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Exam Systems

UPCAT

Abbreviation: UPCAT

University of the Philippines College Admission Test — entrance exam for UP campuses.

UPCAT (UP College Admission Test) is the entrance examination for the University of the Philippines system. UP is the country's national university and most prestigious public institution.

Exam structure:

  • Multiple choice + essay
  • Subjects: Language Proficiency, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Science
  • Roughly 4-5 hours

UPG (University Predicted Grade) combines UPCAT score (60%) + high school weighted average (40%).

What it means for you:

  • Most competitive PHL undergraduate admission
  • Top campuses (Diliman, Manila, Los Baños) have higher cutoffs
  • Programmes within campuses have different cutoffs
  • Application typically May-September of grade 12
  • Test typically October
  • Results typically February-March
  • Free admission test + free education for qualifiers

See also