ateneo college application essay

Writing an Impressive Ateneo College Application Essay

Test Taking Tips

Author: Mango Garcia

“Are there any significant experiences you have had, or accomplishments you have realized, that have helped define you as a person?”

This is the essay question in the College Application of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) this 2018.

How do you best answer such a question? ADMU has given the leniency that the students may answer in either English or Filipino, but keep in mind to never do it in the combination of both. Decide on which language you can most fluently express your answer, and work on your essay from there. Start writing your essay now , so that you have time to make it your best written work before the deadline for submission of applications. Which is, by the way, on August 31.

We recommend that you highlight in your essay experiences wherein you got to practice your leadership skills and exemplified values of competence, compassion, commitment, conscience, and most of all, being Christ-centered. The aforementioned are some of the core values of being an Atenean, and by doing so, you are making yourself stand out more than the rest of the applicants.

Here are other practical tips on writing your college application essay:

• On a blank sheet of paper, write down all the facts, ideas, concepts, etc. you feel should be included in your answer. You may do this through a mind map, applying the techniques we taught you during the review program.
• Organize your ideas in the order in which they should appear. You don’t have to rewrite your notes into a detailed outline –- you can number each idea according to where you want to place it.
• Compose your first paragraph, working on it just as long and hard as you would on term papers. It should summarize and introduce the key points you will make in your essay. This is where superior essay answers are made or broken.
• Write your essay.
• Reread your essay. Do check if there were points you might have left out, Moreover, double-check all spelling, grammar, and other writing mechanics.
• Ask an older sibling or relative, your parents, an English teacher you know, or a professional tutor to read your essay. Ask for their feedback and comments. Improve and rewrite your essay according to their recommendations, if necessary.
• Read your final work aloud to yourself. Refine the sections that do not “sound” as good as you intend.
• Submit the most neatly handwritten or computer-printed final essay on an A4-sized bond paper, as specified on the Ateneo college application form.

Note: Although a computer-printed essay looks neater, a handwritten one is fine. In fact, this shows that you actually wrote the essay yourself and serves as good practice for handwriting the on-the-spot essays in the actual Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) and other admission tests.

Photo from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-learning-person-studying-159810/

Recent Posts

• A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Entrance Exam Preparation March 27, 2024
• Five tutoring misconceptions: Debunked! March 27, 2024
• The Crucial Role of Parents in their Children’s Success in College Entrance Exams March 27, 2024
• Accepting the Future of Digital Era: Advantages of Online Learning March 27, 2024
• Beyond Scribbles on a Page: How Mind Mapping Boosts Your Studying March 22, 2024
• Implementing Color Psychology to Enhance Learning March 22, 2024
• The Impact of Review Centers on Student Success March 22, 2024
• The Top 5 Best Study Habits For Your Academic Journey February 1, 2024
• How to Prepare for the Stresses of College February 1, 2024
• Test Anxiety Solutions: Overcoming Stress on College Entrance Exam Day February 1, 2024

ABOUT AHEAD

Contact information.

Online application for ACET 2024 is now open—here's what you need to know

By Yoniel Acebuche Published Sep 04, 2023 1:34 pm

The Ateneo De Manila University is ready to welcome a new batch of students as it has opened its college applications for Academic Year 2024 to 2025. 

From Sept. 4 until Oct. 6, aspiring Ateneans may already start applying for the Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET). The university offers a wide range of degree programs in the arts, sciences, management, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and social sciences. It has  also produced notable alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, including TV host Robi Domingo, Gilas Pilipinas' Kiefer Ravena, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, singer Nikki Gil, and more.

But before you apply, here's a quick guide on the requirements, schedules, and other frequently asked questions about the admission process.

Requirements

As Ateneo is anticipating a " surge of applications," the university is reminding students to prepare and read up on qualifications for first-year and transfer entry, degree program options, and basic application requirements at apply.ateneo.edu .

All applications for the incoming freshmen for the 1st Semester of School Year 2024-2025 must be submitted online. The application form can be found on the website .

Students are also asked to prepare for the following, which they must submit in digital format, preferably PDF. Ateneo noted that printed or hard copies will not be accepted.

• Personal Essay
• PSA or NSO copy of Birth Certificate (or its equivalent abroad)
• Copy of Grade 9-11 report card/s (Any copy of your grades, may it be a screenshot, photo, or soft copy, so long as your name, the name of your school, and your grades are clearly visible on it.)
• List of extracurricular activities
• High School Record Form
• Guidance Counselor/Class Adviser’s Recommendation Form
• Subject Teacher’s Recommendation Form
• Additional documentation, if applicable (ex. IB grades, SAT results, among others)
• Payment slip/transaction receipt as proof of payment of application.

Application fees cost P600 for applicants studying in the Philippines and P2,500 for those in schools outside the country. Students coming from public or science high schools in the Philippines are exempted from application and testing fees. 

Applicants from private high schools in the Philippines on the other hand may be exempted from paying the application fee if they submit a certification from the school stating that the student is financially incapable of paying the application fee and belongs to the top 10 of the graduating batch.

Meanwhile, college students who want to transfer to Ateneo have the following pre-requisites: 

• must be taking the regular load requirement per semester and must have finished at least one full semester in the college or university he or she is enrolled in by the time the application requirements are submitted
• must NOT have finished an undergraduate degree in any college or university before and/or during the application period
• must NOT have been a college student of or should not have been previously enrolled in Ateneo de Manila University

The application period for transferees is from Sept. 4, 2023, to March 22, 2024.

Scholarship Grants

Ateneo noted that incoming first year and/or transferee applicants may only apply for a Financial Aid Scholarship. Likewise, you can submit your application for a scholarship as soon as you have your Ateneo Application Number (AAN).

The list of requirements and other important steps in pursuing this scholarship grant can be found here.

The deadline for First Year College Scholarship Applications is on Oct. 13, 2023, while for transferees is on March 29, 2024.

Important dates to remember

The ACET for first-year college applicants in Metro Manila will take place on Nov. 11 to 12, 2023, while those outside the metro will have their tests on Nov. 18 to 19, 2023. The results will be released in May 2024 via email.

For transferees, the ACET will happen in February 2024 with the release of decisions in May 2024 via email as well. 

What to expect during ACET? 

The Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) is a test requirement for admission to the undergraduate program of the Loyola Schools of Ateneo de Manila University. According to its website, the test will consist 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 under time pressure. Additionally, test items will be in English.

During the exam, test takers only need to bring pencils and ball pens. Other information will be provided in the exam permit. Moreover, scratch paper will be provided and calculators and other electronic devices are not allowed.

Learn more about different degree programs and the application process at apply.ateneo.edu

TAGS: Ateneo de Manila University education Blue Eagles COLLEGE APPLICATION

Yoniel Acebuche

Yoniel Acebuche is a journalist by profession and a beauty queen by passion. She has constantly joined beauty pageants in different cities and fiestas across the Philippines ever since she was 15. Writing and pageantry are her empowering ways to connect to other people as well as to understand herself.