Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET)

The Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) is a test requirement for admission to the undergraduate program of Ateneo de Manila University.

The exam is an essential part of your application to Ateneo, aside from your high school academic performance, extracurricular activities, personal essay, and recommendation letters.

It consists of multiple-choice questions in mathematics, English, general knowledge, and abstract reasoning. It also has an essay segment to test the examinee's writing and reasoning skills. The test is also conducted under time pressure.

The schedule varies depending on the application period calendar. Examinees can take the exam at Ateneo de Manila's main campus in Loyola Heights, Quezon City; and testing centers outside Metro Manila.

Information on registering for the exam is included in the application process every admissions cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are there in total?
This varies from year to year.

Are the items right-minus-wrong?
No.

Is there a section in Filipino?
None.

What will I need to bring?
You will be told what to bring to the testing date (pencils, ball pens). Please read the exam permit given to you upon registration.

Are we allowed to bring scratch paper and calculators to the ACET?
Scratch paper will be provided. Calculators and other electronic devices are not allowed.

Can I bring snacks?
You may, but you can take them only during the break. We recommend food that keeps you awake (since the ACET is pretty tiring to take) or relaxes you.

Who can I bring with me?
Aside from yourself? Anyone. Of course, you’ll have to leave them once you enter the testing area. Only examinees are allowed inside the testing area.

What do I do before the ACET?

• Relax. CEASE STUDYING at least 24 hours before your testing day. Any brushing up you may do within that time frame may interfere with your long term memory (which is what I hope you’ll rely on when you take your test).
• Eat a bit. It’s hard to take the test on an empty stomach. Don’t eat too much, though.
• Go do your business (read: visit the bathroom). Enough said.
• Get well-rested. This means no late-night partying, hanky-panky, strenuous activities before testing day. You’ll need the energy.
• Pray. This helps.
• If it’s entirely possible, drop by the Ateneo de Manila’s Loyola Heights campus and take a tour.
• Come on time. Traffic is terrible! You don’t want to put extra stress on yourself by coming in late.

What do I do during the ACET?

• Do not go to sleep while taking the test.
• Do not get stuck on one question. Skip it, move on, and then come back for it. You’ll be pressed for time. But be careful in answering. Make sure you are shading the right number.
• Pause from time to time to review your answers.
• Keep track of the time using a watch IF AND ONLY IF you will not scare yourself out of your wits once you see how fast time can fly, otherwise look at the board for the time remaining.
• Follow your proctor and whatever instructions there are in the booklet, especially those that tell you to stop at the end of a section. Going on ahead to the next section is unfair, and you just might get sent home for doing that (this will of course render your application forfeited).
• You will be given a bathroom break. Therefore, resist any irrational, most probably-psychologically-induced urge to urinate, etc. During your bathroom break, relax. If you smoke, sorry, smoking isn’t going to be allowed.
• Do your best to do well.

What do I do after the ACET?
Finish the rest of your senior year in high school trying to learn, and trying to finish well. Your final marks will be needed later.