Quick answer
College entrance exams (CETs) in the Philippines test English, Math, Science, and reasoning. The biggest ones are UPCAT, ACET, DCAT, and USTET. Most exams happen between August and January, so review should start early — ideally in Grade 11. Parents help most by planning ahead, tracking deadlines, and keeping their child calm and healthy.
What is a college entrance exam (CET)?
A college entrance exam, or CET, is a test that universities use to choose their students. It checks if a student is ready for college work. Most CETs test English, Math, Science, and thinking skills.
In the Philippines, each top university has its own exam. Your child may need to take more than one.
What are the major college entrance exams in the Philippines?
- UPCAT — University of the Philippines
- ACET — Ateneo de Manila University
- DCAT — De La Salle University
- USTET — University of Santo Tomas
- PUPCET — Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- Plus many other state and private university exams
The “Big Four” schools are UP, Ateneo, DLSU, and UST. Their exams are the most well-known and the most competitive.
When are college entrance exams held?
Most CETs happen between August and January. Here is a rough guide:
| Exam | Usual window |
|---|---|
| UPCAT | Around August (for SY 2027–2028, it was held on August 1–2, 2026) |
| ACET | Around September to November |
| DCAT | Applications usually open around August, with exams from October to December |
| USTET | Usually held in the last months of the year |
Always check each school’s official website. Keep one calendar with all your child’s exam dates and deadlines.
When should my child start preparing?
The best time to start is Grade 11. This gives your child a full year of light, steady review before exam season in Grade 12.
Starting early has big benefits:
- Less stress and no last-minute cramming
- More time to fix weak subjects
- More practice tests to build confidence
- Time to keep grades high, which also count for admission
What should my child study?
Focus on the skills that show up in almost every exam:
- English — grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension
- Math — arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems
- Science — basic biology, chemistry, and physics
- Reasoning — abstract and logical thinking
Some exams add extras. The ACET has an essay. Some UST programs, like Architecture, add a drawing test. Check each exam’s format so your child is not surprised.
A simple preparation timeline
Grade 11
Start light review. Build good study habits. Keep grades strong. Take a few practice tests to see where your child stands.
Summer before Grade 12
Step up review. This is when many families join review centers or use online tools. Focus on weak areas.
Grade 12 (exam season)
Do focused practice and full practice tests. Manage stress. Make sure your child rests well before each exam.
How parents can help
- Keep track of every deadline and requirement (grades, forms, IDs)
- Build a calm study routine at home
- Help your child pick which schools and courses to aim for
- Watch for stress and burnout, and add rest days
- Remind your child that one exam does not define their future
Guia is an online review platform made for Filipino students. It covers the core skills tested across the major CETs — English, Math, Science, and reasoning — through lessons and practice tests written by vetted Filipino teachers. It tracks your child’s progress and points out weak spots to review. Families can use it at home to prepare for several exams at once, whether alone or alongside a review center.
One plan for the exams that matter
Guia covers the core skills behind the UPCAT, ACET, DCAT, and USTET, so your child can prepare for several exams at once. Free to start.
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