college entrance exams in the philippines: a basis of one's intellectual capacity?

When I typed ACET, USTET and UPCAT (of course DLSUCET is automatically included when these three are together) on Google's search box, a lot of forums caught my attention as well as blogs of students who have taken the aforementioned entrance tests.

After my eyes got tired of reading a lot of differeng opinions regarding the topic, it dawned into me that these students are quite judgmental. For example, one blogger said that "if you pass the UPCAT, then there's no doubt that you'll also pass the USTET". As a student of UST, I'd also like to express my views on entrance examinations, since it was not so long ago when I was also anxious about waiting for the results of the exams I took.

So let me share my experiences back when I was in senior high school, the time when confusion about what major to put in my application forms conquered me.

UPCAT

It was late May when I expressed my interest in taking this comprehensive college entrance exam. Since I wanted to pursue medicine, I chose BS Biology and BS Psychology as my courses in UPD. I think my second choice was UPM, and I also wrote the same courses. My parents were too supportive about it because it was going to be my first major college entrance examination! They were also hopeful that I would pass the UPCAT so that my university expenses wouldn't be a problem. I was scheduled to take the exam on the morning of August 4, 2007 at the UP Institute of Chemistry.  That morning, I ate a large breakfast and was driven to UPD by my dad and mom.

The examination was kind of difficult, and the heat of the room where we were assigned was too much to bear. Good thing I had brought along a bar of my favorite dark chocolate. Four hours of agony.

I was not able to qualify for UPD and UPM, but my UPG was above the cut-off for UPLB and UP Baguio. My application was reconsidered, but my parents didn't want me to live independently yet.

ACET

This was the second college entrance examination I took. Ateneo invited our school over to a recruitment seminar and gave free application forms to the Top 10 students of our class. Being one of those lucky students, I decided to give Ateneo a shot! It was my dream school: the ambiance in the campus is very peaceful and it was just a ride away from our house.

I was really ecstatic about the ACET that I made my essay earlier than I myself would expect, and revised it a few times so that it would look pleasing to the admissions people. I chose BS Biology, BS Health Sciences, AB Psychology and AB Communications as my four course options. My recommendation letters were in, and so my mom went to the Office of Admission and Aid (did I get this right?) to pass my requirements. The examination permit was kept in my file case....until September 16, 2007 came!

I was scheduled to take the exams at 1:00 p.m at the Ateneo High School. Wooh, the heat inside the room was making me more tense by the minute, not to mention the intimidating appeal of some of my co-examinees. They looked as if they already knew that they were going to pass the exams!!! On the contrary, I just kept quiet, and whispered a silent prayer to God, "I will be able to accept whatever the outcome of my ACET is! Please give me enough endurance to answer the questions correctly."

If UPCAT was difficult, then the ACET was hell. I expected it to be a lot easier than UPCAT, but it turned out to be more difficult. There was so little time to answer the questions, so I did not even bother reviewing my paper. After 5 grueling hours, I was lightheaded and slept once we go home. I did not have high expectations for the ACET.

But January 5, 2008 was one of the happiest days of my life. Because when I searched the list of passers for my name, I was not disappointed.

A (A means accepted)   Adri, Kiersten Jayne Rivas          AB Psychology

Just look at that! One of life's greatest surprises for me!!! :) My parents were happy for me, but sadly I was not able to avail of a scholarship so my Ateneo dream instantly faded away. I attended the orientation with my bestfriend and he advised me to go to Ateneo, but I said I can't because my dad's annual income is too small to support my studies at the Ateneo. Aww.

USTET

 The University of Santo Tomas Entrance Examination. Hahahaha!
I was also enthusiastic to take the USTET, so I and my friend went to UST so that we could get our application forms. 

When I was about to write down BS Pharmacy as my first choice, my mom interjected "Would you like to work in a drugstore all your life?" 
BS Medical Technology- "Analyzing bodily wastes and fluids are digusting. Would you want to have that job?"
BS Physical Therapy- "Manghihilot ka ba?!" (Are you planning to become a masseuse?)


"I'd like you to put in BS Nursing as your first choice!" Yeah I did, or else my mom won't give me the P500 fee for the examination. My second choice was BS Biology. 


October 28, 2007. I expected a very competitive atmosphere, but alas I was disappointed. The examination was EASY! I was confident enough that I would pass the USTET. 


But when the results came out, I was SHOCKED.


First Choice: BS Nursing - FAILED
Second Choice: BS Biology - WAITLISTED


Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?!?!?! Fine. Many of my teachers especially whose children were Thomasians convinced me to confirm my slot in UST. My mom was hesitant at first (money issues again), but when I graduated as the salutatorian of our batch, I was qualified to avail of the Santo Tomas Scholarship which is given to high school valedictorians and salutatorians.


On the day of my confirmation, I was late. There were no more available slots for BS Biology. Bullcrap. So I had no choice but to choose among BS Physics and BS Mathematics. As I was about to write my name on the BS Physics list, I instinctively turned the folder over and saw that there was still ONE LAST SLOT for BS Chemistry. Since I was more interested in Chemistry, I pushed the lady beside me who threatened to take away that rare opportunity. That started my career as a student of Chemistry, thanks a lot to my bestfriend JOHN RALPH CALING who was an hour late on our meet-up at LRT Katipunan.

No regrets though.

The USTET is EASY, YES. But staying in UST, NO. 

Hot Mess by Cobra Starship.

I like this song! Grooves me to the beat, yeah! :)

You were a problem child, been grounded your whole life
So now you're running wild, playing with them good girls
No that ain't your style, you think you're hot shit
Ooh, I love it, I love it, yeah yeah

Stumblin', but yeah, you still looking hella fine
Keep doing what you're doing and I'ma make you mine

Well, you're a hot mess and I'm fallin' for you
And I'm like, "Hot damn, let me make you my boo."
'Cause you can shake it, shake it, shake it yeah you know what to do
You're a hot mess, and I'm lovin' it, hell yes

:D

Saying Goodbye to Adolescence is Never Easy.

This coming June, I will be returning to university as a junior BS Chemistry student. By that time, I have already turned 18, and that signals that I am already of legal age. Taking responsibility for every action that you do is one of the things that a 'newly-baptized' adult must take heed of.

Wanting to Become Independent...Someday!

Earning money in a good way is not easy; it is a process which entails perseverance and determination. Endurance is also a big help too.

Just put yourselves in my shoes.

I am still a student trying to creep my way out of the cocoon of undergraduate life, so that I can use my diploma (and hopefully, a chemist's license) in landing a job in one of the Philippines' bigwigs in the chemical industry: United Laboratories. Just because the guy of my dreams is currently employed there. :)

But this summer, while I am taking up Integral Calculus in the Faculty of Engineering, I have to work at ePLDT as a call center agent so that I can pay my tuition and miscellaneous fees.

Not to forget the fact that I am turning 18 on the 27th of May, I have to spend my OWN moolah on the food and drinks that we are going to feast on that day.

Two weeks is all I have to endure balancing my studies and work, but it seems to me that I have been doing this for a month now.

Time really passes by slowly if you are not enthusiastic about what you're doing.