The UPCAT is one of the most competitive and highly anticipated college entrance exams in the Philippines. Every year, thousands of students compete for a chance to earn a spot at the University of the Philippines. However, do you know the coverage of the UPCAT? To prepare effectively, it’s important to know what topics and subjects the exam covers. In this guide, we’ll break down the different UPCAT subtests, discuss the topics you should focus on, and share practical tips to help you study smarter.  

UPCAT Math Coverage

The Math subtest in this reviewer will cover your high school math topics. It will also involve your basic math skills that you’ve learned from elementary days like fundamental operations, fractions, shapes, and other basic concepts. Here’s a breakdown of the topics that you’ll encounter in the test:

Arithmetic and Number Sense

• Order of operations
• Fractions, decimals, percents

Algebra

• Signed Numbers
• Algebraic Expressions
• Equations and Inequalities
• Quadratic Equations
• Systems of Equation
• Polynomials
• Functions and Relations
• Fractions and Rational Functions
• Cartesian Coordinate System (Graphing)
• Word Problems
• Exponents and Logarithms
• Radicals
• Sets and Set Notation
• Complex Numbers
• Sequences and Series

Geometry

• Reasoning and Logic
• Definitions, Postulates and Theorems
• Angles
• Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
• Triangle Postulates and Theorems (ASA, SSS, etc.)
• Quadrilaterals and Other Polygons
• Area and Volume
• Circles
• Trigonometry
• Basic Trigonometric Functions
• Basic Identities
• Application of Trigogonomic Concepts

Statictics

• Measures of Central Tendencies (mean, median, mode)
• Measures of Spread (variance, standard deviation, percentiles)
• Factorials
• Counting, Permutation and Combination
• Probability

UPCAT Science Coverage

The Science subtest covers It also focuses on your analytical skills – how you make connections from science concepts and draw conclusions from observations – aside from the information and facts that you’ve memorized. Here’s the breakdown of the science reviewer:

Earth Science and Astronomy

• Rocks and Minerals
• The Layers of the Earth and its Composition
• Land Formations and Bodies of Water
• Plate Tectonics
• Earthquakes, Volcanoes
• Climate, Weather and the Atmosphere
• Fossils

Biology

• The Ecosystem
• Classification/Taxonomy
• Biogeochemical Cycles
• Plants and Photosynthesis
• Animal Biology
• Cell Biology
• Genetics and Heredity
• Human Anatomy

Chemistry

• Precision and Accuracy
• Conversion of Units
• Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
• States of Matter
• The Periodic Table
• Electronic Configuration and the Quantum Numbers
• Nuclear Reactions
• Chemical Reactions
• Stoichiometry
• Gas Laws
• Redox Reactions
• Basic Organic Chemistry

Physics

• Scalar and Vector Quantities
• Laws of Motion
• Relative Velocities
• Force
• Work, Energy and Power
• Fluid Mechanics
• Light, Sound and Waves
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Thermodynamics

UPCAT Language Proficiency Coverage

The Language Proficiency subtest mainly focuses on grammar, vocabulary and proper composition of sentences and paragraphs. Here are the topics covered in language proficiency reviewer:

Vocabulary

• Word Meanings
• Spelling
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Confusing Words

Grammar

• Parts of Speech
• Correct Usage
• Punctuation
• Capitalization
• Subject-verb Agreement
• Sentence Construction/Fragment Sequencing
• Modifiers
• Finding Errors/Sentence Correction
• Voice (active and passive)

UPCAT Reading Comprehension Coverage

The Reading Comprehension subtest of the UPCAT is comprised of different written materials, as well as diagrams and figures, which measures the level of understanding and analysis of the student. This subtest may include the following:

• Essays
• Getting the Main Idea/Topic Sentence
• Appropriate Title of Selection
• Poetry
• Short stories
• Speeches
• Comic Strips
• Graphs and Other Diagrams
• Figures of Speech (simile, metaphors, etc.)
• Author’s Point of View
• Meaning Through Context Clues
• Drawing Conclusions
• Inference
• Fact and Opinion