Never Give Up!

You worked hard all year long, studying for the entrance exams of the college of your dreams. Unfortunately, you end up not passing. This experience could definitely be crushing, especially for a teenager full of hopes and dreams. But in the face of a seemingly insurmountable challenge, here’s what I always say: Don’t give up! Or better yet, never give up!
If you really want to go to a particular college, especially in one of the country’s top three universities, there are still ways for you to get there.

For example, did you know that letters of appeal are considered by the Ateneo de Manila, University of the Philippines, and De La Salle University? Some students are fortunate enough to pass in all three schools. These students can only study in one college, freeing up slots for those who may be next in line.

You may also ask for a revalidating exam at De La Salle University. This will give you another opportunity to take the DLSUCET.

Another option: Try the provincial campus of your preferred college. The University of the Philippines, for example, has a campus in Los Banos and Baguio.

If you are a gifted athlete, you can get into the University of the Philippines through its Varsity Athletic Admission System. Given by the College of Human Kinetics of UP Diliman, the slots are given to deserving athletes after a round of rigorous tryouts. It’s good to note that the courses available through VAAS courses are not only limited to Sports Sciences. VAAS students may enroll in Landscape Architecture, Geodetic Engineering, and others through the VAAS. Plus, there are many athletic scholarships available for deserving and devoted athletes.

If you tried all these and you still weren’t able to get into these top three universities, there is still hope. Enroll yourself into a good university and work very hard to get very good grades during your freshman year. On your second year, apply for a transfer to the college of your dreams.

At UP, you may apply for transfer if you have taken at least 33 academic units with a general weighted average of 2.00 or better. You would have to take at least 50 percent of the units required of your course at the UP. Because your application will be based on your general weighted average compared to other applicants, you should really wow them with your stellar grades. Keep in mind that there is still a quota set by the Dean of College.

At DLSU, you may apply for transfer if your Grade Point Average (GPA) is at least 85% or its equivalent, if you did not fail any subject, if you have no incomplete grades, and if you have no unofficial dropped subjects.

At Ateneo, you may apply for transfer if you took the full load required per semester and if you finished a full school year at your current university. You would also have to fill up an application form and take the ACET for College Transfer Applicants.

Not passing the college entrance exam need not be the end of your dreams. The key is to move forward. Explore all avenues available to you. It’s not going to be easy, but don’t give up. You’ll never win if you stop trying!