UP freshmen applications start January 7

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines will start accepting applications for first year students for the next academic year starting Jan. 7.

An online application portal will be opened to accept applications from graduating senior high school students and others who are qualified to enter the university as freshmen for the Academic Year 2021-2022.

Unlike in previous years, applicants will not undergo the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead, their high school records will be evaluated.

Colleges or departments may conduct additional assessments if they deem it necessary for applicants in their respective degree programs.

These applicants will be notified of such an assessment or other additional requirements.

According to UP, those interested to enroll in the university must electronically accomplish a personal data sheet and upload their photo and signature on the application website.

Their respective high schools shall then be requested to log on to the grades submission link to provide the high school records of the applicants.

“Applicants are encouraged to use secure email accounts, preferably with two-step verification to better protect their right to data privacy,” UP said.

“However, UP is not requiring all applicants to use accounts with two-step verification, as some applicants may not have full access to devices and/or internet connectivity,” it added.

Recognizing technological limitations of some applicants, UP said it will coordinate with concerned high schools for alternative modes of submission of the requirements.

Details on how to accomplish the forms shall be posted in the online portal, which has yet to be announced by the university. The deadline for submission of applications is on Feb. 15.

Various universities have also revised their admission policies for the next school year.

Ateneo de Manila University said it will not administer its entrance test for incoming students and would instead base admission on the students’ past academic performance and other criteria.

Instead of an entrance test, the University of Santo Tomas said admission to the university shall be through an admission rating, “a score that will be computed from a number of parameters derived largely from the academic performance and record of the applicant.”