The Geek Brewery

Looking for UPCAT Tips? Here’s a compilation of UPCAT tips around the Internet.

Hey you, yes you reading this post. If you reached this post by Googling or Yahooing UPCAT tips, then you are on the rightest page on the Universe. If not, then you’re probably one of my loyal readers.

UPCAT or the University of the Philippines College Admission Test is the entrance examination to the Philippine’s one and only national university, the University of the Philippines. It is taken by thousands of graduating high school students who aspire to study in the prestigious University.

This year’s examination will be on August 2 and 3, 2008 — on different testing centers scattered around the country.

I know I am not the perfect person authority to write tips on taking UPCAT, but at least I passed the exam last year. Here are some simple yet useful tips on taking it:

• For students from science high schools (like me), don’t review superadvanced lessons. Those topics are least probable to come out.
• Don’t answer questions the way they are ordered. Try answering in random order. Some easy questions are scattered on the end part, especially in the Math part.
• There are rumors that it is right minus (1/4) wrong. Try answering every question, if you get it wrong you get a 1/4 point deduction — meanwhile if you get it right you get a full point.
• Read the stories in the reading comprehension as fast as you can. But remember, you should be able to understand them. The reading comprehension is one of the most time-consuming part.
• Don’t bring too little or too many snacks. Chances are you’re gonna have a throbbing growling stomach or unexpected trips to the bathroom.
• Have a great sleep! Be at your best shape and condition during the exam. This helps a lot.
• Don’t overreview the night before the exams!
• Take your time, but remember that it’s time bound. Don’t mind your seatmates. Most of my seatmates (those strangers) finished the different parts faster than I did — sadly I didn’t spot any of them here at UPD. Honestly, I averaged 10 unanswered question by the end of each part.
• Familiarize the testing area in your Exam Slip. Do it at least a day before your examination. If not possible, try to go with someone who’s familiar with the place. This minimizes chances of getting lost.

Here are some of the topics (as far as I can remember) on last year’s exam:

1. Basic Functions of Different Cell Organelles
2. Simple algebra
3. Some polynomial factoring
4. Simple trigonometry
5. Simple Electricity (V = IR; P = IV)
6. Some rectilinear motion (free fall motion, a little projectile)
7. Simple grammar and error spotting
8. Triangles. Given two sides, identify the length of the third
9. Some Earth Science

I hope it helps!

Good luck.