#upcat tips

hello!! i actually made a cets survival guide last year, you can find it here. tbh, i don’t think i can give you like super specific tips regarding the topics because i honestly forgot it na. but here’s some additional advice:

discipline is key. i think that one of the most important things you need while studying for the upcat is really discipline. you should be able to fully utilize the time before grade 12! i know that it’s really tempting to just rest for the summer and leave the studying for later. but trust me, you need all the time you can get! by the time the school year starts, you will be super busy. seriously, do not underestimate the workload of grade 12. i was so busy with schoolwork that there were long periods of time wherein i didn’t even touch my study materials (even though i planned to study every day lmao). you really have to manage your time wisely and be disciplined enough to stick to your schedule (but also don’t forget to rest).

practice active recall. passively going through your notes and mindlessly making reviewers is not enough! rereading, highlighting, and making reviewers won’t be enough — practice tests will be your best friend!! this will really help you retain the information better. i took so many mock tests — ones i got from the internet, some i get from my review materials, etc. also, when i had free time at school, i would really try to use my flashcards to quiz myself of what i knew. you can find out more about active recall here or here.

use a variety of materials. as i mentioned before, i shared materials with my friends (review center booklets, msa booklets, reviewers from the internet, etc.) it really helped me because i noticed that each material has its own strentghs. for example, the material from review center A has more comprehensive lessons about science, but the material from review center B has more concise explanations about certain math lessons. i didn’t just stick to one reviewer! my best friend and i actually bought reviewers together — we would have shifts on who would have them for this particular month (like, she would have science and i would have math). it was better than buying it on my own because it’s more affordable that way. i’m not saying that it’s necessary to buy these, but the materials that helped me the most were the review booklets from Newton and Loyola Student Center (LSC).

First, I’d like to thank @studeebean for asking me about this! It was a joy to recall and relive my UPCAT experience. 

Guide to Each Test

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.

 Before the UPCAT

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. 

During the UPCAT

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. 

After the UPCAT

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.

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 

Guide to Each Test

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.

Before the UPCAT

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.

During the UPCAT

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.

After the UPCAT

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.

Hello! Thank you so much, I’m flattered!!

Check my earlier post “UPCAT Tips”. I described na what I can remember about each section of the test :)

As for the sample questions, here’s what I remember: 

Language Proficiency - I don’t remember an exact question, but I remember the format of some questions. For one, you need to choose kung anong word yung mali sa sentence (wrong use of subject-verb agreement or verb tense, etc.). Another was you need to fill in the blanks with the correct word naman. That’s for both English and Filipino. Don’t worry, the whole UPCAT is multiple choice. 

Math - I remember many word problems (number, age, solving for the mean and the median, etc.). I also remember some geometrical diagrams (transversal lines, lines intersecting a circle, etc.)

Science - There were many diagrams, as in super! I remember a diagram showing layers or rocks/sediments, and you need to identify which one is the oldest/youngest. I remember many questions about Earth Science, really. 

Reading Comprehension - The selections were very long. But the questions were okay naman. I also remember a page-long chart which lists the destinations of different ships (ang weird noh?? haha), then the questions ask a few simple questions about it. You just need to know how to understand tables/graphs. The Filipino portion was quite difficult kasi ang lalim ng mga words na ginamit. Some questions test your Filipino vocabulary. I remember one question was asking for the definition/synonym of a word used in the selection, which was masalimuot. 

Hello! I used my old textbooks, handouts, notes, etc. from high school. I’m the type of person who kept all of those stuff, so I was able to review some old lessons. Videos from the Khan Academy website and Crash Course (YouTube) were also very helpful whenever I didn’t understand a concept just by reading a book. (Khan Academy is a really good source for math and science tutorials!)

I also used the MSA Review Books to review :) You can find many of these in National Book Store. I recommend the MSA Simulated College Admission Tests set. It consists of two books, one contains the questions while the other contains the answers AND solutions/explanations. It’s a little pricey, but I found it useful naman :) One of the best ways to prepare for an exam is to take practice tests, so I treated those reviewers as practice tests. You can also find more UPCAT simulated tests online at the academic-clinic website. Make sure to also try the official UPCAT reviewer online. I believe everyone who will apply can access it through the UPCAT website as soon as there’s an announcement. 

Lastly, my teachers were another resource. One of my teachers was kind enough to use his daily Math periods to refresh us on important math topics a week before the UPCAT. Perhaps you can ask a teacher to do the same, even for just a few meetings. If this is not possible, you can just approach them during their consultation/free time to ask for their help on a topic or math problem. 

Hello! Yes actually, the campus choice plays a role. I mentioned in a previous post that your UPG, which determines whether you pass or fail, is computed in this way: 60% UPCAT performance, 40% high school grades. There are other factors as well (check this link). Now each campus has a specific cut-off grade that goes something like this: (as seen on this link)

UP Diliman - 2.2

UP Manila - 2.285 - 2.5

UP Baguio - 2.659 - 2.574

UP Los Banos - 2.42 - 2.8

UP Diliman has the highest cut-off grade.  For example, if your first choice is Diliman, your second choice is Manila, and you get a UPG of 2.57, you won’t qualify for either campus. However, if your second choice was UP Baguio, you will qualify. The system works like this: it will always consider your first choice first. If you did not qualify for your first choice, that’s when it will check your second choice. 

As for the shifting, I know it’s possible to shift from one UP campus to another. For instance, you can spend your first year in UPB, then apply for transfer the following year to UPD. You just need to get good grades because the application for transfer is also competitive. 

Hello! Thank you, I’m happy that you found my blog useful :) Actually, naging problema ko rin yan. I didn’t know what topics to cover in my review. Luckily, I joined a review class, and I was given these reviewers that also contained a list of the topics will be covered for each subject. For copyright purposes, I don’t think that I can post it here, I’m sorry :( However, I can share with you some alternatives.

How To Start Reviewing

First, assess yourself. What are your strongest subjects? What are your weakest subjects? Obviously, you need to review your weak subject/s more. Determine which subject/s you need to focus on. (However don’t neglect the other subjects! Review them pa rin.)

Next, you may use your old high school notes/textbooks (or better yet, your syllabus/scope/subject outline) as a guide for your review. If you still have your stuff from your first year of high school, you can start there. However, I understand that it seems impractical to review everything you’ve learned since the start of high school. Check this link. It contains reviewers similar to the ones given to me, and you can use it as your guide :)

I hope this helped youuu. Feel free to ask me again if you have more questions :) 

Hello! I’m very flattered that you like my blog! Thank you :) What do you mean by notes? (you may send me another ask to clarify) 

If you mean tips, check out my earlier post here. 

Other users have also asked me questions about the UPCAT, you can find my answers here and here. 

Generally, it would be best if you studied consistently all throughout high school. Sometimes passing a college entrance exam all comes down to the stock knowledge you’ve acquired over the years. :) BUT reviewing is also very helpful. Start as early as you can