DLSU DCAT Guide: Dates, Format, Admission, 90-Day Plan

DLSU DCAT: The Complete Guide for Filipino Applicants

De La Salle University calls its entrance test the DLSU College Admission Test (DCAT). You'll still see the older name "DLSUCET" around — it's the same test. This guide covers the current application window and test dates, who can apply, what the test is reported to cover, and a 90-day prep plan.

AY 2027–28 dates: applications run 15 July – 30 September 2026 through DLSU's Archers Hub (provincial sites close earlier). Provincial testing runs 5 September – 24 October 2026. On-campus testing is on 8 November 2026 (DLSU Manila) and 6 December 2026 (DLSU Laguna). Online sittings, for local and international applicants, are on 27 November, 4 December and 11 December 2026, each with a mock test two days before. DLSU says results "will be communicated later". Check DLSU's first-year application page for your site's date.

1. Provincial test dates (AY 2027–28)

There's also an Animo Lane sitting on 11 October 2026 at DLSU Manila.

2. Who can apply

• Grade 12 students graduating at the end of AY 2026–27
• Earlier Grade 12 graduates who haven't taken any college course
• PEPT, ALS and NFEA&E passers
• Holders of SAT, AP, IB or A-Level results that meet DLSU's criteria

You list three programme choices, ranked. A test fee is paid inside Archers Hub; DLSU doesn't show the amount on its public pages.

3. What the DCAT covers

DLSU doesn't publish an official breakdown — no list of sections, item count or duration. Past takers consistently describe multiple-choice sections in:

1. English and reading comprehension
2. Mathematics
3. Science
4. Mental ability (abstract and logical reasoning)

Treat that as a reasonable scope rather than an official blueprint, and remember that the test is offered both onsite and online. Item counts and timings you see online are guesses.

4. How DLSU decides

DLSU doesn't publish admission rates, programme cutoffs or how it weighs the DCAT against your other records. Your three ranked choices matter: put your genuine first choice first, and make sure at least one choice is a programme you'd be happy with that's likely less in demand. See DCAT cutoffs and admission.

5. The 90-day prep plan

About three hours a day for 12 weeks before your sitting.

Weeks 1–2: Diagnose

A full timed practice set across English and reading, math, science and mental ability. Identify your two weakest areas. Many applicants find mental ability and trigonometry the least familiar.

Weeks 3–6: Targeted practice

• Mon/Wed/Fri (90 min): your weakest area
• Tue/Thu (90 min): your second-weakest area
• Saturday (3 hrs): mixed timed practice
• Sunday: rest

Weeks 7–10: Timed practice

Two full timed sets a week, with a review day after each. If you're taking an online sitting, practise on a screen as well as on paper, and do DLSU's mock test two days before.

Weeks 11–12: Taper

Cut hours by about half. Re-do items you got wrong. Rest before test day.

6. DCAT alongside UPCAT, ACET and USTET

Many applicants take several tests. Math and English carry across all of them. What differs:

Under RA 12006, private universities must waive entrance-test fees for natural-born Filipino applicants in the top 10% of their class whose families are below the poverty threshold — ask DLSU about it if you qualify.

7. If you're not admitted

• Keep parallel applications open — ACET, USTET, PUPCET and others run on their own calendars.
• Consider transferring later after building a strong first-year record elsewhere; check DLSU's transfer requirements.

Where Super Tutor fits

Super Tutor's DLSU DCAT reviewer (listed as DLSUCET in the app) is built on the same college-entrance chapters as our UPCAT reviewer — mathematics, science, language proficiency, abstract reasoning and general information — with every chapter in 11 study formats, practice quizzes at three difficulty levels, an AI tutor and a study planner. It doesn't include full DCAT mock exams.

Start free — 5-day trial, no card needed. After the trial, plans start from ₱249/month with auto-pay (cancel anytime) — or ₱1,999 for a full year, pay once.