Have you ever felt as if life was just one big test?  Whether you’re a student or a member of the workforce (or both) any vocation comes with certain requirements that need to be met in order to get to the so-called “next level”

Being admitted to a Science High School is no different.  One of these major requirements involves the taking and passing of admission exams.  Fortunately, you don’t have to remain in the dark about them.  This article will help shed a little light on the entrance tests for some of the science high schools available in the country.

The Admission Exams:  Then and Now

The exam to pass for Philippine Science (PSHS) is known as the National Competitive Examination (NCE).  It’s aptly named—you’ll be competing with around seventeen thousand other students for a highly-coveted slot in the school.

Prior to 2008, the NCE consisted of a two-step process.  The first phase involved a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) while the second phase involved a Science Math Aptitude Test (SMAT).

PSHS has recently streamlined the testing process, though.  As of 2008, the NCE now consists of one and only one exam:  the SAT.  This exam measures four different areas of academic competency:  Verbal Aptitude, Quantitative Ability, Abstract Reasoning and Scientific Ability.  To learn about the application schedule of Philippine Science Highschool, click here.

On the other hand, Manila Science (MaSci) and Quezon City Science (QueSci) both feature exams designed along the same lines.  Their aptitude or achievement tests contain sections in English, Mathematics and Science.  To know the application schedule for Manila Science Highschool and Quezon City Science Highschool, click on the links provided.

The passing grade for the latter stands at seventy-five percent, and that’s only for the first screening.  Student hopefuls must be among the top two hundred fifty examinees in the second screening, and must also pass the interview portion in order to quality.

Beating the Odds

The Science High School entrance exams may seem intimidating at first glance, but just like any entrance exam, there are ways of evening the odds in your favor.  Allow me to share some tips with you based on my own experience with them.

If you’ve been paying attention to your grade school classes in Science, Math and English up to this point, then you have a really good chance of doing well.  It’s even better if your grade school has let you take an SAT at some point, as the science high school exams are similar in construction.

If you think you need to sign up for review classes or courses, then by all means, do so.  There’s no harm in asking for help if you really need it.  Having “mock exams” can be a big confidence booster.  Just make sure not study on the day before the exam—cramming won’t help you at all.

The other preparations mostly involve common sense.  If you believe in God, make it a point to pray and ask for His help.  Sleep early the night before the big day.  Eat a good breakfast on the morning of the exam.  You’ll be given a break in the middle of the testing session, so pack some healthy snacks and water to feed your mind.

Be sure to bring some sharpened pencils, a sharpener and an eraser.  The examiners will likely provide you with writing instruments, but it helps to have some of your own.  More importantly, keep your exam permit where you can easily find it.  Not having it on hand will get you into trouble.

Plan your travel time so that to arrive at the test venue some thirty minutes before the exam.  That will help you relax and psyche yourself up for it.  During my time, the volume of traffic was terrible.  Learn from my mistake and leave your house early enough.

Proper Perspective

In closing, I leave you with a bit of perspective:  this will be good training for your college entrance exams and for your college days as well.  Graduates of these science high schools all agree that their time in Pisay, MaSci or QueSci served them well when they got to the universities.  It may be difficult now, but it will all pay off someday.

Now go out there and knock those exams dead!

Suggested Reading:

1.  Science High School Entrance Exam: Abstract Reasoning Portion Tips and Coverage
2.  Science High School Entrance Exam: English Portion Tips and Coverage
3.  Science High School Entrance Exam: Science Portion Tips and Coverage
4.  Science High School Entrance Exam: Math Portion Tips and Coverage
5.  Increasing Your Chances of Passing the Philippine Science High School Entrance Test
6.  The Science of Applying for a Spot in a Science High School
7.  Philippine Science High Schools’ Culture and Campus Life
8.  What to Expect When Studying in a Science High School
9.  Financing Your Studies in Philippine Science High Schools
10. The Advantages of Studying in a Science High School

Related posts:

1. The Science of Applying for a Spot in a Science High School
2. Philippine Science, Manila Science and Quezon City Science Highschool Admissions
3. Phisci, Masci, Quesci Basics and Background
4. Increasing Your Chances of Passing the Philippine Science High School Entrance Test
5. Philippine Science High School Entrance Exam Schedule
6. Manila Science High School Entrance Exam Schedule
7. Quezon City Science High School Entrance Exam Schedule
8. Science High School Entrance Exam: Math Portion Tips and Coverage
9. Makati Science High School Application Schedule
10. MaSci and QueSci Interview Tips
11. Philippine Science High Schools’ Screening Process (PhiSci, Masci & Quesci)
12. UP Certificate in Sports Studies Admission Basics
13. UP Certificate in Theater Arts Program Admission Basics
14. UP Sertipiko sa Malikhaing Pagsulat sa Filipino Admission Basics
15. UP Certificate in Fine Arts Program Admission Basics