Tips on taking the UPCAT 2011

UPDATE:

Read about my new article: I was once an UPCAT taker
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Academic Year 2011-2012 is going to be my last year (hopefully) of stay in UP Diliman, and I'm really into exiting this memory-filled premise of the university ASAP, as much as some of you viewing this, give high hopes that you will be one happy UPCAT Passer by 2012, in God's plan.

Speaking of UPCAT (UP College Admission Test), when I enrolled last week, a lot of high school students were crowding inside the Office of the University Registrar, and I wondered what event was actually taking place. Was thinking that there probably was a road trip taking place simultaneously with the ever-arduous enrollment of all UP students. On that same day, did I find out that many HS students were already passing their UPCAT forms. It's submission time!

Oh, by the way, tomorrow (June 24) is the last day of submission of UPCAT application forms (for non-Metro Manila applicants). Sadly, for those residing in Metro Manila, who are reading this and plan to take the UPCAT, I'm sorry to say you can't pass anymore. (I'm not bragging about it.)

Anyway, I've gathered tips which could help you guys when taking the UPCAT. Hope you're still with me. Please bear in mind that by officially submitting your UPCAT forms, you are officially bestowed the possibility of getting into UP. Now, you also have to realize that, optimistic enough that you would pass the UP, you should be expecting that once enrolled in UP, you get to face the ultimate culture shock of your lifetime (although some can easily adapt well with the environment).

Before I hand you out the tips to take the UPCAT, here are some of the things you need to prepare for in advance.

THE SUBTESTS:

There are two main sections dividing the test, the Quantitative Test section and the Verbal Test section. The first section deals mostly with the sciences and mathematics, while the other section tests the UPCAT taker's proficiency and reading comprehension skills in both English and Filipino.

I really had a hard time in the reading comprehension part, since I'm a slow reader. But, what I did, was to check first the questions and then read the article. Most of the answers to the questions ask about what the article is about, what the sentence really emphasizes, which was not included in the article, etc. Based on experience, most of the answers in this part can be found at the 1st and last paragraphs.

TIME LIMIT:

Always bear in mind that this exams, like any other academic exam we've taken since elementary, is time-limited; so, don't forget to bring a watch, and set the time advance with 15 minutes, so that when crunch time comes (on your watch), you won't panic. AND PLEASE, seriously,  DO NOT PANIC.

The longest post-high school exam of your life will happen either on a Saturday or a Sunday. I think UPCAT will take place on August 6-7, 2011.

The test usually starts at 7:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., and ends after five (5) hours. It's best that you be already there at the venue at least thirty (30) minutes before your designated time. Never ever follow the "Filipino" time schedule. NEVER.

Every section of the exam will be given a specific amount of time to take. The math section, the heavily energy-consuming part, will require the most time, as it requires some computation on the examinee’s part. For me, the mathematics part in the UPCAT was the easiest, probably because I'm good at numbers. But hey, you don't have to worry. If you're weak in it, solve problems which include geometry, profits, simple algebra, fractions, etc.

Again, DON'T PANIC. Some problems, when seen, may seem very hard to solve as whole, but really, read and understand it part by part.

THINGS TO BRING ON UPCAT DAY:

Please do not ever forget to bring any of these: Number 2 Mongol pencils, a sharpener, an eraser, a watch and your test permit. NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR TEST PERMIT AT HOME. The permit itself will indicate which room you’ll be assigned to. It is the key to finding your way in. It's recommended that you prepare all these at least 3 days ahead of schedule.

On the other hand, never ever bring these out at your own risk: a mobile phone and a calculator (or any other instrument that does calculations more quickly than you can). Using any of these gadgets is tantamount to cheating and will likely, if caught, lead you to a bar from taking the exam or from entering UP at all. Cheating will always, and forever be, forbidden.

Lastly, don't forget to fill your stomach with a good breakfast/ lunch meal before taking the exam. You'll need a lot of energy to counter the intense brain challenge you are to face.You should feel gratified but not superbly full. There will be a short break in the middle of the exam proper, so bring some brain food to snack on while you rest your mind. Some helpful food to churn are chocolates, biscuits, chips, and candies.

Always remember that passing the UPCAT is not easy, so you have to work hard for it. And please remember, you can only take the UPCAT once, so do come prepared and at your best. And of course, pray!

I guess I've divulged to you some of the secret, simple tasks any test-taker should do. My article seems to have been too lengthy, apologies for taking away a portion of your lifetime. I guess I will be posting a list of tips when taking the UPCAT, on another article/ entry.

Meanwhile, I would like to invite everybody to a whole new level (yes! lumelevel up na po tayo) of online writing. I'm very pleased to announce to you that the Spotlight Philippines Blog now has its own website! After one year of hard work and continuous support, I finally purchased a domain for my baby. 

To see the link, which is still under construction as I am starting from scratch in developing the domain, you can check on Spotlight Philippines Homepage (domain expired). You can also check out my own Pinoy Talk Forum (expired). All you have to do is register; it's for free!

For questions and clarifications regarding the UPCAT, you may post your concerns in Pinoy Talk Forum - Education (expired), or on the comment box below.

Thanks for reading this! Hope I have helped you guys a lot!