It’s that time of the year when a young student’s fancy turns to thoughts of…exams. Accept it: tests are about as unavoidable as death and taxes.
While they all share a common purpose—namely to gauge your competence as a student—variations do exist between entrance exams. Some exams seem just plain unfinishable (cough*ACET*cough*), while others are a little more forgiving.
Last January 12 was a particularly important day for potential Thomasians, as the UST (University of Santo Tomas, not the University of Science and Technology) released the results of the institution’s latest entrance exam online. This article will help shed a little more light on that specific exam, commonly known as the UST Entrance Test (USTET).
USTET Basics
In a nutshell, the USTET is the Dominican institution’s written means of checking whether you’ve been paying attention in class for the past few years. It’s one of several criteria for entrance into the university, the others being your high school grades and an interview. The unofficial word these days, though, is that UST currently tends to look less on your high school grades as much as it did in days past.
The exam is held in testing centers in Manila, the provinces and even abroad. In the event that you’re living in Bahrain, Kuwait, Al-Khobar, Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you can still take the USTET in the designated testing centers there..
The big question that’s probably on people’s minds is, “Can I take the exam?” The answer is, “Why not?” Anyone who has intentions of studying at the university and who has gone through high school may take the test. Before you get all excited, however, be sure to send in the requirements first.
USTET Requirements
These are standard fare as far as most universities go. UST will ask you for the following: an original copy of your high school report card (otherwise known as Form 138), two certificates of good moral character (talk to your high school class adviser, guidance counselor and/or principal for these) and two pictures of size 2 x 2
If you’re a resident or immigrant alien in the Philippines, the school will also ask you for an original copy of your Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)—duly verified, of course. Non-resident alien types will need show their passport or student visa.
Unfortunately, lunches aren’t free in this world, and neither are entrance exams. UST charges a non-refundable five thousand peso reservation fee (payable via cash or via your little plastic card) for the privilege. The good news is that the school will deduct that amount from your tuition fee when you enroll—all the more reason for you to pass and get into the course of your choice.
Once you have submitted all these requirements, the institution will then give you an information brochure and your USTET permit. Don’t take the test without it!
A Final Note
If you’ve turned in all the requirements, then congratulations, you’re all set to take the next step toward college life. All you have to do now is to check the university’s official website for the schedule of exams and to make the necessary preparations.
Actually making it into the university (as well as staying in the university) is another story, but that’s best left for another article.
Related posts:
- The ACET and Ateneo Application Process
- Ateneo de Manila University: Acceptance Procedures for International Students
- The DLSUCET and DLSU Application Process
- UPCAT, DLSUCET, ACET & USTET Application
- What to Expect from the USTET
- Increasing your Chances of Passing the USTET
- USTET Schedule and Important Dates
- USTET Online Application / Registration
- USTET Tips
- USTET Coverage
- USTET Results and the Next Steps
- USTET Schedule and Important Dates 2010: SY 2011-2012
- USTET Review Guide
- USTET Application: Frequently Asked Questions
- USTET Reconsideration Process
Is it true that there would be any summer application for UST? :-/
@Kid,
I don’t know anything about a summer application. The USTET application for AY 2010-2011 ended on December 5 and the test was administered on December 6. Right now, the results are already out.
In any case, you should contact UST directly. Here’s their address and contact information as per the UST website:
hi. i am senior in highschool sa US. i might have to move back home and i want to apply.to ust. however the whole application process, requirements, and the test is very vague for me. i dont know anything. and ive been trying to access information from the ust website itself but i cant really apply for a ustet. and i dont know the deadline too. i would very much appreciate it if you email me back. thank you!
hi. i am senior in highschool sa US