Hello hello hello again, everyone! How's everyone doing? I'm back with a new blog post after some hectic and busy days:< In this blog, I'll be sharing my experience, preparation, and journey to the test center for the nationwide Department of Science and Technology Examination. Preparing for this examination was kinda challenging. I dedicated long hours to studying various subjects, from mathematics and science to critical thinking and problem-solving. The anticipation and excitement built up as the examination date approached yesterday, knowing that this test could open doors to exciting opportunities in the field of science and technology.
As a graduating student, I'm on a mission to seize every opportunity that comes my way hihi, especially when it comes to scholarships and universities. Because for me, it show a potential path to dreams, and I want to explore them all. Scholarships is not just financial aid, but also a gateways to knowledge, experience, and maybe the realization for my courses. Each university or programs that offers scholarships stands as a light of possibility, offering unique pathways to personal and my professional growth and also for some students.
What is DOST - SEI Scholarship Program?
So this program is inlined into the Republic Act No. 7687, also known as the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994. It basically provides for scholarships to talented and deserving students whose families' socio-economic status do not exceed the set cut-off values of certain indicators. Qualifiers must pursue priority fields of study in the basic sciences, engineering, other applied sciences and science and mathematics teaching.
What Are The Benefits From It?
The benefits of this scholarship offer a significant boost to scholars pursuing their academic goals. Covering tuition and school fees up to ₱40,000.00 per academic year for private HEI enrollees, providing ₱10,000.00 allowances for learning materials and connectivity, a monthly living allowance of ₱7,000.00, an initial clothing allowance of ₱1,000.00 (applicable only during the first semester of the first year), a one economy-class roundtrip fare for transportation (for scholars studying outside their home province), group health and accident insurance coverage, a ₱10,000.00 thesis allowance, a ₱1,000.00 graduation allowance, and an additional ₱7,000.00 monthly living allowance for two months, this scholarship comprehensively supports scholars throughout their academic journey. These benefits not only alleviate financial burdens but also ensure that scholars have access to essential resources, allowing them to focus on their studies and excel academically. So yeah this is mainly the reason why this scholarship examination is the most anticipated nationwide tests for all of the students who want to pursue a degree which is kinda costly cuz if you've passed it, you can totally be saved from the cost monthly payments from it^^ but at the same time, it is one also of the most difficult examination ever.
My Preparation:
So, to prepare for examination, I began by revisiting fundamental concepts. I delved into calculus, refreshed my memory on grade 11 notes, practiced solving basic algebraic expressions, revisited arithmetic and geometric sequences, and tackled logarithms and trigonometry. Additionally, I dedicated time to studying various branches of science, including biology, earth science, space science, and more. Given that mathematics and science are major components of this examination, mastering these subjects was a priority. To enhance my preparation further, I turned to YouTube reviewers for additional insights and strategies. I also took mock tests to simulate the examination environment and gauge my readiness.
I also created study schedules to ensure comprehensive coverage of all topics and allocated specific time slots for practice tests and revision because as you all know I'm literally a busy person, always! HAHAHAHHA. The mock tests were particularly beneficial as they helped me identify areas of improvement and adjust my study focus accordingly^^.
As shown in the photo above, the test center is located in Carcar City, Cebu, which is quite a distance from my current city, the City of Naga. Despite the long journey, I remained determined and prepared for the trip. I ensured to get enough rest the night before after extensive review sessions and had a hearty breakfast in the morning. I left home around 9 am to avoid potential traffic on the way to the test center, considering the distance and the expected congestion due to the large number of examiners at the school.
The examination dates were scheduled for April 6-7, with my session falling on April 6 in the afternoon batch from 1-6 pm. Naturally, there were some nerves as the examination approached, but I embraced the challenge with a positive mindset and determination. It's all about facing the task head-on and giving it my best shot 💪🏻!!
So the awaited day of April 6, Saturday finally arrived!! Huhu TwT I woke up at 4 am to quickly scan through my notes and have a nourishing breakfast. After that, I left home accompanied by the good wishes of my parents, as well as other relatives and friends.
But before boarding the bus to the test center, I made a quick stop at a supermarket to purchase some snacks and essentials that I would need throughout the day. With the examination scheduled from 1-6 pm and the distance to the center, I knew I needed to have enough sustenance to keep me focused and energized during the test. I've bought some Yakult and Oreo for my snacks, also a bottled of water^^
After purchasing snacks, I boarded the bus heading to the test location. During the bus journey, I didn't let the opportunity to review slip by, even if it was just a brief session. I scanned through my reviewers, trying to absorb as much information as possible. However, the soothing music and the rhythmic motion of the bus eventually lulled me to sleep. 😅 I couldn't resist the drowsiness, but thankfully, I had a companion who woke me up when we arrived at our destination.
Finally, we arrived in Carcar City, Cebu, around 11 am. Before heading to the test location at St. Catherine's College, my buddy MJ and I decided to grab lunch. While enjoying our meal, we couldn't resist doing one last review session before the exam 😂.
But honestly, the food was so delicious that it helped ease any remaining nerves before the test. If you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend eating at Jollibee! Filipinos everywhere know and love Jollibee. In my case, I totally love the coke float paired with chicken and spaghetti. It's a comfort food that can calm exam jitters in an instant 😩.
After our meal, we headed to the test location. I was starting to feel a bit nervous, but then we noticed a church beside the school. We decided to take a moment to pray and ask the Lord for guidance. While there, we couldn't help but admire the beauty of the church and the surrounding monuments. It was truly breathtaking and astonishing. The intricate details and historical significance of the place made us feel like we were transported to a different era. 🤩
Stepping into the peaceful sanctuary, we bowed our heads in prayer, asking the Lord for clarity, focus, and wisdom during the upcoming examination. We prayed for confidence in our abilities and the ability to recall all the knowledge we had diligently studied.
As we walked into St. Catherine's College for the exam, I wasn't very nervous at first. The school looked amazing, and I loved how peaceful it felt there. But when I got to the room where I'd take the test, I started to feel a bit anxious. 😅
The school's beauty was calming, but knowing the exam was about to start made me a little nervous. I took a deep breath and walked into the room, ready to do my best.
And the time finally arrived, our proctor starts the bell. The subjects covered in our exams were quite a lot. There were verbal and nonverbal reasoning parts that tested our thinking skills like understanding shapes and mechanical things. Then there was language and literature, and science, which had physics, biology, chemistry, earth, and space science. And of course, there was math, which was full of numbers and calculations.
Before the exam, I prayed again for guidance. And after it was finally over, I felt a sense of relief. To be honest, after completing the exam, I couldn't help but think to myself, "Was that it? It seemed tougher than I expected!" 😂 But despite the challenges, I'm determined to keep pushing forward. Now, I can only hope that my efforts will reflect positively in the scores I'll receive 🤞🏻🍀!.
After the exam, we quickly headed back home because we were all feeling tired from the long day. 😅 However, it wasn't so bad because I had my friends with me during the journey. We talked and laughed, which made the trip back more enjoyable.
When we finally arrived back in our city, we decided to celebrate completing the exam. We went to the Plaza and had a nice meal together while enjoying the view of the sunset. It was a peaceful and relaxing moment after a busy day. As we sat there, we talked about how we all hoped to pass the exam, not just me but also my friends. We put our trust in God's grace and hoped for the best outcome 🤞🏻🍀!
As the day came to a close, reflecting on the journey from preparation to completion of the DOST exam, I felt a mix of relief and anticipation. The support of friends, the challenges faced during the exam, and the hope for positive outcomes all added to a memorable experience. To all the DOST examiners out there, I wish you the best of luck, and may we all achieve success in our endeavors!!!
To the readers, thank you for joining me in sharing this experience. Whether you're preparing for an exam or facing other challenges, remember to stay determined and keep pushing forward.
Overallthe exam is yeah kinda successful and I hope I'll be passed s is often the result of hard work and perseverance. Until next time, take care, and keep striving for your goals. haruki.tls123 signing off! Sayonara<3 ✨
