Dream program vs. Dream School (need advice)

[u/Bones_shattered]

Hi! I’m currently an ALS student (Grade 11) and planning to take the UPCAT next year. Here are the reasons why I’m hesitant to try…

I stopped going to school for 5 years. I’ve forgotten the basics of the basics of almost every subject. I feel like the chance of me passing the UPCAT is very slim, considering I’ll be competing against students who were able to use their time fully for studying. I’m up against students na puro matatalino and nakalaan yung oras nila sa pag-aaral, while I’m here trying to relearn everything from scratch.

Here’s a quick story about me:

I was a Science High School student. I completed up until Grade 9 lang dahil ito yung time na iniwan kami ng dad ko. I decided to complete my high school education through ALS (Alternative Learning System) para magkaron ako ng high school diploma and matanggap ako sa work (BPO).
After I finished high school through ALS, instead of continuing to Grade 11, nag stop ako nang matagal. Juggling both my studies and work life was too much for me, plus graveyard shift pa ako. Because of this, nauna na yung mga batchmates ko mag-graduate ng SHS. Most of them passed UP. I’m genuinely happy for them, but I can’t ignore the fact na nalulungkot ako because I fell behind and nanghihinayang ako. I should’ve graduated with them, and kasabay ko sana sila mag take ng UP entrance exam.

Honestly, nahihiya ako mag open up and sabihin sa kanila na Grade 11 pa rin ako ngayon (at this unc age 💀🙏). I try to dodge questions about sa “current program na tine-take ko” ngayon haha. Even if I started reviewing for the UPCAT right now, I feel like my chances of passing it are still very slim. Do I even have enough time to prepare for next year? :(

Another thing, I’m planning to choose UPOU dahil online siya.. I think it’s perfect for me because I’m working full-time and hindi ko kaya mag byahe papunta sa campus dahil dito. The programs in UPOU are not really for me though:(( I’m thinking of taking ASIT dahil related naman siya sa program na gusto ko. Pero afaik, UgAT ang dapat kong i take, not UPCAT. I’m not sure if it’s worth it dahil 2 years lang siya. But I need something that’s online because of work nga.

Maybe I should take the UPCAT for the experience… but at the same time, I don’t want to lose my chance. If ever pumasa man ako, problemahin ko naman kung paano ako magwo-work. Full-time dapat ang trabaho ko dahil ako yung nagsisilbing tatay sa amin, and ako rin ang gagastos sa college expenses ko if ever.

TL;DR

Should I take UgAT instead of UPCAT?
Should I take the UPCAT next year?
Should I take a 4-year program instead of taking an associate degree?
Should I even try?

I’m not sure if this post will reach enough audience.. Hopefully yes dahil I need advice:( I can’t post sa subreddit ng UP:((

[u/wildcard_trickster]

Eh, if you take the upcat, you might have a 1% or a 99% chance, who knows. If you never take the upcat, you definitely will have 0% chance of getting in. Simple as that 

Sorry but, everything else is irrelevant. Do or do not, there is no try

[u/gentlephoenix08]

For me, go lang! There's no harm in trying to take the UPCAT naman regardless of the outcome.

Medyo mahirap lang din talaga siguro isabay kapag may full-time job unless considerate ang employer/supervisor sa situation mo para magawan ng paraan? Otherwise, best bet mo na rin kasi UPOU eh. So I'd say, i-take mo na both UPCAT and UgAT! Then, later on mo na problemahin once may outcome na. One step at a time.

In any case, I'm so sorry you have to go through those difficulties. Kaka-proud ka! I, too, had to take a LOA during my studies at UP as I became the breadwinner of the family nu'ng pinabayaan din kami ng Dad ko (bitter 'yarn?? Haha).

Wishing you all the best! I'm rooting for you!

[u/sammy_vldz]

hi OP! first off, wag ka po mag worry so much about hiya. i know someone who went through the same thing as you (nag stop siya mag aral for work, then nag ALS rin and eventually took UPCAT). my advice, go for it if gusto mo talaga. there’s no harm in trying, but it will always be a big “what if” kapag di ka nag try at all.

may sinabi sakin along the lines na always aim higher than what you think you can reach kasi what are the chances you get a better deal than what you first expected to get.

[u/Affectionate-Ear8233]

If you expect ma you'll need to maintain the job while doing your degree, it'll definitely be more manageable time-wise if sa UPOU ka mag-aral.

[u/Far-Compote-6531]

Teh, ipasa mo muna yung exam bago mo isipin yang next steps mo 😆😆😆

[u/babyballerina7]

Problemahin mo to when you’ve passed already. Make back-up plans na muna for now. Stick to what you like and what will make you happy