Ace the UPCAT Exam

Ace the UPCAT Exam

Table of Contents

1. What is the Upcat?
2. Is the UPCAT difficult?
3. How should I prepare for the UPCAT?
4. What should I expect in the UPCAT?
5. Language Proficiency subtest
6. Science Proficiency subtest
7. Math Proficiency subtest
8. Reading Comprehension subtest
9. Factors outside of the UPCAT that affect admission to UP
10. Alternative ways to get admitted to UP

Introduction

Are You aspiring to attend the University of the Philippines (UP)? If so, you will need to pass the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT). In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to properly prepare for and successfully pass the UPCAT. We will discuss the level of difficulty of the test, effective preparation strategies, what to expect in each subtest, and other factors that can affect your admission to UP. So, let's dive in and start your Journey towards becoming a UP student!

What is the UPCAT?

The UPCAT stands for the University of the Philippines College Admission Test. It is the primary way for incoming college students to get admitted into UP, which is renowned as the premiere tertiary education institution in the Philippines. Every year, nearly one hundred thousand of the best students from all over the country vie for the limited slots for admission to UP. The UPCAT is not only the most prestigious college admission test for incoming college students, but it is also the most feared. In 2019, when the UPCAT was last administered before the pandemic, a whopping 140,593 students applied to take the UPCAT, but only 13% or 11,821 were qualified for admission. With an average passing rate of less than 15%, it is evident that the UPCAT is highly competitive and challenging.

Is the UPCAT difficult?

While the UPCAT is challenging, especially due to the sheer number of examinees competing for the limited slots, it is not necessarily more difficult than other leading universities' admission tests in the country. The difficulty lies in the level of competition and the need to outperform thousands of other examinees. To pass the UPCAT, you not only need to correctly answer most of the questions but also perform better than the majority of the other examinees. Therefore, instead of asking if the UPCAT is difficult, the better question to ask is, "Is it difficult to pass the UPCAT?" The passing rate is usually less than 15%, so it requires thorough preparation and exceptional performance to secure admission.

How should I prepare for the UPCAT?

Preparing for the UPCAT requires a systematic approach and thorough understanding of the different subtests. The UPCAT consists of four main subtests: Language Proficiency, Science Proficiency, Math Proficiency, and Reading Comprehension. Each subtest covers specific subject areas and requires different skills and knowledge. To prepare effectively, it is recommended to:

1. Familiarize yourself with the test format and question types in each subtest.
2. Review the Relevant concepts, formulas, and topics covered in each subject area.
3. Practice solving sample questions and past UPCAT exams to improve your problem-solving skills and time management.
4. Seek guidance from experienced UPCAT review professionals who can provide valuable insights and tips for success.
5. Develop a study schedule and allocate sufficient time for each subtest Based on your strengths and weaknesses.
6. Take AdVantage of online resources, study materials, and review centers specializing in UPCAT preparation.
7. Focus on understanding the underlying concepts and principles rather than memorizing information.
8. Enhance your language proficiency skills in both English and Filipino to excel in the Language Proficiency subtest.
9. Strengthen your knowledge in scientific subjects and practice solving problems to perform well in the Science Proficiency subtest.
10. Master key mathematical concepts, formulas, and problem-solving techniques to excel in the Math Proficiency subtest.
11. Practice reading and comprehending various Texts, including essays, articles, and graphs, to improve your performance in the Reading Comprehension subtest.
12. Stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset throughout your preparation journey.

By following these tips and dedicating sufficient time and effort to your preparation, you can increase your chances of passing the UPCAT and securing admission to UP.

What should I expect in the UPCAT?

To effectively prepare for the UPCAT, it is crucial to know what to expect in each subtest. Here is a breakdown of the different subtests and what they entail:

Language Proficiency subtest

The Language Proficiency subtest assesses your command of the English and Filipino languages. It covers various topics, including grammar rules, vocabulary, verbal acuity, Paragraph and sentence organization, figures of speech, and contextual language understanding. The subtest consists of multiple-choice questions, and the questions may involve correcting errors, identifying parts of speech, interpreting literary writings, and more. It is important to prepare for both English and Filipino language proficiency, as the subtest may have an equal distribution of questions in both languages.

Science Proficiency subtest

The Science Proficiency subtest evaluates your understanding of scientific concepts and principles. It covers biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and earth science. The subtest may include questions testing your knowledge, application, and problem-solving skills in these subjects. It is essential to review the fundamental concepts, formulas, and specific topics within each scientific discipline to perform well in this subtest. Additionally, practice solving scientific problems and familiarize yourself with graphs, charts, and tables commonly used in scientific analysis.

Math Proficiency subtest

The Math Proficiency subtest measures your mathematical proficiency and problem-solving skills. It encompasses various mathematical topics, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics. The subtest consists of multiple-choice questions that may require computation, application, and problem-solving. To excel in this subtest, it is crucial to review the key concepts, formulas, and problem-solving techniques in each math subject. Practice solving mathematical problems to enhance your speed, accuracy, and familiarity with various question formats.

Reading Comprehension subtest

The Reading Comprehension subtest aims to assess your reading comprehension skills and your ability to understand and analyze written texts, including passages, essays, graphs, tables, and infographics. The subtest typically presents a selection followed by multiple-choice questions that require identification of main ideas, inference-making, interpretation of figures of speech, and drawing conclusions. To improve your performance in this subtest, practice reading various types of texts and develop effective reading strategies, such as skimming, scanning, and critical thinking.

Each subtest requires thorough preparation and familiarity with the types of questions, subject areas, and skills assessed. By understanding what to expect in each subtest, you can tailor your preparation and allocate sufficient time and effort to each area.

Factors outside of the UPCAT that affect admission to UP

While the UPCAT is a crucial factor in admission to UP, there are also other factors that can impact your admission. It is important to consider these factors during your preparation and application process. Here are some key factors:

High school grades

UP considers a composite of your final grades in Grades 8, 9, 10, and 11, making up 40% of your University Predicted Grade (UPG). Your high school grades matter and can significantly influence your admission to UP. Strive for academic excellence throughout your high school years and ensure that you achieve good grades in all subjects.

Socialized admission system

UP implements a socialized admission system to provide opportunities for deserving students from poor families and marginalized sectors. If you belong to these groups, this system may work in your favor and increase your chances of admission. However, it also means that there are limited slots available for other candidates. It is essential to be aware of this system and understand its implications for your chances of admission.

Quota courses

UP offers certain courses known as "quota courses" that have a limited number of slots available for admission. These courses may accept very few students, often less than 100 per year. If you choose a quota course as your first preference, it may significantly decrease your chances of getting admitted due to the limited slots available. It is important to carefully consider your course preferences and have alternative options in mind to increase your chances of admission.

Campus preferences

UP has multiple campuses across the Philippines, and each campus offers specific courses with limited capacities. Choosing the right campus can impact your chances of admission. Some campuses, such as UP Diliman and UP Manila, are popular choices and tend to receive a higher number of applications. Consider alternative campuses that may have fewer applicants and increase your chances of being offered admission.

Alternative ways to get admitted to UP

Apart from taking the UPCAT, there are alternative ways to get admitted to UP. These include the "Iskolar ng Bayan" program and International Qualifications. The "Iskolar ng Bayan" program allows top ten graduates from Filipino public high schools to Apply for automatic admission to UP. If you meet the criteria, you may be exempted from taking the UPCAT. International applicants who have graduated or are graduating from a secondary school abroad can also apply for automatic admission based on national or international foreign-administered examinations. These alternative routes may provide additional options for entry into UP.

In conclusion, preparing for the UPCAT requires thorough understanding of each subtest, effective study strategies, and dedication. However, it is also important to consider other factors that can impact your admission to UP. By being aware of these factors and tailoring your preparation and application strategies accordingly, you can increase your chances of getting admitted to the University of the Philippines.