by Luis Sinangote, Marcus Suner, Venice Roxas 

Ever imagined what it would be like to walk through the Arko ng mga Siglo as the crowd chants in broad daylight with sweat and tears of belongingness? How about the feeling of being short of breath as you walk through the campuses of UP and Ateneo, seeing the historical monuments that date back decades, and meeting students of all sorts in event fairs as they welcome you to their long-awaited legacies? Or what about the feeling of being in awe of the org culture in DLSU and being confused with the languages used by the green archers as they “carps ka ba to starbs” and order their infamous Caramel Macchiato and Green Tea Latte? Well, if you are wondering about these imaginations and hoping to be part of the blue, green, maroon, and yellowish-gold universities—then this comical guide to ACE-ING your college entrance tests will come in handy along the way! 

What did one blossom say to the other? Let’s be best buds — Though high school and college are distinct environments that require students to be equipped with broad knowledge and skills to achieve targeted goals, there are occurrences in which even the brightest of minds struggle to mend academic problems. As the University of the Philippines (UP) soon opened its doors to students, this would be the time to look for a sidekick in the voyage of dreams; two minds are better than one!  

In school, you picture this image of students laying their heads down on their tables out of stress, while on the other side of the room, you see people arguing because of group disagreement. Much to that, there are also those who sit around the corner, watching the whole scene play out, being confused by what they have witnessed. Though chaotic, these scenarios were once an ordinary day for students in high school—years of passing ordeals that break friendships, incite teenage malices, and create toxic competitions. However, at UP, there are lesser academic rivalries and spitefulness among students as they are welcomed with knowledge as extensive as that of the novels they have read, but embedded with incomprehensible terms and concepts. Of this predicament, students under the curriculum have no choice but to work together and offer one another as sidekicks to thrive.

Other than that, there are four subtests that you need to prepare for UPCAT: Mathematics, Language Proficiency, Science, and Reading Comprehension. Though as crippling and nauseating, do not be discouraged by what past UPCAT takers or current UP students are telling you regarding the test and process of admission—because no matter how overwhelming it is, if your passion and dream are much bigger than that fear, then you would be able to achieve most things by believing in yourself. Moreover, if you wish to be part of the community UP has cultivated, then it is better if you take the chance and strive for the highest of dreams than to live a life of regret about who you could have been or the places you could be in. 

Which creature loves April Fools’ Day? Prank-enstein — Ateneans are culturally inclined with different commitments and club affiliations that riddle them into balancing their life and limiting them from doing things they love. So, as much as student life is important, an Atenean must also learn to be aware of their actions, habits, and product of thinking to not deteriorate their physical and emotional well-being like Frankenstein. 

Another university you should keep an eye out for is the Ateneo de Manila University, home of the blue eagles with a multitude of talents and a sizable heart to be in service of the community! Just like the University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University, Ateneo has been a holistic Christian-Jesuit school that helps students to reach their prime, empowers their speech, and makes the community more socially conscious in order to practice their rights as well as responsibilities inside-and-outside school grounds. So, if you are the type of student who is interested in leading and serving the community, then Ateneo would be the home for you! 

Other than being in service to the community, do not forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming ACET just as you never once forgot to give time to your org commitments and passions (and SO)! To prepare for the entrance test, it is advisable that you study the following: Mathematics, Statistics, and English. Though most importantly, get a stash of paper and a pen to outline your thrilling and adventurous stories for your autobiographies. Remember to write for yourself and not for others; this is your story and this is your moment! 

I was going to tell a time-traveling joke for April Fools’ Day, but you didn’t like it — As you will soon be working as CEOs of huge companies, doctors in medical departments, or leaders of a community, always be mindful of your decisions and try building good habits that outweigh the bad ones. Remember, your future is in your hands and it is in your best interest that you set your path in the right direction.

Looking for people you want to hang out with at Starbucks or build friendships with a unique vocabulary that seems far from the dictionary you once read in elementary? Fret not, because DLSU got you covered! So, if you are a business-minded, word innovator, and a typical Joe with a knack for leading people, then consider being a part of the Lasallian community! 

Do not forget to bring your pen and mind as you prepare for this year’s DCAT! And most importantly—other than a pen and a mind, what a Lasallian can do in preparation for the test is to fuel their minds with a cup of coffee on the side and the usual French Tinapay as their main course! But remember, no amount of statistical tests, sciencey kemeruts, and language proficiency tests can outperform your moral decisions to be in service of the school and your community—so be honest with the honesty test for DCAT (Yeah, we are looking at you. Side Eye!) 

What goes up when April showers come down? An umbrella — Other than preparing for a long month’s worth of entrance test, you also need to be prepared for hot morning air or stormy weather with an umbrella. As UST is prone to flooding and rainfall, an umbrella would be one of your best friends in preventing you from being evicted from the testing site due to drenched documents. 

The reigning land of the tigers and one of the most spirited universities is the University of Santo Tomas, home of the energetic and adventurous-born students. So, if you are the person to shout “GO, USTE!” until your lungs give out, then this is the place for you—because no amount of “readings”, 100-item tests, and at most 3 hours of sleep can detract a Tomasino from supporting their university! 

If you are planning to pursue medicine or architecture, then UST is a good place to invest your four years, as this school offers a wide variety of majors. It is exceptionally known to be great bearers of creating future doctors in the country. Other than that, make sure to study Math and Science, practice time management, know how to handle simultaneous pressure for the Mental Ability Test, and expand your vocabulary and literacy skills for the Language Proficiency Test. 

Did you know bees become indecisive after April? They become May-bees — As soon as now, research the universities that you are planning on applying to and know what courses are suitable for your skill set, personality, and passions so that you can have a clear direction for your future. 

Nevertheless, whether or not the school you choose is a resonance of your aspirations, you still need to research about the school’s curriculum, culture, and environment because, in a matter of growth, one may not flourish as tremendously due to the lack of immersion and opportunities. More so, choosing an institution based on inauthentic imaginations over factual reviews will only entrap you from living the best life. And thus, as your heart beats tremendously for the school you aspire to enter, it is otherwise strategic to look for an institution that caters to your chosen course and the quality of education you need. 

With all that there is to be said, what you should remember when embarking on a journey to becoming one of the schools is to always be hopefully driven to these imaginations. Your dreams should be greater than the fear that you have because if you trust the person you are now, then you can entrust yourself to continue this journey to become the person you will be tomorrow. More so, with April Fools right around the corner, always take time to laugh at the littlest of things and share the funniest jokes with your friends because you might not know that they may be needing a laugh or two from an exhausting monotonous week.