"There's twenty-four of us, Gale. Only one comes out." Jennifer Lawrence, who portrays the dystopian heroine Katniss Everdeen from the novel-turned-movie 'The Hunger Games', gives us a foreshadowing of the Capitol's idea of entertainment as she volunteers to take her sister's place in what becomes a bloodbath for the whole Panem to see. Like the Capitol's brutal game, the UPCAT weeds out victors in a 5-hour long test which is comprised of language proficiency, reading comprehension, mathematics, science and quick essay. Out of the 75,000 students that apply every year, only 16% of these students get admitted to the university. Each university has a different UPG (University Predicted Grade) with UP Diliman having 2.2 for its cut off and UP Manila ranging from 2.285-2.5. As for the other sister campuses, UP Los Baños accepts students having a UPG of 2.42-2.8, UP Baguio ranging from 2.659-2.574, UP Visayas with 2.7 UPG and UP Mindanao with 2.75. A variety of factors also affect one's admission to the university. Among these considered factors are the number of slots per course (quota course or non-quota course) and the number of students who have selected a UP branch as their first priority. Also, students from public schools and minority groups are given priority over students coming from private schools as UP draws 30% of its yearly qualified population from these two sectors.
But how do aspiring Iskos, Iskas, Iskays and Iskianas ace the most competitive and intellectually challenging entrance exam in the entire country? Here are a few tips on how to wing your academic dose of "The Hunger Games":
1. Be prepared. Train like a tribute.
From your examination forms to your recap of academic lectures, an aspiring UP student must always be prepared. On the day before the schedule of your UPCAT, make sure you've had your pencils sharpened and your permit/other forms neatly organized in one envelope or wherever you may wish to put it. Food and drinks are also advisable since the test lasts for 5 hours. Prepare yourself for extreme weather conditions. Better yet, watch the weather forecast so that you can plan what you'll wear and what you'll bring for the following day. Beware because some testing centers have a really, really cold atmosphere (and it's not because of the tension in the air!), so bringing a jacket/sweater is advisable.
Some students enroll in review centers over the summer or attend review sessions that are provided for free in the campus itself. However, for those who opt for a self-study method, borrowing UPCAT review books or buying your own copies of them are really helpful. Since 21st Century education is at its highest peak, credible sites and youtube channels can offer legit answer sheets and free tutorials. (This was what I did, and look at me now! Hah!)
2. Forge an alliance. Know if any friends are taking the UPCAT in the same building as you are.
Not only does #clingy company help minimize crazy, nervous vibes, it can also come to your rescue in the event you get lost in the 5.5 hectares of the UP domain. A map should be provided to you by your guidance counselors , but if your application forms were not submitted through them, print out a map or download a handy image in your cellphone. This will help minimize the time you spend searching for your UPCAT testing location and save you from being late as well.
As much as possible, arrive thirty minutes ahead of your UPCAT testing schedule. Being late can cause you to miss announcements and maybe even miss the chance to be in the country's premier university. Punctuality is a must in all college entrance exams as they do not consider students who are late and forfeit their chance from entering the university.
4. Listen to your proctor's announcements.
There are important announcements given by proctors before the UPCAT, so pay attention that you may be guided in the 5-hour ordeal. Also, follow his/her instructions obediently.
5. You can leave blanks in the UPCAT.
YES, you heard that right. This is usually announced at the beginning of the UPCAT exam. Blanks are allowed in the UPCAT, and they will not be counted in the total items of your test. For example, I left 10 blanks out of 200 items. The items that will be counted will only sum up to 190. If you are not sure of your answer (or if you do not know the answer at ALL-especially in the Science part of the test!), leave it blank. However, be warned that lessening the number of items in the test also decreases your chances of passing it because it lowers the bar for the test's passing score. Sometimes, a guess or an examination on the closest answer is most advisable. The famous 'shotgun' method, though not always reliable, can also help you get your way through. But remember, being sure and analyzing each item is the best way to pass the exam.
6. Think twice. Double check your answers.
This is commonly heard in examinations and tests—both CET's and not. If you have enough time to review your answers, why not take that time to be extra careful and check for mistakes in that particular portion of the test? You might realize you've skipped a number you can answer or shaded the wrong circle. Sometimes, you might even change your answer after analyzing the question for the second time. In case you are not sure of your answer for a particular item, placing an asterisk or a small dot before the number on your answer sheet should be a helpful tip. That way, you would not have trouble going back on that item. Just be sure to erase the asterisk/dot before submitting your answer sheet to the proctor.
7. Tick tock again. Be aware of the time.
Synchronize your watches with the proctor's time so that you may follow the exam's schedule. Never be too much in a hurry to finish the exam. This is not a race. It's a make-or-break examination that will determine your entrance in the country's top university. Work as fast as you can without neglecting careful analysis and understanding of the question. Do not spend too much time on a particular item you cannot answer. Remember that you can leave blanks or choose to go back to the item once you are done with the test. Each subject included in the UPCAT has a particular time frame and you cannot proceed to the next part if you finish early. Make sure to be all ears to your proctor when he/she gives the signal for the next subject so as not to be delayed when answering. Do not stall away out of overconfidence. Take note that once the particular portion of the exam is over, you cannot go back. Keep in mind that it's always better to finish ahead of time.
8. FOCUS.
Whether your proctor dresses funnily or the boy sitting next to you is a Filipino version of Josh Hutscherson or Alexander Ludwig, never allow yourself to be distracted. Focus on the task at hand—the UPCAT. Focus on your one-way ticket to the university almost all graduating students aim for. Focus on the 5-hour Calvary and the future it may bring to you. Never ever bring your personal problems while taking the test. They will only bring you down and make you lose your center. Do not pay attention to how hot or how cold it is. Pay attention to the answer sheet and questionnaire alone. If the person next to you is noisy or is making you uncomfortable, raise your hand and request the proctor that you be transferred to another seat.
When distracted, a mantra is always helpful. Repeat that mantra over and over again in your head and continue answering item after item.
A UP student always asks questions. This is our trademark. This is our way of learning. Do not fear to ask questions or clarify things as learning the answers will aid you in the exam. Proctors do not eat people, and they will be more than kind enough to help you ace the UPCAT.
10. Stay alive.
Make sure you get 8-10 hours of sleep (Yes, I'm serious!), so that you can survive in the UP arena as you take the exam. Know your opponents. Target your weak spots (a.k.a subjects that you're not really good at) and try to improve on them. Hone your strengths and make use of them to your advantage. Never ever fall for the mental block. Keep calm and don't panic. Panicking can cause you to make the stupid mistake of shading the incorrect circle or answering the item too hastily. Lastly, pray to God for guidance. Remember that without Him, you would not be here taking the UPCAT and maximizing your knowledge and skills towards fulfilling your dreams. Lift it all up to Him and trust in Him. He may or may not give it to you, but whatever the outcome of your UPCAT is, He always knows what's best.
The UPCAT is just the beginning of your UP adventure. Like Katniss when she emerged as victorious in the 74th Hunger Games, the spark in her and in Panem has just started to ignite. Life in UP is deeper than the connotation of "lower tuition fees", "terror Math 17" and "student activists". Life in UP stirs national awakening as all those who wish to enter must be ready to take up the university's mandate which is to SERVE THE PEOPLE regardless of age, social status, religion, or political affiliation.
Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
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