UPCAT Reviewer

UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test) is the entrance examination for admission to the University of the Philippines system. It is typically held in the last quarter of the year (September to November) for students graduating high school the following year. The exact dates are announced by the Office of Admissions (OA) each year. Due to the pandemic, UP has used alternative admission systems, so check the official UP website for current admission policies.

UPCAT covers four main subject areas: (1) Mathematics - algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and problem-solving; (2) Science - biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science; (3) Language Proficiency - English grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure; and (4) Reading Comprehension - critical reading, analysis, and inference skills. Each section tests concepts typically covered in the K-12 curriculum.

UPCAT is highly competitive with an acceptance rate of approximately 15-20% depending on the campus and degree program. UP Diliman and UP Manila are the most competitive campuses. Popular programs like BS Biology, BS Computer Science, and BS Business Administration have even lower acceptance rates. Your ranking is based on your UPCAT score and high school grades (GWA), with different weightings depending on the campus.

Effective UPCAT preparation includes: (1) Review K-12 Science and Math concepts thoroughly; (2) Practice reading comprehension with diverse texts; (3) Strengthen English grammar and vocabulary; (4) Take timed practice tests to build speed and accuracy; (5) Focus on your weak areas based on practice test results; (6) Get adequate sleep and maintain good health before the exam. Start reviewing at least 3-6 months before the exam date.

The UP System has 8 constituent universities: UP Diliman (Quezon City) - the flagship campus; UP Manila - center for health sciences; UP Los Banos (Laguna) - agriculture and life sciences; UP Visayas (Iloilo) - fisheries and marine sciences; UP Mindanao (Davao); UP Baguio; UP Cebu; and UP Open University (distance learning). Each campus has unique degree programs and varying cut-off scores.

UPCAT strategy tips: (1) Read each question carefully before answering; (2) Answer easy questions first to build confidence and save time; (3) Use process of elimination for difficult questions; (4) For Math, show your work and check calculations; (5) In Reading Comprehension, read the questions first before the passage; (6) Don't spend too much time on one question - mark and return later; (7) Trust your first instinct unless you're certain of an error.

There is no fixed passing score for UPCAT. Admission is based on your UPG (University Predicted Grade), which combines your UPCAT score and high school GWA. Cut-off scores vary by campus, degree program, and the performance of all applicants that year. Generally, a UPG of 2.0 or better increases your chances. Top programs may require UPG of 1.5 or higher.

Yes, UPCAT is open to all graduating high school students and high school graduates regardless of school type - public, private, science high school, or international school. All applicants take the same exam. However, graduates of Philippine Science High School (PSHS) may have separate admission pathways. Check the UP Office of Admissions for specific requirements.