Agham

by Marvin Diegor (Student Contributor)

Another day, another class; and the subject for today: Science. It is defined as the study-of-the-physical-and-natural-world-and-phenomena- especially-by-using-systematic-observation-and-experiment! Well, that’s a mouthful isn’t it?

To be honest, I’m not very good at it. But for today, we were tasked to answer General Science, Biology, Chemistry and (heartbeat sound effects) Physics. I was lucky enough to correctly answer at least 7 questions out of 20 per topic! Phew, it was so hard.

Right then and there, I thought: would this be my situation when I’m sitting in the once-a-year UPCAT? Or maybe, the Ateneo College Entrance Exam or that of De La Salle University? Would my minimal knowledge in Science be a hindrance to achieving my dreams? I shuddered at the thought. Well, that won’t happen… I hope. AND I trust my lecturers at Ahead to teach the right things to me.

Just recently, I actually had fun learning about Science thingamajigs. We were grouped into fives and I was lucky enough to have knowledgeable group mates. But even with their knowledge, we still didn’t win. It was a close fight though. The winning team was only 2 points ahead of us. Anyways, I realized that I didn’t have to know everything, only the important things that I need to get through life. Most professionals didn’t need to know everything, but at least they’re not dumb-struck when they are asked, “What is the most abundant gas on Earth?” Well? FYI, it’s Nitrogen which comprises 70% of the Earth’s atmosphere (nope, it’s not Oxygen, which was my mistake too).

My confidence has developed a bit and that’s good enough for me! I still got a year left (which is my fourth year). Well, two months actually since UPCAT is on August 1 or 2, 2009 (heartbeat sound effects getting louder). Well, when the time comes, I’ll be sitting there with all the things I learned. And when I pass, the rest, as they say, will be history; and I shall never forget how a little group of five had fun on how they learned what kind of animals develop a placenta.

Good luck to all aspiring Iskolars ng Bayan, Green Archers, and Blue Eagles!

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