Over 100k applicants to take UPCAT f2f this year

BY KESSHA CARREON, RAPHAELLE RINGOR

More than 104, 400 student applicants are set to take the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) face-to-face starting June 3 until June 4, 2023 in over a hundred testing venues nationwide.

After its 3-year halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual on ground system of the examination was kicked off as UP administered the UPCAT for the first time again today since 2020.

Beverlyn Domingo, an aspiring Iskolar ng Bayan from Tublay, Benguet, shared her preparation process as she took the admission test today at the University of the Philippines Baguio.

“Nag-review lang po ako, tapos nag-download din po ng mga files na pwedeng paghanapan ng mga possible information para sa questions na itatanong para alam ko po isasagot,” said Domingo.

Incumbent UP President Angelo Jimenez said that the institution might accept around 15,000 freshmen applications for the Academic Year 2024-2025. This year's UPCAT, like previous years, consists of four subtests: Language Proficiency, Science, Mathematics, and Reading Comprehension.

"The entrance score is calculated by combining the standardized UPCAT scores with the composite of the final grades from Grades 8 to 11. UP also takes socioeconomic and geographic factors into account in its admissions process to implement the policy of democratic access," the university stated.

Admission to a certain campus is determined by the applicant's rank, campus quota and cut-off grade. Unlike previous years, UPCAT 2024 is being held earlier in June to ensure quick distribution of the results.