The eyes of incoming college freshmen are focused on the UPCAT, and understandably so. There are, however, alternative tests they can take if their inclinations lie elsewhere. Certain U.P. Diliman colleges offer talent determination tests (henceforth known as TDTs) in conjunction with non-UPCAT pen-and-paper tests for such students.
Unlike the UPCAT, the TDT is basically a practical application exam. Depending on the college that the student applies to, proctors will ask applicants to showcase their talent (hence its name) by doing things like drawing, playing musical instruments and the like.
The interesting thing about this option is that it presents students with a choice. The first option involves taking the UPCAT, passing it and then taking the TDT at the appropriate college to earn a bachelor’s course as normal. The second option involves bypassing the UPCAT (or flunking it) and going straight for the TDT and a certificate or diploma course of choice.
In case you’re wondering, the diploma course differs from the certificate course by about one year’s time. The latter consists of “pure” specialty (E.g. all music, all art, etc.) program courses, while the former includes general education courses.
The beauty of the option is that it allows you to benefit from U.P.’s ladder system. Basically, the ladder system allows you to go from certificate course to diploma course to bachelor course and graduation as if you had passed the UPCAT in the first place. It’s a great way to express and develop your skills and take a roundabout route to a bachelor’s course at the same time.
U.P. Diliman usually holds its TDTs in early April; applications formally start sometime in January. While each college offers a TDT, the little details behind their respective application procedures are somewhat different. If you’re interested in a specific program, call the U.P. trunkline at 981-8500, press 0 to talk to the operator and ask to be connected to appropriate college.
Read More:
♦ UP Certificate in Fine Arts Program
♦ UP Sertipiko sa Malikhaing Pagsulat sa Filipino
♦ UP Certificate in Theater Arts Program
♦ UP Certificate in Sports Studies
♦ UP Certificate in Music Program
Sources:
Ms. Connie Rongavilla of the U.P. Diliman College of Music
Ms. Dory of the U.P. Diliman College of Music
Ms. Marisse of the U.P. Diliman College of Fine Arts
Related posts:
- Driving to UP Diliman for the UPCAT
- UP Certificate in Fine Arts Program Admission Basics
- UPCAT Alternatives
- UP Certificate in Theater Arts Program Admission Basics
- UP Certificate in Sports Studies Admission Basics
- UPCAT Mock Test: Physics
- The UP TDT: Certificate in Music Program
- UPCAT Sample Test: Basic Math
- UP Survival Guide: Diliman Campus Dorms
- UPCAT Tips: A Test Day Survival Guide
- Transferring to UP Diliman Campus
- UPCAT Help: Resources for UPCAT Test Takers
- UPCAT Day Tips for UP Diliman Test Takers
- Taking a Jeepney to UP Diliman
- UP Integrated School Kindergarten Admission Test (UPKAT) for AY 2012-2013
Is it possible to take the talent test even without choosing the course with talent test?
I’m taking the UPCAT next week. My first choice is Film and the other is English Studies. I was wondering, can you only take the TDT if you chose a course that needs it? Or can I take it after the UPCAT?