DLSU DCAT vs ACET: La Salle vs Ateneo
DLSU DCAT vs ACET: La Salle vs Ateneo
De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila are two of the best-known private universities in the Philippines, and many applicants take both tests. Here's how they compare.
The tests at a glance
| DLSU DCAT | ACET | |
|---|---|---|
| Official name | DLSU College Admission Test | Ateneo College Entrance Test |
| What's tested | Not officially published; past takers report English and reading, math, science and mental ability | Math, English, general knowledge, abstract reasoning, plus an essay |
| Mode | Onsite (provincial and on-campus) and online sittings | Paper-based, at testing centres |
| Dates for AY 2027–28 | 5 Sep – 11 Dec 2026 | 19–20 Sep 2026 (Metro Manila), 26–27 Sep 2026 (provincial), some sites 3 and 10 Oct |
| Fee | Paid in Archers Hub; amount not public | Not published on Ateneo's public pages |
| How the school decides | Not published; applicants rank three programme choices | Test plus high-school record, extracurriculars, personal essay and recommendation letters |
Neither school publishes admission rates or cutoffs.
How the preparation differs
The shared core — math and English — carries across both. On top of that:
- DCAT: science and mental-ability practice (series, analogies, figure patterns, syllogisms).
- ACET: general knowledge (current events, Philippine history and government), abstract reasoning, and essay writing — both the timed essay and your personal essay.
Choosing between the universities
Start from the programme, not the name:
- Compare the actual programme you want at each school — curriculum, facilities, internships.
- Compare the full cost, including living expenses and commute. DLSU's main campus is on Taft Avenue in Manila; Ateneo's Loyola Schools are in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
- Compare financial aid. Both offer scholarships; applications are separate from the tests. Ateneo's scholarship deadline for SY 2027–28 is 15 October 2026 — check DLSU's own scholarship calendar.
- Visit if you can. Campus culture and daily life matter over four years.
Where Super Tutor fits
Super Tutor has reviewers for both — DLSU's DCAT (listed as DLSUCET in the app) and the ACET — built on the same college-entrance chapters, each in 11 study formats with practice quizzes, an AI tutor and a study planner. Neither includes full mock exams. Start free — 5-day trial, no card needed.
What to read next
The DLSU DCAT pillar guide and the ACET pillar guide cover each test in depth.
Start your DLSU DCAT review free
Super Tutor's DLSU DCAT 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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DLSU DCAT Guide: Dates, Format, Admission, 90-Day Plan
The DCAT (DLSU College Admission Test, once called the DLSUCET) is De La Salle University's entrance test. Here are the AY 2027–28 dates, eligibility, what the test covers and a 90-day plan.
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