Reflections from UPCAT: Life is more than a piece of paper

By Joshua Corcuera

 

It was on this day, two years ago, when I took the competitive examination in Diliman. More than a week ago, I wrote in my column my experiences on taking the UPCAT — the University of the Philippines College Admission Test.

Let me share an excerpt from the article I wrote more than a week ago narrating my experiences on taking the UPCAT. Afterward, it is essential to share my reflections from the memorable experience.

When I was a graduating high school student, I also took the UPCAT. As far as I remember, I was the only one from my class to take the highly competitive entrance test. It is apparent and obvious as to why the UPCAT is very competitive. One, the quality of education at the University of the Philippines System is widely acclaimed among professionals, as well as being the highest-ranking educational institution in the country. Two, education in UP is free of charge as tuition of students are funded by the Filipino people — not the government per se. Hence the term, iskolar ng bayan.

I went to Diliman with my parents and my sister before sunrise, yet by the time we arrived, the number of people is already swelling in the testing venue. For about five hours, I sat in a cold room at the Institute of Chemistry at the university. There were a lot of questions on language and reading comprehension and time was severely limited, but I was fortunate that I answered almost all questions well in those subjects. The same for mathematics and science — the difference though is that I answered, what I would say a considerable number of questions that can hurt my chances of entering UP.

Then came the first day of April, the UPCAT results were out. At first, I was euphoric that my name was among the list of passers. Furthermore, I qualified for accountancy — my desired course. However, the campus was my second choice and is far away from my residence which is why I have to enter a different university.

As of now, I am a sophomore accountancy student at an enormous university here in Ermita. I managed to make it here thanks to a scholarship from the university itself. So far, I am doing well in my academics and college life seems to be exciting and fun as well. Even though I didn’t make it to UP Diliman, where I am right now still gave me opportunities for learning and socializing.

Just like any other high school student — especially students who are either achievers or ambitious or both — passing the UPCAT is the number one goal to improve chances of succeeding in life. However, we must remind ourselves that one can be a successful person even if one did not attend UP. There are even people who succeeded in life without going to college. On the other hand, making it into UP is not an assurance of success even if UP has a very long list of remarkable alumni who shaped the nation.

Obviously, I am not saying that you should just fail the UPCAT. Still, do your best and whatever happens, accept it with utmost humility. The point is, life can be shaped not necessarily by a single event alone, but by time, experiences, and thought-provoking encounters. In case you’ll take the UPCAT in the future, consider taking the exam itself as a memorable experience that can shape your future regardless of the outcome. When you pass, make the best out of your intellectual privilege towards serving the common good; when you fail, keep moving forward as life still has a lot of encounters to offer. What is essential is that a single experience will not be the end of everything. As what I have read somewhere said, do not let a single sheet of paper dictate your life.