Senior High · Philippines
STEM — from strand to elective cluster
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) was the SHS strand for students heading to engineering, the sciences, health and IT. Under the Strengthened SHS Curriculum, STEM is now an elective cluster in the Academic track. Either way, expect a heavy load of math and science — and entrance tests that lean on both.
Where it can lead
- Engineering degrees (later: the Civil or Geodetic Engineer licensure exams, among others)
- Nursing and other health degrees (later: the Nurse Licensure Exam)
- Science, math and IT degrees
- The DOST-SEI undergraduate scholarship
Entrance tests to plan for
UPCAT has Science and Mathematics subtests alongside Language Proficiency and Reading Comprehension, and the DOST-SEI scholarship exam has timed Science and Mathematics parts. A strong STEM background helps, but every subtest counts.
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 STEM Strand and the STEM Elective Cluster lead to in college?
Engineering degrees (later: the Civil or Geodetic Engineer licensure exams, among others); Nursing and other health degrees (later: the Nurse Licensure Exam); Science, math and IT degrees; The DOST-SEI undergraduate scholarship.
Which entrance tests should I plan for?
UPCAT has Science and Mathematics subtests alongside Language Proficiency and Reading Comprehension, and the DOST-SEI scholarship exam has timed Science and Mathematics parts. A strong STEM background helps, but every subtest counts. Tests to look at: UPCAT, DOST-SEI, DLSU (DCAT), USTET.
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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