Is your teen preparing to take college entrance exams? Many schools like the University of the Philippines (UP), Ateneo de Manila, and De La Salle accept only 10% to 40% of the applicants. UP exams are also right minus wrong. 

Equip your child with the skills and confidence to do well in college admission tests. This step-by-step guide helps you find resources, create routines, and enhance their test-taking and stress management skills.

Identify the schools your child is interested in and note their application requirements and deadlines.

Most universities accept applications from March to May, though some begin as early as December. Check their websites for exact dates to avoid missing deadlines.

Most schools require these documents. Prepare multiple physical copies and a digital copy during the application period. You can use apps like Genius Scan (available on Google Play and App Store) to turn your phone into a personal scanner and make your documents easily accessible.

Depending on the school policy, you can upload documents to the application website or bring them to the admissions office.

• Transcript of records for grades eight to 12  
• SF-10 (Learner’s Permanent Academic Record, formerly called Form 137)   
• Birth certificate issued by the PSA or NSO   
• Passport size or 2x2 ID photos with a white background  

Some universities like Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) also require recommendation letters and a personal essay. 

To prevent problems during the online application, make sure you have a reliable Internet connection and complete documents.

Buy study guides and practice tests to help your child review the material and become more familiar with exam questions. Teach them digital literacy skills, so they know how to research and maximize online study groups.

Try these books developed by established tutorial centers and top graduates.

• Tome of Knowledge: It has over 3,300 shortcuts and techniques for topics that consistently appear in college entrance tests. It also includes examples from previous exams of UP, Ateneo, and De La Salle University. (₱898, available through their Facebook page and Lazada)
• The Maroon Bluebook: Developed by 20 UP scholars, the book has a UPCAT mock exam with over 750 questions. The answer key has comprehensive answers and Math solutions. (₱899, available on their website and Shopee)
• AG Practice Tests Series: Aside from the tests, the book has 300 pages of assigned readings and study pointers. It also has tips for writing college admission essays.  (₱899, order from their website or Facebook page)
• MSA Simulated College Admission Test: The practice tests include common entrance exam questions from UP, Ateneo, De La Salle, and University of Sto. Tomas. (₱750, available at MSA branches or Lazada)

Tip: You can buy secondhand study guides on Carousell.

Review programs provide structure and guidance. Teachers explain the topics, give timed tests, and offer strategies for tackling exam questions. 

Choose a credible and competent review center. Ask about their pass rate, teachers’ credentials, curriculum, and the size of their study groups.

Here are some of the most reputable college entrance exam review centers in the Philippines.

• Academic Gateway: The center has consistently posted one of the highest numbers of UP, Ateneo, De La Salle, and UST qualifiers every year. It offers both face-to-face and live online reviews.
• MSA Review Center: Aside from study sessions, the center has diagnostic tests and exam dry runs. Students can also take additional short refresher courses before the test.   
• Tutorial Hub: The center has small classes of 24 students or less. This allows teachers to give more personal instruction to those who need help in specific subjects.

If you prefer online programs, consider the UPCAT Masterclass or Review Masters. They have videos, downloadable resources, and practice tests that your child can study at their own pace.

Work with your teen to develop a study plan that fits around their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. The Cozi Family Organizer (available on Google Play and App Store) lets you schedule and study sessions and set reminders. 

Aim for consistent and manageable chunks of study time instead of marathon cramming sessions.

Simulated tests help your child get comfortable with the format and time constraints of the actual exam. Review the results together to identify areas that need improvement.

Katherine Cohen, Ph.D, a leading university admissions counselor, recommends taking tests weekly for two months leading up to the exam. She also suggests replicating test conditions, like early Saturday morning in a place with other people. This helps your child get used to thinking in a group environment with some distractions.

Teach your child simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing or positive visualization. This can help them reduce stress while studying or even during the exam day itself.

In the week before the exam, make a checklist of what they need to bring and put everything in one envelope. You can also do a “test drive” to the school to become familiar with the route and traffic levels.

Acknowledge your child’s effort and dedication during the prep process, regardless of the exam outcome. Give a simple reward, and point out their accomplishments—for example, big improvements in Math scores or study habits.

Your encouragement and involvement during the entrance exam process can boost your child’s motivation and self-confidence. Invest in study tools, like books and strong home WIFI (choose from prepaid fiber or postpaid fiber plans) for online reviews or practice tests. If you’re a prepaid mobile user, you can use Go+ vouchers for SM and Grab to save money on some study expenses. With your support and the best study tools, your child has all they need to succeed.