Tips on taking entrance exams
Young Star
(Phil. Star May
19, 2000, Friday)
Prestigious colleges and universities require applicants to
take admission tests. This is done so that only those
with the ability to meet the institution’s academic standards
are admitted, thus maximizing the institution’s limited resources.
Passing the admission test is the beginning of one’s pursuit of a lifetime career. It paves the way for earning a college degree that will in turn lead to the practice of a profession.
Given the option, parents would prefer sending their children to a prestigious school or one with a reputation for high academic standards.
There is no substitute for being well prepared for the entrance exams. A good review course, the guidance of trained tutors, appropriate review materials will surely enhance one’s chances of making the cut-off grade.
AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center which helps young people improve academic performance, gain admission to the educational institution of their choice, offers tips in taking college entrance exams.
- Before going to the exam venue, check if you have everything you need for the exam.
- Be at the venue at least 30 minutes before the exam. This will allow you to relax so that you don’t feel tense and anxious.
- Just before the exam starts, go to the comfort room so that you need not go while the exam is in progress.
- Make yourself comfortable during the test—sit properly and relax.
- Read and follow instructions carefully. Listen to the proctor well as he gives instructions.
- Budget your time. Be conscious of the time limit but avoid getting too preoccupied with.
- If you skip an item, be sure to make a small mark beside the number so that it would be easy to find when you have time to get back to it.
- Some exams are “right minus wrong.” This means a percentage of the number of mistakes you make is deducted from the number of correct answers you make. Do not let this type of test intimidate you. If you don’t know the answer to a question, make an educated guess.
- The test materials are not perfect. Do not waste your time asking the proctors about the items you cannot understand or thing have no answer or have typographical errors.
- Use your breaks wisely. Relax.
- Do not talk to your seatmates or even look at their papers. Do not cheat.
- Do not leave the room until you are finished and until the time is up, even if you are the only one left in the room.
Owned and managed by Rossana Ladaga Llenado, a graduate of UP Los Baños, AHEAD draws upon a large pool of talented tutors and instructors who passed a rigorous screening process.
AHEAD has branches in Katipunan, Abada, Kapitolyo, Greenhills, Los Baños, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao. For inquiries, call 426-0034 to 36.
