How to pass the UPCAT, according to celebrities who graduated from University of the Philippines
The time has finally come for those who applied for UPCAT, or the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, to take their first big step in getting admitted to the country's premier university.
After months of pouring their blood, sweat, and tears over their reviewers and burying themselves in all their past learnings, incoming freshmen students are now set to take their examination this June 3 and 4 in over 102 UPCAT centers nationwide.
To help aspiring Iskolars ng Bayan prepare, PhilSTAR L!fe asked celebrities who graduated from UP to give helpful tips on how they can ace the test just like they did in the past. Here are their answers:
Martin Del Rosario
Martin Del Rosario, who graduated from UP Diliman with a degree in Broadcast Communication, didn't mince his words and stressed that it's "really going to be a big challenge to hurdle the exam." However, as long as you have "enough preparation, stored knowledge, and the strong will to pass", the UPCAT will be no sweat to you.
For his tips, Martin advised, "Don’t cram. Just relax while reviewing for the exam. Do not over-absorb information. Focus only on the more important details and stored knowledge."
He also reminded test-takers to have a good night's sleep before taking the exam, have breakfast on the day of the UPCAT, and pray for guidance.
Joj Agpangan
Joj Agpangan, who got a degree in Education from the UP Open University along with her twin sister Jai, has a simple but meaningful tip to examinees: to just be courageous and give it their best shot.
"Study hard, pray hard, and give it your all. Pass or fail, you would know in your heart that your maximum and best effort is 100 percent and it is more than any passing mark. You have actually nothing to lose when you give your best in everything. You only gain more courage," the former Pinoy Big Brother housemate said.
"You become a stronger and better person in every success or failure. The determined, courageous spirit to continue through life’s ups and downs is what really counts the most," she added.
Jai Agpangan
For Jai, she considers the UPCAT as a "highly competitive exam that requires preparation and strategy."
"To increase your chances of success, it is important to pace yourself during the exam, manage your time effectively, and focus on the questions at hand. Make sure to get enough rest and nourishment before the exam, and stay calm and confident throughout the test," she advised.
While failing the exam may mean the end of the world for some students, Jai underscored that this should not be the case, "Remember, the UPCAT is just one part of your academic journey, and your performance on the test does not define your worth or potential as a student."