About the USTET
Exam Overview
- Required for UST admission (oldest university in Asia)
- 5 test areas covering different competencies
- Multiple-choice format
- ~40,000 test-takers annually
- Percentile-based scoring system
Test Structure
- Part I: Language Proficiency
- Part II: Mathematics
- Part III: Science
- Part IV: Abstract Reasoning
- Part V: Mental Ability
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Fresh Questions Every Time
Our questions are constantly updated and randomized. No two quiz sessions are the same, ensuring a unique learning experience each time you practice. This helps you prepare more effectively by exposing you to varied question formats.
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50 questionsLanguage Proficiency
English grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning
Topics Covered (6)
- Grammar and Usage
- Vocabulary and Word Meanings
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Correction
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Verbal Reasoning
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50 questionsMathematics
Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and mathematical problem-solving
Topics Covered (6)
- Algebra and Equations
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Number Theory
- Word Problems
- Mathematical Reasoning
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50 questionsScience
Biology, chemistry, physics, and general science concepts
Topics Covered (6)
- Biology (Cell Biology, Genetics)
- Chemistry (Elements, Compounds, Reactions)
- Physics (Motion, Energy, Electricity)
- Earth Science
- Scientific Method
- Environmental Science
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50 questionsAbstract Reasoning
Pattern recognition, logical thinking, and spatial reasoning
Topics Covered (6)
- Pattern Recognition
- Series Completion
- Figure Analogies
- Spatial Relations
- Visual Logic
- Abstract Problem Solving
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50 questionsMental Ability
Critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and mental aptitude
Topics Covered (6)
- Critical Thinking
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Analytical Skills
- Problem Solving Strategies
- Mental Aptitude
USTET Study Tips & Comprehensive Preparation Guide
📅 4-Month USTET Preparation Timeline
| Month | Focus Areas | Key Activities | Weekly Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | Language Proficiency & Mathematics Foundations | Build vocabulary (100 words/week), review grammar rules, algebra fundamentals, geometry basics, sentence correction drills | 3 hrs/day, diagnostic tests, identify weak areas |
| Month 2 | Science & Abstract Reasoning | Biology review (cell biology, genetics), chemistry (elements, compounds), physics (motion, energy), pattern recognition drills, series completion exercises | 4 hrs/day, practice tests per subject, review notes |
| Month 3 | Mental Ability & Integration | Critical thinking exercises, logical reasoning, data interpretation, analytical skills development, integrate all 5 areas | 5 hrs/day, mixed practice sets, timed drills |
| Month 4 | Full-Length Mock Exams & Final Review | Take full USTET simulations (weekly), review mistakes thoroughly, time management mastery, stress management techniques, final weak area focus | 6 hrs/day, 2-3 full exams/week, strategic review |
⏱️ USTET Test Structure & Time Allocation Strategy
| Part | Estimated Items | Content Coverage | Time Management Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I: Language Proficiency | 50-60 items | Grammar, vocabulary, synonyms/antonyms, sentence correction, reading comprehension, verbal reasoning | 45-60 sec/item, skip difficult passages initially |
| Part II: Mathematics | 50-60 items | Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, word problems, number theory, mathematical reasoning | 60-90 sec/item, use mental math, eliminate impossible answers |
| Part III: Science | 50-60 items | Biology (cell biology, genetics), chemistry (elements, reactions), physics (motion, energy), earth science, environmental science | 45-60 sec/item, recall basic concepts first, use process of elimination |
| Part IV: Abstract Reasoning | 40-50 items | Pattern recognition, series completion, figure analogies, spatial relations, visual logic | 30-45 sec/item, look for patterns quickly, move on if stuck >60 sec |
| Part V: Mental Ability | 40-50 items | Critical thinking, logical reasoning, data interpretation, analytical skills, problem-solving strategies | 45-60 sec/item, read carefully, identify question type quickly |
| Total | ~250 items | Time limit varies (typically 2.5-3 hours) | Avg 43-50 sec/item |
Note: USTET format may vary yearly. Check official UST admissions website for latest structure. Time allocation is critical - practice timed exams to build speed and accuracy.
📖 Essential Academic Vocabulary for USTET Language Proficiency
| Word | Definition | Synonym | Antonym |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbose | Using more words than necessary; wordy | Prolix, loquacious | Concise, succinct |
| Comprehensive | Including all or nearly all elements; thorough | Exhaustive, complete | Incomplete, partial |
| Meticulous | Showing great attention to detail; careful | Scrupulous, punctilious | Careless, negligent |
| Pragmatic | Dealing with things sensibly and realistically | Practical, realistic | Idealistic, impractical |
| Convoluted | Extremely complex and difficult to follow | Intricate, complicated | Simple, straightforward |
| Facilitate | Make an action or process easier | Enable, expedite | Hinder, impede |
| Juxtapose | Place or deal with close together for contrasting effect | Contrast, compare | Separate, isolate |
| Substantiate | Provide evidence to support or prove the truth of | Verify, corroborate | Disprove, refute |
Study Tip: Learn 100 advanced vocabulary words per week using flashcards (Quizlet, Anki). Focus on word roots, prefixes, and suffixes (e.g., "bene-" = good, "mal-" = bad).
📊 USTET Percentile Scoring Guide & Course Competitiveness
| Percentile Rank | Performance Level | UST Course Eligibility | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99th percentile | Exceptional - Top 1% | Highly competitive programs: Medicine, Pharmacy, Architecture, Engineering, Accountancy | GPA ≥95%, interview, portfolio (Architecture) |
| 90-98th percentile | Excellent - Top 10% | All priority programs: Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Medical Technology | GPA ≥90%, strong interview performance |
| 75-89th percentile | Very Good - Top 25% | Most undergraduate programs: Education, Business, Arts & Letters, Tourism | GPA ≥85%, acceptable interview |
| 50-74th percentile | Average - Middle 50% | Non-quota courses: Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities | GPA ≥80%, passing interview |
| <50th percentile | Below Average | May need to consider alternative programs or retake USTET | Focus on improving weak areas, consider tutorial |
Important: USTET percentile alone does not guarantee admission. UST considers USTET (40-50%), high school GPA (30-40%), interview (10-20%), and other factors. Check specific course requirements on the official UST Admissions website.
🎯 Part-Specific Study Strategies for USTET Excellence
Part I: Language Proficiency Mastery
- Grammar & Usage: Master subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, pronoun-antecedent agreement, modifiers, parallelism. Practice 20 sentence correction items daily.
- Vocabulary Building: Learn 100 academic words/week using the "root-prefix-suffix" method. Use Quizlet/Anki flashcards with spaced repetition.
- Reading Comprehension: Read diverse materials (editorials, scientific articles, literary essays) for 30 min/day. Practice identifying main ideas, author's tone, inferences.
- Synonyms & Antonyms: Study word relationships using analogy practice. Focus on context clues to determine word meanings.
- Recommended Resources: Barron's GRE Verbal, Princeton Review SAT Verbal, Manila Bulletin editorials, Philippine Daily Inquirer opinion columns.
Part II: Mathematics Problem-Solving Excellence
- Algebra Fundamentals: Master linear/quadratic equations, factoring, inequalities, systems of equations, functions. Practice 15 problems/day.
- Geometry & Mensuration: Review area/perimeter/volume formulas, Pythagorean theorem, triangle properties, circle theorems, coordinate geometry.
- Trigonometry: Memorize SOH-CAH-TOA, unit circle values (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°), trigonometric identities, angle of elevation/depression problems.
- Word Problems: Practice age, work, mixture, distance-rate-time, percentage problems. Develop systematic problem-solving approach (understand → plan → solve → check).
- Mental Math Techniques: Learn shortcuts: squaring numbers ending in 5, multiplying by 11, percentage calculations, estimation strategies.
- Recommended Resources: Khan Academy Math (Algebra I/II, Geometry), Saxon Math, IXL Math Practice, Schaum's Outline Series.
Part III: Science Comprehensive Review
- Biology Essentials: Cell structure/function, photosynthesis/cellular respiration, genetics (Mendel's laws, Punnett squares), taxonomy, human body systems (circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous).
- Chemistry Fundamentals: Periodic table trends, atomic structure, chemical bonding (ionic, covalent), balancing equations, acids/bases/salts, organic chemistry basics (hydrocarbons, functional groups).
- Physics Concepts: Kinematics (motion, velocity, acceleration), Newton's laws, work/energy/power, waves (sound, light), electricity (Ohm's law, circuits), magnetism.
- Earth Science: Plate tectonics, rock cycle, weathering/erosion, water cycle, climate zones, Philippine geography (typhoons, volcanoes, earthquakes).
- Scientific Method: Hypothesis testing, experimental design, variables (independent, dependent, controlled), data analysis, drawing conclusions.
- Recommended Resources: CK-12 Science (free online), Khan Academy Science, DepEd K-12 Grade 7-10 Science modules, Pearson Science textbooks.
Part IV: Abstract Reasoning Pattern Recognition
- Pattern Types: Number sequences (arithmetic, geometric, Fibonacci), shape sequences, rotation/reflection patterns, color/size progressions, positional changes.
- Series Completion: Identify rules (add, subtract, multiply, divide, alternate), recognize repeating patterns, predict next elements in sequence.
- Figure Analogies: Practice A:B :: C:? relationships. Look for transformations (rotation, reflection, shading, size changes, addition/subtraction of elements).
- Spatial Relations: Mental rotation exercises, 3D visualization, unfolding/folding patterns, shadow matching, mirror images.
- Speed Drills: Practice 50 abstract reasoning items in 25 minutes (30 sec/item). Build pattern recognition speed through repetition.
- Recommended Resources: IQ Test Apps (Mensa Brain Training, Peak, Elevate), Abstract Reasoning Test websites, Ravens Progressive Matrices practice books.
Part V: Mental Ability & Critical Thinking
- Logical Reasoning: Deductive vs. inductive reasoning, syllogisms (all/some/no statements), conditional statements (if-then), logical fallacies identification.
- Data Interpretation: Read tables, graphs (bar, line, pie), charts accurately. Practice percentage calculations, trend identification, data comparison.
- Analytical Skills: Cause-effect relationships, problem decomposition, assumption identification, conclusion evaluation, argument analysis.
- Critical Thinking: Distinguish fact vs. opinion, identify biases, evaluate evidence quality, recognize propaganda techniques, assess source credibility.
- Problem-Solving Strategies: Use systematic approach: (1) Understand the problem, (2) Identify what's given/unknown, (3) Devise a plan, (4) Execute, (5) Review.
- Recommended Resources: Critical Thinking workbooks (Moore & Parker), LSAT Logic Games practice, GRE Analytical Writing resources, Coursera Logic courses.
📚 Recommended Study Materials & Resources
Review Centers (Recommended)
- Review Masters: Comprehensive USTET review, diagnostics, mock exams, expert instructors (₱8,000-₱12,000)
- AHEAD Tutorial: Small class sizes, personalized coaching, UST alumni instructors (₱10,000-₱15,000)
- MSA Review Center: Proven track record, extensive question banks, test-taking strategies (₱7,000-₱10,000)
- Online Options: Brainbox PH (online USTET review, ₱3,500-₱5,000), Coursera test prep courses (free/paid)
Books & Print Materials
- Language: Barron's GRE Verbal Workbook, Princeton Review SAT Reading & Writing
- Mathematics: Saxon Math (Algebra 1/2, Geometry), Schaum's Outlines (Algebra, Trigonometry)
- Science: DepEd K-12 Science Modules (Grades 7-10), Pearson Integrated Science
- Abstract Reasoning: IQ & Aptitude Tests (How2Become series), Ravens Progressive Matrices
- Mental Ability: Critical Thinking Skills (Moore & Parker), LSAT Logic Games Bible
Online Resources (Free/Low-Cost)
- Khan Academy: Math, Science videos/practice (100% free, world-class content)
- Quizlet: USTET vocabulary flashcards, science terms (free, user-generated)
- IXL Math: Comprehensive math practice with instant feedback (subscription-based, ₱500/month)
- Lumosity/Peak: Brain training apps for abstract reasoning, mental ability (free/premium)
- Pinoy Reviewer: Free USTET practice questions with explanations (this site!)
Study Apps & Tools
- Anki: Spaced repetition flashcards (free, highly effective for vocabulary/formulas)
- Forest: Focus timer with gamification (₱200, helps maintain study discipline)
- Photomath: Step-by-step math solutions (free, useful for checking work)
- Grammarly: Writing improvement (free/premium, strengthens language skills)
- Notion/Evernote: Note organization, study schedules (free, essential for planning)
🎯 Test Day Success: Strategic Tips & Mindset
Day Before the Exam
- • Review only high-level concepts - avoid cramming new material
- • Prepare exam essentials: ID (school ID + 1 gov't ID), pencils (2B), eraser, sharpener, USTET permit
- • Get 8 hours of sleep - cognitive performance peaks with adequate rest
- • Eat balanced dinner with protein/complex carbs - avoid heavy/spicy foods
- • Plan route to UST España campus, account for traffic (arrive 45 min early)
- • Set multiple alarms, prepare clothes/bag the night before
Morning of the Exam
- • Eat nutritious breakfast: oatmeal, eggs, fruits (avoid sugar crashes)
- • Arrive at exam venue 45-60 minutes early - familiarize yourself with room
- • Use bathroom before exam starts - minimize disruptions during test
- • Do light physical activity (stretching, walking) - reduces anxiety, increases alertness
- • Practice deep breathing exercises (4-7-8 technique) - calms nerves
- • Visualize success - positive mindset improves performance
During the Exam
- • Read instructions carefully - understand answer sheet format, time limits
- • Answer easy questions first - build confidence, secure guaranteed points
- • Use process of elimination - cross out obviously wrong answers, improve guessing odds
- • Don't spend >90 sec on any single question - mark difficult items, return later
- • Manage time per part - allocate proportionally, leave 10 min for review
- • Trust your first instinct - changing answers often leads to errors unless certain
- • Stay calm if others finish early - focus on your own pace
- • Check answer sheet alignment every 10 items - avoid costly shading errors
Stress Management Techniques
- • 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale 4 sec, hold 7 sec, exhale 8 sec - reduces anxiety quickly
- • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense/release muscle groups - releases physical tension
- • Positive Self-Talk: Replace "I can't" with "I'm prepared" - boosts confidence
- • Grounding Technique: Focus on 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you feel - brings you to present
- • Take Micro-Breaks: Close eyes for 10 sec between sections - resets focus
- • Trust Your Preparation: Remind yourself of months of hard work - you're ready
💡 Effective Daily Study Routine
- • Morning (2 hrs): Language & Science (peak mental alertness for memorization)
- • Afternoon (2 hrs): Mathematics & Abstract Reasoning (logical thinking focus)
- • Evening (1-2 hrs): Mental Ability & Review of weak areas (consolidation)
- • Breaks: Pomodoro Technique (25 min study, 5 min break) - sustained focus
- • Weekly: Take 1 full-length mock exam on Sunday - track progress, identify gaps
- • Rest Day: 1 day/week complete rest - prevents burnout, improves retention
📈 Progress Tracking & Improvement
- • Keep an error log: document every mistake, understand why it occurred
- • Track practice test scores weekly - visualize improvement over time
- • Focus 60% of study time on weak areas, 40% on maintaining strengths
- • Join study groups - teach others to solidify your understanding (Feynman Technique)
- • Review previous day's material every morning - spaced repetition boosts retention
- • Set SMART goals: Specific (improve Math by 20%), Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound (1 month)
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Complete USTET Coverage
5 test areas with 250+ practice questions with detailed explanations. Questions cover all competencies tested in the UST Entrance Test.