones. You’ll need this for Test 6 (see #6 above).

 Before taking this test, I heard rumors that it was more difficult than the UPCAT. These rumors are TRUE. However, DLSU has a much higher acceptance rate compared to UP and ADMU. I’ve heard some people say that they skipped many questions or just guessed some of their answers, yet they still passed. Some of my classmates who failed the DCAT applied for reconsideration, and it was granted. So don’t lose hope if you feel like you did not perform so well. Just wait patiently for the results.