When it comes to college education, there are many scholarship opportunities that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their children/dependents can take. These include programs from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and private entities like the SM Foundation.
To qualify for these scholarships, applicants need to pass college entrance exams. Some programs, like the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP), require students to pass the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Qualifying Exam, as well. For aspiring scholars, these exams can seem daunting, but they are bound to succeed if they are well-prepared.
7 Tips for Passing College Scholarship Exams
If you are seeking a college scholarship, here are some tips to help you pass entrance tests and qualifying exams with flying colors:
1. Know Yourself
What subjects are you good that? Which ones need improvement? Knowing your academic strengths and weaknesses can help you determine which subject areas need extra time and attention.
2. Create a Study Plan
Creating a structured study plan is a must. This includes setting a regular part of your day (or night) for reading and reviewing. To avoid getting overwhelmed, divide subjects and topics into manageable “chunks.” For example, Mondays are for studying Mathematics, Tuesdays for English, Wednesdays for Science, and so on. It’s better to review little by little everyday, than to “cram” everything just a few nights before the exam.
3. Take Practice Tests
Thanks to books and the Internet, there are many resources out there, including practice tests on almost every subject. These tests can help you “get a feel” of how the actual exam would be like. Taking them also helps you become familiar with different question types, e.g. multiple choice, matching types, fill in the blanks, and open-ended questions. Over time, you will find yourself becoming more confident and ready!
4. Get Help from Your Teachers
Some high schools conduct “college exam reviews” outside regular school hours. During these times, do not hesitate to ask your teachers for guidance, especially with topics that you find hard to understand. They would be more than willing to help you as you prepare for the big day.
5. Take Care of Your Body
While studying engages your mind, don’t forget to take care of your body, too. Eat healthy foods, stay active, and get enough sleep. On the day of the exam, bring snacks and water, as it could take several hours.
6. Prepare for Exam Day
Do you know the specific date, time, and venue of the exam? If you are not familiar with the location, it’s best to do your research and visit the venue beforehand, if possible. Prepare your things: pencils, erasers, valid IDs, water, snacks, and a watch to help you keep track of time.
Finally, on the day before the exam, get a full night’s rest. Avoid late-night cramming as this would only make you drowsy on exam day!
7. Manage Your Time Well
During the exam, be sure to manage your time well, as you only have a limited period to answer all the questions. Keep in mind that there are questions that may require computation (e.g. mathematics, science), so you’ll need to allot time for those. For multiple-choice items, use the “elimination” method (i.e. eliminating obviously wrong choices first) to narrow down your options. When you encounter a difficult question, skip it first so you can focus on easier ones, before going back to answer it.
Taking a college entrance test or a scholarship exam can be stressful, but you don’t have to worry as long as you’re prepared. By following the above tips, you can look forward to taking the exam with confidence!
Meanwhile, did you know that there are scholarship programs for faculty and staff, too? Read this article to learn about the Higher Education Upskilling and Study for Advancement of Staff and Faculty (HUSAY) Program.