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 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 😊