ACET vs DLSU DCAT: Which Test Should You Prioritise?

Two Schools, Two Different Tests

If you're applying to both Ateneo and De La Salle, you're facing two tests with different review rhythms. The ACET mixes aptitude-style items with general knowledge and an essay. DLSU's test, officially the DLSU College Admission Test (DCAT), covers subjects that past takers say include Science. The same review plan won't optimise for both.

ACET (Ateneo College Entrance Test)

• Sections: Multiple-choice questions in mathematics, English, general knowledge and abstract reasoning, plus an essay. There is no Filipino section.
• Style: Ateneo describes it as a timed test, so pacing matters as much as accuracy. The number of items varies from year to year.
• Scoring: Not right-minus-wrong, so a wrong answer costs you nothing extra. Calculators are not allowed; scratch paper is provided.
• Admission: Ateneo also weighs your high-school record, extracurriculars, personal essay and recommendation letters. It doesn't publish the weights.

DCAT (DLSU College Admission Test)

• Sections: DLSU does not publish an official breakdown. Past takers report multiple-choice sections in English and reading comprehension, mathematics, science and mental ability.
• Format: Offered both onsite and online. DLSU doesn't publish an item count or time limit.
• Application: You list three ranked programme choices when you apply through DLSU's Archers Hub.

Test Dates for the AY 2027–28 Cycle

Ateneo's calendar set the ACET for 19–20 September 2026 in Metro Manila and 26–27 September 2026 at provincial centres, with a few provincial sites testing on 3 and 10 October 2026. Ateneo releases admission decisions by email in May 2027.

DLSU's calendar set DCAT applications from 15 July to 30 September 2026. Provincial testing runs from 5 September to 24 October 2026, on-campus testing is on 8 November 2026 (Manila) and 6 December 2026 (Laguna), and online sittings are on 27 November, 4 December and 11 December 2026.

Which to Prioritise

If Ateneo is your top choice, over-prepare for the ACET's reasoning items and practise timed essay writing. If DLSU is top, invest more in Science and mental ability practice. Applying to both? Split review 60/40 in favour of your first choice — but don't ignore the other completely. The English and Math overlap is real and pays off twice.

Shared Review Blocks

English (reading comprehension plus grammar), Math (algebra, geometry, basic stats) and reasoning practice (the ACET's abstract reasoning, the DCAT's mental ability items) work across both tests. Build those first. Every hour you put in here pays off twice.

Diverging Review Blocks

Science matters for the DCAT (biology, chemistry, physics basics) — it isn't a listed ACET section. The essay and general knowledge items are ACET-specific.

How Super Tutor Helps

Super Tutor has separate ACET and DCAT reviewers, each with chapter content in 11 study formats, practice quizzes at three difficulty levels, an AI tutor and a study planner. Each plan covers one exam, so pick the test you're sitting next. Plans start at ₱249 a month with auto-pay (cancel anytime), or ₱1,999 for a full year, paid once — see pricing.

See Also

• UPCAT vs ACET vs DCAT vs USTET
• College Entrance Review
• Best for Senior High Students