Math

The mathematics subtest is composed of questions from the following topics:

basic and intermediate algebra, geometry, statistics, and in some cases, a bit
of trigonometry.
The algebra part contains topics such as the real number system, solving
unknowns in an equation, inequalities, set and set notation, exponents and
roots, graphs of linear equations, factoring, basic quadratic equations,
functions, and word problems. You may also encounter progressions,
sequences and logarithms but these are rare topics that appear on the test.
Focus on the basic topics.

Questions under statistics would be about the fundamental counting

principle, combination and permutation, probabilities, measures of central
tendencies and data analysis.

For geometry, topics would be basic geometric concepts (point, line, plane,
etc.), parallel lines, triangle congruence, perimeter, area and volume. Most of
the theorems and postulates are applied to solve problems and analyze
figures and situations. Because the UPCAT is multiple choice, your favorite
two-column proof and indirect proving will not be around to greet you.
Nonetheless, you will still encounter questions that requires your deductive
reasoning skills.

The rare trigonometry questions would include the trigonometric ratios and
basic applications.

Calculus? Don’t bother. Again, focus on the basics.

Math subtest tips: Study and refine your basics. You should be able to do
the four basic operations with ease. If you are still having a hard time with
your multiplication table, then this is a good time to brush up on your skills. 8
multiplied by 7 is not a problem, right?
Difficulty with long division? Practice dividing three-to-four-digit numbers by
two digit numbers.

Dealing with fractions is another skill that students need to master. You should
be able to do the four operations on similar and dissimilar fractions. You
should know how to express your answers in lowest terms.
Science
The science subtest is composed of earth science and basic astronomy,
biology, basic chemistry, and basic physics (take note of the keyword: basic).
The earth science includes topics such as layers of the earth, theories about
the earth’s beginnings, rocks, weather and the atmosphere. Basic astronomy
would include the solar system, stars and other heavenly bodies and other
space-related concepts.

Biology includes classification of living things, evolution, ecosystems, basic

genetics and heredity, and some anatomy of the human body. Questions
about biochemistry and intermediate genetics might appear but the focus of
the test is still the basics.

Chemistry would include matter and its classification, physical and chemical
changes, measurements, basic chemical reactions (acid-base, combustion,
etc.), mole concept, atomic structure and subatomic particles, periodic table
trends, thermodynamics and a little organic chemistry.

Physics questions will fall under topics like statics and dynamics, motion,
work and energy, forces, thermodynamics, and electricity. In a few instances,
questions about waves and optics appear on the test.

via GIPHY

Science subtest tips: Majority of the items in physics needs critical thinking
skills. You need to analyze situations and scenarios to obtain the best answer.
Some items will also require you to compute, as for the case of some
chemistry and physics problems.

For biology and earth science, some will require analytical skills while some
would be straight up identification. So it is best to brush up on all the topics
that you have discussed in school.

Language Proficiency
The language proficiency subtest covers topics on vocabulary, synonyms and
antonyms, spelling, correct usage and grammar. The grammar part would
include parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, parallelism.
Here’s the thing: You have to have good grammar skills and a good command
of the English language (and Filipino, too) to get a good score on this subtest.

Tips on Language Proficiency: Practice subject verb agreement. Read more

professionally-written articles (broadsheets, books, magazines, journals, etc.).
Communicate verbally using straight English.

Reading Comprehension
The reading comprehension subtest includes questions under context clues,
getting the main idea, inferences, drawing conclusion, figures of speech. On
this subtest, you are tested on how you understand what you read.
You will be asked to read articles, stories, poems, lines in plays, essays,
comic strips and other types of passages. You are then asked questions
about what you have read. Sometimes there are also graphs and charts that
you need to analyze. You need to make inferences and conclusions based on
the visual data presented.

Reading Comprehension subtest tips: Read the questions first before

reading the passage. Then take into consideration the main points that you
need to find in the passage.

The Hidden-in-Plain-Sight Subtest: Filipino

In the UPCAT, you only have four subtests: Math, Science, Language
Proficiency and Reading Comprehension. Nevertheless, we often hear of
conversations from previous takers that they had a difficulty with Filipino.
So where in the world is Filipino located in the UPCAT? Is it part of the
UPCAT coverage?
The Filipino part of the test is integrated in the Language Proficiency and
Reading Comprehension subtest. About 40-50% of the questions in these two
subtests are Filipino questions. Technically, Filipino is the subtest with the
most number of items.

The Filipino questions range from topics such as bahagi ng pananalita,

wastong gamit, pagtukoy ng mali sa pangungusap, salawikain, sawikain
(idyoma), atbp. Basically, the topics are similar in Language Proficiency and
Reading Comprehension but in Filipino.
Tips on the Filipino part: Brush up on your Filipino vocabulary. Read
passages, articles and other literary materials in Filipino. Practice speaking
straight Filipino. Avoid combining English with Filipino in a sentence to
sharpen your fluency.