The USTET (University of Santo Tomas Entrance Test) is a major gatekeeper for many aspiring college students here in the Philippines. The pressure is high, but the biggest hurdle isn't just the difficulty of the questions—it's the common mistakes students make during preparation and on exam day.
If you want to secure your slot in UST, studying hard is not enough; you have to study smart and avoid these typical USTET mistakes.
1. Relying on Stock Knowledge and Last-Minute Cramming
The Mistake: Many students assume that since the USTET covers high school subjects (Math, Science, English, Mental Ability), their stock knowledge is enough. Or, they try to absorb months of lessons in a few sleepless nights of cramming.
The Fix: The USTET requires a deeper understanding than high school quizzes. Successful passers are consistent with their review. They set a schedule and focus on mastering the basic concepts that they haven't revisited in years. Don't cram; create a long-term study plan.
2. Poor Time Management During the Exam
The Mistake: The USTET is lengthy and heavily timed. A very common error especially in the Math section is spending too much time trying to solve one difficult problem. This causes students to panic, rush through easier questions at the end, or worse, leave blanks.
The Fix: Practice time management. The best strategy is to avoid spending more than 1 to 2 minutes on any single question. If you’re stuck, skip it, move on, and return to it later if you have extra time. Get used to practicing with a timer so your speed becomes automatic.
3. Neglecting the Mental Ability Section
The Mistake: Because Math and Science seem the most intimidating, students often dedicate almost all their time there. They forget that the Mental Ability section (Abstract Reasoning and Logic) is just as important. For many, this section becomes the unexpected hurdle on exam day.
The Fix: Dedicate specific time to practicing Abstract Reasoning. This section is less about memorization and more about training your brain to spot patterns and think critically. Strengthening your logical thinking skills will actually help you analyze and solve problems faster in the other sections, too.
4. Ignoring the "Fail One, Fail All" Rule (for Quota Courses)
The Mistake: Not knowing the specific admission rules of your chosen program can be devastating. For some quota courses in UST, they implement a "Fail One, Fail All" approach for the sub-tests. This means a low score in just one subject—even English or Mental Ability—can disqualify you, even if you aced Math and Science.
The Fix: Prepare equally for all sections. A high overall score and percentile rank rely on a well-rounded performance. Don't underestimate any part of the exam; your success depends on a balanced review.
Avoiding these common USTET mistakes is the fastest way to get ahead of the competition. It's proof that smart preparation is always better than just pure effort.
Ready to make sure your review covers all these bases from time management drills to a balanced coverage of every subject including Mental Ability?
The Hiraya Kart reviewers are designed to help students avoid these exact pitfalls. Check out our comprehensive entrance exam materials today and start your journey to becoming a Thomasian!
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