25 September 2008

Thinking about my course


Remember how we used to imagine what we would like to be? Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions in our lives. After college graduation (once we have our dream job), your careers will act like a mirror and give you a piece of who you really are and what you are good at. This is also the reason why everybody tends to look at universities and other learning institutions as foundations before entering the "real world."

If you still have no idea what path to take, or if you have no idea what course to take before entering college, think AHEAD. These guidelines would help you figure out what you'd like to pursue:

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Who am I right now?
    Take time to recall your attitudes, achievements, and aspirations.

  • What do I enjoy doing? In what areas do I excel?
    Usually, we do things well because we love doing it. Remember the things you are passionate about, and the activities you did that gave you a lot of fulfillment.
  • Science or Arts?
    Be involved in social activities such as seminars, community programs, and other curricular activities that will help you develop your skills and flesh out your interests.

Have your goals set. List down what you want to achieve in life. Do you want to be a doctor? An astronaut? Aim high but remain realistic. Are you disciplined enough to take medicine? Do you have the concentration and will to keep in tiptop shape for space flights?

Engage yourself in career guidance seminars or workshops. Take time answering personality or career tests online with your friends.

Attitude determines your perspective in life. Own that positive attitude. If you wish to be involved in the health care industry, believe that you have what it takes to be a good nurse or doctor and act on it!


Dig up pieces of advice. Don't be afraid to seek advice from your parents, career counselors, and friends. Listen to their ideas and suggestions before making an informed decision.

13 September 2008

How to pass the ACET




Students aspiring to take off with the wings of an eagle will have to take the first bout before soaring with their college career.


The ACET Refresher Course does not only help the students remember the past lessons. More importantly, it motivates them to do better, gain confidence, and be prepared. This is what Tiffany Kintanar did when she took the ACET last year. She inspired the students to do more and remain positive during the ACET Refresher Course held at Quezon City Sports Complex last August 31. Samantha Fajardo, also an ACET Passer, gave her testimony before the students who attended the ACET Refresher Course in Alabang last August 10 and 17.


There really is no secret ingredient on how to pass the ACET. Just remember what we took up during the Refresher Course and do the best you can! So, free your mind from worries! Good luck to everyone who will take the ACET this weekend!


Here are the answers to the Ateneo Trivia!
1. b(1959)
2. a (Escuela Municipal de Manila)
3. b (Intramuros and Padre Faura, both in Manila)
4. a (A Song for Mary)
5. False (Ateneo is a founding member of NCAA)
6. b (1987, 1988, 2002)
7. a (Lux in domino)
8. b (wolves)
9. a (1930's)
10. c (Pres. Aquino was given an honorary doctorate by the university in 1986, but she never studied there)

Refreshments at the Refresher Course


Wondering who's that pretty lady in red on our brochures and flyers? That's Carmina Mangalindan -- an UPCAT and ACET Passer and Ahead College Entrance Test Review Student. She shared her experience about the UPCAT during the Refresher Course held in Quezon City Sports Complex last July 20. The program was packed with lessons, games, and some gentle but useful reminders. Do you know what to do the night before the exam? Don't cram! Students who attended the review class know these by heart. Let us share them to you:


1. Remember to bring your test permit, ID, pencils with erasers, pens, and small ruler with you. Don't forget your jacket, hand fan, analog wristwatch and of course, snacks and drinks. These will really help you during exams especially when you feel uncomfortable inside the testing rooms.

2. Prepare for calamities. No matter how bad the weather is, the UPCAT will go on!

3.Don't wear new clothes and shoes which you haven't "broken in".
4.Don't study anymore. Let your brain rest.

5. Get enough sleep. Eight hours is enough—nothing more, nothing less.

6. Don't eat new food to avoid allergy and indigestion.

7. Relax!

Students had a great time re-learning the lessons, meeting new and old friends, and of course, getting freebies from our sponsors! Thanks to Royal Tru-Orange, Quake Cake, Mentos Chewing Gum, Lucky Me! Supreme, Chippy, Dynamite candy, and Multivitamins Enervon – More Energy, Mas Happy!

Surely, the students didn't go home empty-handed!

What you should know about Ateneo


During Ahead's Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) Refresher in Alabang, students were given a chance to answer trivia about Ateneo de Manila University before they take the college exam scheduled on September 13 and 14. Everybody had a great time answering and guessing what lies beneath the well-known university.

Take the test and let's see how much you know! You have 30 seconds to answer the questions below. Oops, no cheating!

1. Next year, the Ateneo de Manila University will be celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary. What year then was the Ateneo founded?
a. 1860
b. 1863
c. 1859
d. 1849

2. What was Ateneo's original name?
a. Escuela Municipal de Manila
b. Escuela Municipal Manila
c. Ateneo Municipal de Manila


3. Name the two places where Ateneo established itself before coming to Loyola Heights.
a. Malate and Pedro Gil
b. Intramuros and Padre Faura
c. Intramuros and Malate

4. What is the title of Ateneo's alma mater song?
a. A Song for Mary
b. Song of Ruth
c. The Magnificat

5. TRUE or FALSE: Ateneo is an original founding member of the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP)

6. How many UAAP senior men's basketball championships has Ateneo won so far?
a. 4
b. 3
c. 2

7. What is the official motto of Ateneo?
a. Lux in domino
b.. ut res Magis valeat quam pereat
c. et admirabile sacramentum

8. What are the only animals that can be found depicted in the official seal of Ateneo?
a. Eagles
b. Wolves
c. Tigers

9. In what decade was the Blue Eagle adopted as the Ateneo mascot?
a. 1930's
b. 1940's
c. 1950's

10. Who among the following never studied in Ateneo?
a. Gary Lising (comedian)
b. Jose Maria Sison (founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines)
c. Corazon Aquino (former President of the Philippines)
d. Jose Miguel Arroyo (First Gentleman)
e. Gregorio del Pilar (hero of the Revolution and Philippine-American War)
f. Rico Blanco (former Rivermaya vocalist)

Answers will be posted in the next blog entry. Let's hope you get a passing score!


12 September 2008

Make Way for the UPCAT exam takers


One effective way of preparing for a college entrance exam is to go over past lessons a month or two before the actual exam. This will help exam takers become more relaxed and confident in answering any test.

Ahead's Refresher Courses for the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) were held in various venues around the metro.

In Alabang, the Refresher Course took place last July 6 at the Hall of St. James the Great Parish (What a beautiful church!). Everybody was excited to meet up with the new friends they made during the summer review class in Ahead Alabang.

The program started with the singing of our National Anthem (which everybody sang in good note) and an inspirational talk from Mrs. Cecile Cuna, Ahead Tutorial and Review Center Alabang franchise owner. Michael Kakulitan, an UPCAT passer and Ahead College Entrance Test Review student, shared his ups and downs during the UPCAT exam. Then, there were giving out of certificates and ice breakers to perk up the students in between lectures. The students made sure that they are up to the challenge.

The UPCAT was held last August 2 and 3 at different testing centers all over the country. Imagine over 70,000 students flocked to the designated centers just to take this five-hour test. Many are called, but few are chosen, so they say. On average, out of the thousands taking the UPCAT, only about 10% actual pass.

So, as early as now, we would like to commend everybody who took the exam. Taking the UPCAT is hard work. Pat yourselves on the back for getting through it. Congratulations!
For more pictures, check out our friendster account: review_ahead@yahoo.com

Exam! Exam! Exam!


August has passed and September is almost halfway through! For incoming college students, these are among the most dreaded months of their lives. Why? Because it's the season for entrance exams to the top universities of the country! But have no fear! Reviewing and taking the exams can be fun and exciting.

For those who attended Ahead's Refresher Courses, we can say that learning is fun! More than 1,000 students from different schools attended the UPCAT and ACET Refresher Courses. Besides brushing up on the lessons taken, the Do's and Dont's of taking exams were also shared to the students. Most importantly, the Refresher Courses were a great way of catching up with newfound friends from the review classes. Everyone had a spankin' good time re-learning the lessons through lectures, activities, and games!

For more pictures, check out our friendster account: review_ahead@yahoo.com