ACET
preparation guide
Ateneo College Entrance Test — a month-by-month study plan and how to approach each subject.
The exam in brief
Timed multiple-choice questions in mathematics, English, general knowledge and abstract reasoning, plus an essay. There's no Filipino section, and the number of items varies from year to year. Ateneo doesn't publish a pass mark or an admission rate, and it also weighs your high-school record, personal essay and recommendations. Items are not right-minus-wrong, so guessing isn't penalized.
Official sources, dates and fees are on the ACET page.
Month-by-month ACET plan
Weeks 1–2: Diagnostic
Find your baseline in each area
- Take a timed practice set in math, English, general knowledge and abstract reasoning
- Note which areas eat your time
- Set a daily slot
Weeks 3–5: English and general knowledge
Reading speed and breadth
- Read editorials and timed passages daily
- Keep up with current events and general knowledge
- Build vocabulary from context
Weeks 6–8: Math and abstract reasoning
No calculator allowed
- Drill word problems and algebra by hand
- Practice pattern and figure questions
- Redo mistakes from your weakest topic
Final 2 weeks: Timed practice and the essay
No right-minus-wrong penalty — answer every item
- Sit a full timed practice set
- Write two or three timed practice essays
- Confirm your testing center and date
How to approach each subject
Mathematics
Test area
- Practice daily with timed sets
- Read the explanation after every set
- Log recurring mistakes and redo them
English
Test area
- Practice daily with timed sets
- Read the explanation after every set
- Log recurring mistakes and redo them
General Knowledge
Test area
- Practice daily with timed sets
- Read the explanation after every set
- Log recurring mistakes and redo them
Study for the ACET with Super Tutor
Every chapter, 11 ways
Summaries, study notes, flashcards, concept maps and cheat sheets for each ACET chapter.
Quizzes at three levels
Practice quizzes for every chapter, with an explanation for each answer.
An AI tutor
Ask why an answer is right, or yours was wrong, whenever you're stuck.
A study planner
Plan your weeks up to exam day and keep a daily streak.
ACET preparation FAQs
Preparation time, passing rule and the next exam date
How long should I prepare for the ACET?
Most takers plan for 8–12 weeks of steady review, longer if the fundamentals are rusty. What matters more than the number of weeks is a daily slot you keep and regular timed practice.
How do you pass the ACET?
Ateneo doesn't publish a pass mark or an admission rate, and it also weighs your high-school record, personal essay and recommendations. Items are not right-minus-wrong, so guessing isn't penalized.
When is the next ACET?
The last ACET was held on 3 October 2026 (Batangas, Davao, Lanao del Norte, Palawan) and 10 October 2026 (Zamboanga del Norte). Ateneo has not announced the ACET for SY 2028–29.
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