Entrance exams are a crucial part in your college application. With the increase of hungry and determined applicants each year, the bar has been raised to get into some of the top colleges in the Philippines. Here are seven tips to help you get into your dream school and set yourself apart from the rest.

1. Study Ahead

Whether you do it on your own, with a study group of friends or in an exam review center, make sure you give yourself time to study. Utilize your summer break to dive into college review books and try taking preparation and mock tests, so you can also practice your speed.

2. Know Whether the Test is Online or On-site

Some colleges are transitioning to online entrance exams, so it’s best to know whether you need to show up on campus or if you’ll need to set up a workstation at home. If your college entrance exam will be conducted online, make sure you log in to the video link at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the test. This will allow you to calm yourself down and mentally prepare for the exam. It also gives you time to fix any connection problems that may pop up.

2. Pack the Essentials

Try to prepare everything you’ll need for the exam the night before. Packing on the morning of your test might cause you to forget some essentials due to “exam jitters”. Some schools may already provide you with a list of things to bring, but you can always be prepared with your examination fee payment, an identification card, a pencil with an eraser, a black and a blue ball pen, and in some cases, a scientific calculator, a water bottle if you tend to get dehydrated, and a healthy snack or something sweet that will give you a boost of energy when needed.

3. Get Sleep

Some students like to pull an all-nighter right before the exam. But sleep is more important than cramming. Not only will the lack of sleep cause you more stress and fatigue, but it can also cloud your memory, making it difficult to fill in the correct answers. If you’ve managed to study ahead, you shouldn’t need to cram. Get a good night’s rest instead.

4. Dress the Part

Studies have shown that dressing well can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety levels. Take time the night before the exam to choose an outfit that helps you feel confident, yet is still comfortable. You may also want to refer to the guidelines provided by the school if there is a dress code you need to follow.

5. Manage Your Time

Apart from dressing the part, it is advisable to wear a watch. Although there will be a clock in the room or a proctor giving time cues, wearing a watch will make it easier for you to manage your time. Try not to skip questions, as you can easily forget to go back to them afterward when time runs out. Just keep answering, and if you finish ahead, go back and review your answers.

6. Keep Calm

It’s normal to feel stressed and nervous on exam day, but try to keep as calm as possible. Keeping a cool head on your shoulders will allow you to concentrate more on answering the questions and will prevent mental blocks during the test.

Once you’ve finished the test, all that’s left to do is to breathe and wait for the results. Good luck!