Last year, 147,347 braved the University of the Philippines College Admissions Test (UPCAT). Out of that, only 18,350 passed, yielding a 12.44% passing rate. For this year, approximately 153,000—a rough 3.5% increase compared to last year—are expected to take the UPCAT, and amidst the budget cuts, more slots are going to get slashed. Since this is a highly competitive exam, one is expected to compare—against one’s classmates, batchmates, or even random people who’ve posted their mock test scores online.

Mock exams. A way to make or break a person.

When my final mock exam results were revealed, I was glad with my result—47th in a field of approximately 500. Then it became lower, 112th. 250th. 379th. 387th. Then, the final ranking came—lower than 500th. I calculated my percentile rank—86th. I guessed that I needed a percentile rank of beyond 90th—and I simply accepted the fact that I wasn’t going to pass that, so I gave up. I gave UP up.

However it may be, mock exams do not define a taker’s result.

If there’s one thing I would say to future takers, it’s this: do not imitate me. Practice tests, mock exams, and constant comparison to your fellow test-takers will not go well for you. You cannot predict your performance in the exam proper. The performance of others will not dictate you, as you dictate your own performance and results. You have time to improve and review, so let the proctors and the scantron scanner compare your score to your classmates.

Now that the UPCAT has concluded, thousands of students are dreaming for UP. It's sad to say, but not everyone will get in. However, dream that you’ll get into that 12.44%, and don't think that the majority will push you against the tide of that ranking. Mock tests do not make or break your admission—the exam itself does.

Comparison will only eat you alive. It does not reflect being “realistic.” Comparison will steal your dream, and you have to dream far and beyond for that dream university to be closer than ever.

The Frontman