University of Santo Tomas Entrance Test
Application Process: Online and Paper (you fill up an online application form, print it, then submit it together with other requirements)
Application Period: July – August
Exam Date: September / December (last year’s exams were held on September 25 and one Sunday in December)
The following is what I can remember about each subtest of the USTET:
This portion is similar to an IQ test because it tests your logical reasoning and analytical skills. It’s not that difficult.
This portion is similar to the English Proficiency part of the other CETs, but it is relatively easier. The topics of the questions include verb tenses and subject-verb agreement.
This portion was also very easy. Last year’s USTET included only a few Math topics, and you’ll notice that the same pattern of questioning recurs throughout the test. For example, one question asks you to solve for the measure of one angle of a parallelogram. Stock knowledge will tell you that the sum of the internal angles of all quadrilaterals is 360 degrees, so you use this to solve for the measure of one angle. As you go through the rest of the test, you’ll see around 4 or 5 more questions based on the same principle. Therefore, if you know about the sum of the internal angles of a quadrilateral, you’ll be able to answer 5 or more questions correctly. Another recurring topic was word problems (age problems, work problems, etc.), which is common in other CETs as well.
The Science portion was probably the trickiest portion of the USTET. Unlike the UPCAT, the questions did not require much analysis. However, you need to be knowledgeable of the basic terms and concepts. For example, one question asked for the term used to refer to organisms that are capable of making their own food. (The answer is “autotrophs”). When reviewing for this portion, focus on important terms and concepts in the sciences, especially Biology.
How to Prepare for the USTET
Although the USTET is far from the ACET when it comes to time-pressure, each portion has many items. Although there was enough time allotted for each, it might be a struggle for some. Practice reading and thinking faster.
The USTET focuses on the basics for each subject. As I mentioned before, there are recurring questions and topics for each portion, so knowing a few basic principles could really go a long way. In my opinion, the best way to review for the USTET is to review for the other CETs (UPCAT, ACET, etc.). Since the USTET is usually the easiest among the Top 4 CETs, reviewing for the other CETs will adequately prepare you for it.