Math17

Math17 was one of the hardest hurdle that I encountered in UP as a freshie. It's suppose to be easy since I took it up in high school but that's not what I experienced. I barely passed this subject but it taught me a life changing lesson that was not part of the objectives of the course.

The lesson is: LOOK at the BACK.

Yes as simple as that, it may sound stupid but don't underestimate its importance.
My grades in the Teacher's Long Exams were not bad, I guess my final exam is also good since I passed the subject, however, due to not looking at the back of the paper I screwed up my midterm. I totally failed. I was not able to answer a single question at the back page even if some of them are quite easy.

After reflecting on what happened I realized that what I've learned from math17 is more than what math could teach me. It's not a complicated equation nor a formula to find the missing value of x but a knowledge that could also be applicable in life.

After that experience I practiced looking at every page of the paper before answering any exam. It's like looking at every angle of the situation before making your move. It does not consume much of your time and it gives a rough estimate on how long should you allot to a particular portion.

UPMSA

After coming to UP, my first task is to find a family. I looked for an organization where I could fit in. Luckily UPMSA found me (yes they were the ones who seek new members) on the first week of my stay. They are really Amazing folks I spend most of my free times with them. They are like my ates and kuyas in my new home. They provide me with words of wisdom (marami sa kanila malawak na ang karanasn), entertainment(Masaya talaga sa piling nila) and a lot more. To adopt into a new environment you really need people who can teach you survival tips. Not merely people but individuls who really care for you. So far, MSAers are those individuals.

UPCAT

Before being able to study in UP, One must first pass the UPCAT, one of the most life changing exam ever. This sheets of paper may determine your future. Actually as a back up plan, I also took 2 other college entrance exams just in case I fail, one is La Salle and the other one is Ateneo. Obiviously I can't I afford to go there unless I'm granted with a full scholarship. I'm thankful to God that I somehow passed all three exams. I had 3 university to choose from , due to some factors (money of course) I ended up in UP.

Passing theUPCAT was a really big deal, during the application process you get too use 2 campuses and 2 courses in each campus but I only placed 1 campus and 2 courses both in CBA. If I fail I won't have a 2nd campus to go to. This added pressure to me so I really need to give it my best shot or else all of the hardships that I encountered in high school( just to go to UP) will be wasted.

Here are some tips that may help others:

• Review high school lessons. It's not really necessary to study in a review center during summer but their materials are helpful (you could also I ask your friends to photocopy theirs).
• Pray to God (if you believe in one) this will boost you confidence. Bringing things which you consider lucky may help you feel at ease.
• Feed your brain long before the test. Eat healthy foods that may condition your mind.

On the day of the exam:

• Pry to God, ask for guidance
  
• Last minute review will be of no use, you better RELAX,RELAX ,RELAX. You can DO it ( repeat this to yourself)
• Be sure that you had a good night sleep
  
• Be Optimistic
  
• Some students may look intimidating but just ignore them. There's no use in worrying that they may pass but you will not.
• Eat before taking it so that you won't be distracted by hunger.
• Check if you got all things needed the night before the exam and before going to the examination room.
• Be sure to go to the toilet first
• Concentrate really hard, use the elimination process to narrow down the choices. Skip hard question and go back to them if you still can but if you don't just choose which you think is right.
• Sit properly, it will improve blood circulation and concentration.
• If you think you know the answer but you just can't remember it, close your eyes, clear your mind then think harder.
  

Chosen

I'm one of those fortunate ones, given the opportunity to gain not merely academic knowledge bounded by the four corners of the room but wisdom that will serve as my guide in this journey called LIFE.

Passing the UPCAT gave me a chance to study at the University of the Philippines on its centennial celebration. Perhaps I'm just lucky or maybe it's my destiny however one thing's for sure, I have no intention to waste it. I will give it my best to learn as much as I could and experience more than what I had in mind to prepare for the more rigorous adventure ahead.