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'No way but UP': This UP graduate once failed UPCAT but she fought for her dreams

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MANILA — Frances Nikka Alfonso, a fresh graduate from University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, failed to pass the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) in 2019. But she did not stop fighting for her dream school.Now, she ended up graduating as a summa cum laude with with a Bachelor&#x27;s degree of Public Administration. But how was she able to do it?In <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=7219460908154089&amp;set=a.101752619924989">a Facebook post</a>, Alfonso narrated her bumpy journey of trying to get into her desired university.“I didn’t find my name in the list of 2019 UPCAT passers,” she said.According to Alfonso, she did not reach the cut-off for UP Diliman and UP Manila, her preferred campuses. Her UPG was 2.176 though, so others recommended her to try applying for reconsideration.“Considering na ‘yung cut-off for UP Diliman that time might be around 2.10, lalong naging masakit para sa akin noon na I missed the cut-off by some points. I think ‘yung UPG ko ay pasok na sa cut-off ng ibang campuses aside UPD and UPM kaso based lang kasi talaga sa campus preferences ng applicant ang admission,” she clarified.She submitted requirements and underwent interviews in various UP units and programs, but she never heard back from them.Alfonso then enrolled in the meantime at Polytechnic University of the Philippines but while she was attending classes there, she was continuing her reconsideration applications in UP until she finally got accepted in UP Manila.But she could not just pull out her documents from PUP given that a month has already passed since she enrolled in the campus. Luckily, her friend&#x27;s uncle who works in PUP helped with her appeal until it got granted.&quot;In UPM, I strived to earn high grades because I wanted to shift and pursue my dream program (PolSci). I learned a lot in Phil. Arts, which is a great program, but my heart was still not in it,&quot; her post reads.Alfonso was finally able to get in UP Diliman. But she no longer pursued her dream course which is Political Science; she went for Public Administration instead which she did not regret.“Sometimes, you outgrow your own dreams and it’s okay,” she added.As she looked back to her journey, she realized that her success wouldn&#x27;t be possible without her grit and determination. These two things would help one get through their hopeless days, Alfonso emphasized.“Napakasaya sa pakiramdam na makatapos sa UP as summa cum laude lalo na’t akala ko dati ay hindi na talaga ako makakapasok sa UP…. Pinanghawakan ko noon para magpursigi ay ‘yung pangarap ko na makatapos ng pag-aaral sa magandang unibersidad at magkaroon ng oportunidad na makatulong sa aking pamilya at sa sambayanang Pilipino na rin through public service,” she mentioned.Alfonso also highlighted that accessing high quality education in college should not be a struggle in the first place, especially for those who suffer poverty.&quot;We shouldn’t accept this reality as it is; instead, we should fight to change this reality. Going back to the most important thing that UP has taught me, let’s serve the people,&quot; she said.This UP graduate is a living inspiration for others, not only for those who seek to enter UP, but also to the general public who have dreams but are facing countless hindrances.What they need to remember is that: there&#x27;s no way but UP, and the way up means continuously fighting for your goals.As UPCAT 2025 approaches, Alfonso also shared advice for the examinees.“For the UPCAT takers this August 10-11, good luck and congratulations in advance! Magtiwala sa sarili lalo na sa inyong ni-review o kahit stock knowledge pa ‘yan. Magkaroon ng sapat na tulog at kain bago ang exam. During the exam, be mindful of the time, read everything carefully, and most importantly, manage your emotions well,&quot; she advised.&quot;Panghawakan natin ‘yung dahilan o pangarap na nag-udyok sa atin kung bakit tayo nag-apply for UPCAT. Kung hindi man palarin na pumasa sa UPCAT, know that there are still other ways to get into UP such as reconsideration. Laban lang! Padayon!” she added. -- With a report from Ched Rick Gatchalian, ABS-CBN News

Frances Nikka Alfonso, a fresh graduate from University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, failed to pass the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) in 2019. But she did not stop fighting for her dream school.

Frances Nikka Alfonso, a fresh graduate from University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, failed to pass the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) in 2019. But she did not stop fighting for her dream school.

'No way but UP': This UP graduate once failed UPCAT but she fought for her dreams

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'No way but UP': This UP graduate once failed UPCAT but she fought for her dreams

ABS-CBN News Intern,

Sophia Montiano

Published Aug 07, 2024 08:19 PM PHT

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Updated Aug 07, 2024 09:10 PM PHT

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