Tnx. I'm soo nervous BUT excited!! Oh! don't know what Im feeling now!! Woooo! Hey!! Your tips help a lot!!

by mrPCDAVID on Twitter

DLSUCET 2010 (AY 2011-2012) Application Ongoing

Newsflash everybody! The De La Salle University College Entrance Test (DLSUCET) application is now ongoing. The DLSUCET application period officially started on June 1, 2010. The application period will end on August 31, 2010. If you don’t want to miss your chance of taking the DLSUCET and studying in DLSU come June 2011, apply now!

Important notes:

The testing dates for DLSUCET (for MM test takers) is scheduled on October 10, 17 and 24, 2010.  For provincial test takers, there will be DLSUCET exams on August 28 (Legaspi and Iloilo), September 4 (Davao and Dagupan),  September 11 (Cebu and Angeles), September 18 (Bacolod and Puerto Princesa), and September 25 (Cagayan de Oro and Santiago).

Provincial applicants should therefore process their DLSUCET applications as fast as possible to get a slot for the provincial test schedules.

DLSU Freshman Application Ongoing

The application period for De La Salle University incoming freshmen (1st trimester of A.Y. 2010-2011 only) is ongoing and will end on September 30,2009.  De La Salle University College Entrance Tests (DLSUCET) will be held at DLSU-Manila on the following dates:

  • October 4, 2009
  • October  11, 2009
  • October 18, 2009

If you are planning to take the DLSUCET at Aquinas University in Legaspi City, your completely filled-out application has to be in before September 26, 2009, the set DLSUCET testing day at that venue.

The following are some other important dates to remember (taken from the DLSU website):

DLSU deadline

DLSU deadlines

Increasing your Chances of Passing the DLSUCET

Thinking of Enlisting as an Archer?  Going for the Green and White?  Good for you.  You’ll need to nail that DLSUCET first, though.  The entrance exam can be manageable, or it can be difficult, depending on how you go about preparing for it.

If you’re dead set on making your mark in DLSU, then by all means, read on.

Complacency is Deadly

The first thing order of business is to forget what you’ve heard about the DLSUCET being the easier than the UPCAT and the ACET.  Regardless of whether this is actually true or not is irrelevant; your job is to clear your mind of preconceived notions and to focus on doing well.

There are actually two good reasons for doing this.  First, just because some people have found the DLSUCET to be easier doesn’t mean that you will.  Truth be told, others have thought that La Salle’s exam was harder than the UPCAT or the ACET.  There’s only one real way to find out, and you’ll need to prepare beforehand.

Second, overconfidence puts you in a prime position for failure.  There’s always the danger that if you think it’s too easy, you’ll grow complacent in your preparations and in the way you take the test.  Be prepared, be confident, but be on your guard all the same.

Sharpening Your Axe

Preparations for the DLSUCET actually share a lot of things in common with preparations for other entrance exams.  For example, if you really wish to be ready for it, the best time to start reviewing for it would be during your freshman year in high school.  It makes sense, considering that one of the university’s application requirements is your Transcript of Records.

You may find this piece of advice strange, but I’ll mention it anyway:  take other entrance exams before you take the DLSUCET.  Yes, you heard me right.  “Practicing” with other entrance tests can do wonders for your self-esteem.  Passing them gives you a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of competence, too.

As an exercise in applying “The Secret,” repeat the following words to yourself everyday while you gaze in the mirror:  “I will pass the DLSUCET with flying colors.”  You may find it hard to believe at first, but persevere.  You’ll not only end up believing it; you’ll actually make it happen.

The Day before the Big Day

Take the time to get your stuff in order on the day before the exam.  Make sure your exam permit (Don’t leave home without it!) and your school identification are within easy reach.  Prepare your pen, pencil, sharpener and eraser, as you cannot pass what you cannot write on.

You may also wish to bring a jacket, a sweater, or something that can keep you warm.  There’s always a chance that you’ll get assigned to some uber cool room.  Believe me, freezing during an exam does not improve your chances of passing it one bit.

Finally, remember to pack some brain food (fruits, veggies, nuts, tuna etc.) and water for refueling purposes, as well as some medicine and tissue.  Now this is not to suggest that the DLSUCET will make you sick, but you’ll never know…

The Big Day

Get a good night’s sleep before the big day so that your mental powers will function at their peak.  Fill your gasoline tank (read: your stomach) with fuel in the morning so that your brain can think properly.  Offer your daily libation (i.e. visit the comfy room) before hand.  Most importantly, pray before the exam.  Divine guidance is a must!

Leave early enough so that you can get there at least thirty minutes before the exam, then take the time to relax and clear your mind.  Do some yoga or meditation to calm yourself down and to give yourself that feeling of empowerment.

After The Exam

Consummatum est.  You’ve done your best.  Now pray, relax, and chill out.

I’ll leave you with this bit of encouragement:  it is said that De La Salle University actually has more slots for enrollees than other schools (mainly Ateneo and UP), so there’s a pretty good default chance that you’ll make it.  If you’ve done your best, believe that you will, and the universe will move according to your beliefs.

Why Study in DLSU?

De La Salle University isn’t just about archery, you know.  Each university is unique, and DLSU has identifying features and facilities all its own.  If you’re wondering what the university has to offer you, then a gander at the following.

Among the Crème de la Crème

In past articles, I noted how several Philippine universities made the prestigious Times Higher Education Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings in 2008.  It just so happens that DLSU is right in there along with other heavy hitters like UP, UST and Ateneo.

Since no one really becomes successful on their own, DLSU has seen it fit to take part in a consortium of agreements with other well-known schools.  These universities include Adamson University, the University of the Philippines and even arch-rival Ateneo de Manila.  Basically, all these learning institutions work together, share knowledge and facilitate exchange programs.

From Whence It Came

De La Salle University’s history also goes way back to 1911.  The institution stands about among the top Catholic universities in the country in the sense that it was established by foreign lay religious instead of foreign priests.  The brothers under St. Baptist de La Salle helped make the institution that bears his name what it is today.

Despite having gone through some tough times (including a massacre of nearly all the resident Christian brothers during World War 2), the survivors managed to pick up the pieces and move on.  This resulted in the expansion of many academic programs and the establishment of the university’s notable trimester system.

Facilities

If you’re looking for more multimedia-based learning experience, then DLSU has it in abundance.  Its famous e-classroom throws in dual screen projectors, video, audio and even an interactive distance learning system named ROBOTEL.

The institution is also recognized as the very first Philippine university to have received a full internet connection way back in the early 1990s.  It’s an invaluable asset, which has led to the University Library’s tie-ups with other esteemed university libraries.

If it’s one other thing that DLSU has plenty of, it’s laboratories.  In fact, each and every college on campus –from the College of Computer Studies to the College of Engineering – has its own native lab.  Students of any course may perform experiments to their hearts content without having to borrow another college’s lab

Helping the Atheletes, the Connoisseurs and the Handicapped

Looking for a place for physical training or a place where you can vent off some steam?  Look no further than the Enrique M. Razon Sports Center.  The center’s highlights include multi-level parking, volleyball and basketball courts and a swimming pool fit for Olympians.

In keeping with the La Sallian brothers’ principles, the university has also installed physically-handicapped-friendly facilities.  These come in the form of ramps, elevators and special toilet cubicles.

Finally, if you’re an aesthete, you owe it to yourself to visit the University Museum.  Bask in the glory of unabashed expression (Works from such famous artists as Fernando Amorsolo and Vicente Manansala are on display.).  Alternatively, you may also take a closer look at the Brother Andrew Gonzales Hall and appreciate its progenitor’s modern take on neoclassical architecture.

A Final Word

If you’re tired of the traditional semester system that other schools have to offer, DLSU’s tried and true trimesters may be just the change of pace you need.  That means you’ll have to pass the DLSUCET first, but we’ll take a closer look at that in another article.

DLSUCET Schedule and Important Dates

If it’s one thing you learn when you’re saddled with responsibilities, it’s the ability to get organized.  For students, this can start way before they even begin their college education—during their college application days, that is.

Fortunately, learning institutions have prepared schedules to help applicants along.  Let’s take a look at how De La Salle University (DLSU) has things drawn out with respect to the DLSUCET application process.

The DLSUCET Application Period

July 1, 2009 – September 30, 2009:  for incoming freshmen, school year 2010 – 2011

July 1, 2009 – August 15, 2009:  for transferees, freshmen and second undergraduate degree students entering their second semester for 2009

November 3, 2009 – December 2, 2009:  for transferees, freshmen and second undergraduate degree students entering their third semester for 2009

March 1 – April 16, 2010:  for transferees and second undergraduate degree students entering their first trimester for school year 2010

July 2009 is the definitely the month for college applications.  DLSU started the ball rolling on the first day of the month, and the cut-off dates are different depending on whether you’re applying for the second or third trimester of 2009 or the first trimester of 2010.  Being a transferee or a student going for a second undergraduate degree also changes things.

Another curious thing about the process is the fact that if you downloaded the application form via DLSU’s official website, you only have until September 28, 2009 to send in all the requirements.  Group or school applications end even earlier (September 25, 2009), while applications for financial assistance end the earliest (September 24, 2009).

If you think you’ll need those two extra days, it may be better to visit the Admissions Office in person.  Just go to Brother Andrew Gonzalez Hall in the DLSU campus, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila. Be sure to drop by during office hours on weekdays (8:00 am – 12 noon and 1:30 pm – 5 pm) or on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12 noon.

DLSUCET Testing Dates

October 4, 11, and 18, 2009:  for incoming freshmen, school year 2010-2011

August 5 and 19, 2009:  for transferees, freshmen and second undergraduate degree students entering their second semester for 2009

November 11 and December 3, 2009:  for transferees, freshmen and second undergraduate degree students entering their third semester for 2009

April 21, 2010:  for transferees and second undergraduate degree students entering their first semester for school year 2010

As is the case with the application period above, the DLSU system makes for different schedules based on the person’s status, the trimester the student is applying for, the year the student is applying for and the testing center venue in question.

Potential students from the province need not feel left out—they may take the DLSUCET at selected testing centers.  For more information on these, kindly refer to this site.

Releasing of Results

If July is the applications month for DLSU, then January is results month.  The university will disseminate the official results of the last DLSUCET during this time, so keep your eyes and ears peeled.

Again, there’s no exact date as of the time of this article’s writing, (my contact at the College Admissions Office estimates the time at around mid-January of 2010) so feel free to check with them for updates.  You may get in touch with them at 523-4230 or 524-4611 to 19, locals 166 or167. Alternatively, you may e-mail them at [email protected].

The DLSUCET and DLSU Application Process

Ask any aspiring college student which university they’d like to attend and chances are high that De La Salle University (DLSU) is on their list.  As one who’s benefited from a hybrid education, I can understand why DLSU would be a prime candidate.

While DLSU is fair game for anyone who’s interested in studying there, the first thing that they have to do is to pass the university’s college entrance test-the DLSUCET (De La Salle University College Entrance Test).  Before we get into that, do know that the institution needs applicants to turn in several things first.

The Paperwork before the Paperwork

If you want to get a green signal for the DLSUCET, your first order of business is to fill out the DLSUCET application form.  You can get this form from either the DLSU official website or the university Admissions Office.  Upon completion of the form, the school will hand you your brochure.

There’s no reaping without sowing-so be sure to prepare the application fee beforehand.  DLSU will charge six hundred pesos (if you’re a Filipino citizen) or fifty US dollars (if you’re a foreign student).  This will cover everything from the application form to the actual processing of your exam.

The Devil is in the Details

Besides that, DLSU also requires a certified true copy of your secondary school records, a photocopy of your birth certificate and a couple of recommendation letters.

Please note that the school records I mentioned above should cover the period from your freshman high school year to your junior year.  Just ask your school registrar fro assistance with this particular DLSUCET requirement.

Regarding your recommendation letters, feel free to ask any of the following people to write them for you:  your high school guidance counselor, your class adviser or your high school principal.

Finally, the university also needs three identical pictures of your mug-size 2 x 2, to be precise.

Special Cases:  Transferees

Transfer students and international students have a little extra work to do when it comes to applying at DLSU.  Let’s take a look at each of them in turn.

DLSU Admissions will ask transferees for their Transcript of Records and a list of courses that they’ve already taken.  DLSU tends to frown on the following:  failing grades, incomplete grades or grade point averages (GPAs) that fall below the 85% mark or its equivalent.  Better make sure that your record is free of these eyesores.

Sound strict to you?  It is.  The good news is that DLSU may credit units from the applicants’ completed courses.  The catch is that the credited units can go no higher than twenty percent of the total unit number in the applicants’ course of choice.

Special Cases:  International Students

International applicants, on the other hand, will need to turn in both their high school records and their passports.  A photocopy of the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) may serve as an alternative to the birth certificate I mentioned previously.

It doesn’t end there, however.  Even if you pass the DLSUCET as an international student, you’ll still need to go for an interview with the coordinator of the school’s International and Graduate Student Services (IGSS).  All you have to do is to secure your clearance from him or her and then proceed as usual.

The Early Bird Special

As with most other things, being early has its advantages.  The scheduled date for your chance at the DLSUCET will ultimately depend on how soon you can turn in the paperwork, so be sure to get those documents in ASAP!

If you’ve already done so, just be patient and wait.  The school will inform you when it’s your turn to face the music (read:  tackle the DLSUCET), so until then, use your time constructively.