Senior High · Philippines
Best SHS strand or track for the UPCAT
Students ask which strand gives the best shot at UP. UP's UPCAT eligibility rules don't require a particular strand or track. What goes into your University Predicted Grade is your UPCAT score and your grades from Grades 8 to 11 — UP doesn't publish the weighting. So the honest answer is: take the track that fits the degree you want, keep your grades steady, and prepare for all four subtests.
Where it can lead
- Grade 10 students choosing a track
- Grade 11 students planning their UPCAT application
- Parents deciding with their child
Entrance tests to plan for
UPCAT has four subtests: Language Proficiency and Reading Comprehension (both in English and Filipino), Mathematics and Science. Test administration takes about five hours, and UP allows one UPCAT per person. Check each degree program's own requirements too.
The SHS curriculum has changed
From School Year 2026–2027, students entering Grade 11 follow DepEd's Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum: two tracks — Academic and Technical-Professional (TechPro) — with elective clusters in place of the old STEM, ABM, HUMSS and GAS strands. Students already in Grade 12 finish under the strand system. Schools only offer the tracks and electives they have teachers for, so check with yours.
Source: DepEd Memorandum No. 012, s. 2026.
The exams that come next
Prepare for your entrance tests
Super Tutor doesn't teach your SHS subjects — it helps with what comes next. Each college entrance test is its own course (UPCAT, ACET, DLSU's DCAT, USTET, PUPCET and more) with chapter reviewers, practice quizzes and an AI tutor; UPCAT also has full mock exams. Start free with a 5-day trial, no card.
Questions
What can the Best SHS Strand or Track for UPCAT lead to in college?
Grade 10 students choosing a track; Grade 11 students planning their UPCAT application; Parents deciding with their child.
Which entrance tests should I plan for?
UPCAT has four subtests: Language Proficiency and Reading Comprehension (both in English and Filipino), Mathematics and Science. Test administration takes about five hours, and UP allows one UPCAT per person. Check each degree program's own requirements too. Tests to look at: UPCAT.
Are SHS strands still offered?
From School Year 2026–2027, students entering Grade 11 follow DepEd's Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum: two tracks — Academic and Technical-Professional (TechPro) — with elective clusters in place of the old STEM, ABM, HUMSS and GAS strands. Students already in Grade 12 finish under the strand system. Schools only offer the tracks and electives they have teachers for, so check with yours. (DepEd Memorandum No. 012, s. 2026)
Does Super Tutor have SHS or strand courses?
No. Super Tutor reviews for college entrance, civil service and PRC board exams — not SHS subjects.
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