ACET vs UPCAT vs DLSU DCAT vs USTET: Decision Guide
ACET vs UPCAT vs DLSU DCAT vs USTET: Decision Guide
The big college entrance tests are usually taken as a set. This post shows where the ACET fits and when to give it extra attention.
At a glance
| ACET | UPCAT | DLSU DCAT | USTET | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University | Ateneo de Manila | UP system | De La Salle University | UST |
| Areas tested | Math, English, general knowledge, abstract reasoning + essay | Language Proficiency, Science, Mathematics, Reading Comprehension (English and Filipino) | Not officially published | Mental Ability, English, Mathematics, Science |
| Fee | Not published on Ateneo's public pages | Free for Filipino citizens | Paid in Archers Hub; amount not public | ₱600 (local Filipino applicants) |
| How the school decides | Test + high-school record, extracurriculars, essay, recommendations | UPCAT scores + Grades 8–11 grades (UPG) | Not published | USTET result, part of which comes from your grades |
| Dates for AY 2027–28 | 19–20 Sep 2026 (Metro Manila), 26–27 Sep 2026 (provincial), some sites 3 and 10 Oct | Held 1–2 Aug 2026 | 5 Sep – 11 Dec 2026 (provincial, campus and online) | 18 Oct 2026, 6 Dec 2026, 24 Jan 2027 (UST Manila) |
None of these schools publishes programme cutoffs. Applicant and passer figures have been reported only for the UPCAT (2026: 147,437 examinees, 12.44% qualified) and the USTET (AY 2025–26: about 36,700 college applicants and 11,236 freshman passers, per UST's student paper).
What makes the ACET different
- A broader file. Ateneo weighs your high-school record, extracurriculars, personal essay and recommendation letters alongside the test.
- An essay segment inside the test itself, written under time pressure.
- General knowledge as a tested area — keep up with current events.
- No Filipino section and no science section in Ateneo's list of areas.
- No right-minus-wrong — Ateneo says wrong answers aren't penalised.
When to prioritise the ACET
- Ateneo has a strong programme in what you want to study
- You write well, or you're willing to put real time into the essay
- You have a record of activities and teachers who can write strong recommendations
- The cost works for your family, or you're applying for Ateneo's financial aid (the scholarship deadline for SY 2027–28 is 15 October 2026)
When to give it less weight
- The cost doesn't work and aid is uncertain
- Ateneo doesn't offer the programme or specialisation you want
- You're confident another school fits you better
Preparing for several tests at once
The overlap is large: every one of these tests draws on mathematics and English. Build that shared base first, then add what's specific:
- ACET: abstract reasoning, general knowledge and the essay
- UPCAT: Filipino language and reading, and science
- USTET: mental ability and science
- DCAT: by past takers' accounts, mental ability and science
Mind the calendar: UPCAT in August, ACET in September–October, DCAT from September to December, USTET from October to January.
Where Super Tutor fits
Super Tutor has reviewers for the ACET, UPCAT, DLSU's DCAT and USTET, all built on the same college-entrance chapters — each in 11 study formats with practice quizzes, an AI tutor and a study planner. Full mock exams are available for UPCAT only. Start free — 5-day trial, no card needed.
What to read next
The ACET pillar guide covers the prep. The UPCAT vs ACET vs DLSU DCAT vs USTET comparison looks at the same choice from the UPCAT side.
Start your ACET review free
Super Tutor's ACET reviewer has every chapter in 11 study formats, practice quizzes at three difficulty levels, an AI tutor for the questions you get stuck on, and a study planner. Start with a 5-day free trial, no card needed.
Related reading
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ACET Guide: Format, Dates, Admission and a 90-Day Plan
The ACET is Ateneo de Manila's college entrance test. Here's what it covers, the September–October 2026 test dates, what Ateneo looks at besides the test, and a 90-day prep plan.
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