Orientation for Incoming Grade 7: Get To Know Pisay 2019

Philippine Science Main Campus held an Orientation Program entitled "Get to Know Pisay 2019" yesterday, Jan 12, 2019.  It is for Prospective Grade 7 Students and Parents.  Aside from the usual "getting to know" your school, I think the program was also designed to entice parents and students who are having second thoughts whether to enroll at Pisay Main to finally make the jump.  Some students that I've spoken to were still undecided before the Orientation due to distance or other personal reasons, but was convinced and finally signed the confirmation right after the program.  

Some key take-aways:

• Privileges of Scholars
• Free Tuition
• Monthly Stipend of P500 for 10 months, regardless of economic standing.  Additional living monthly allowance of P2,000 - 3,500 but subject to approval.  
• Free LOAN of books (must be returned in good condition at the end of the AY).
• Responsibilities of Scholars
• Academic Performance - min 2.25 GWA and no 5.0 grade in any subject in any quarter
• Good Conduct
• Completion of Secondary Education
• Must take up STEM courses in College
• Parent's Testimonial
• If you are grade or rank conscious, Pisay is not for you.
• Most students are so used to success during their elementary days that they can't grasp the concept of failure.
• Parents support each other.  There is no competition. 

How I Prepared for the Philippine Science High School NCE

Last October 20, 2018, 32 651 bright students took the Philippine Science High School National Competitive Exam (PSHSS NCE) and only 1,470 students (4.5%) passed and only the top 240 (Top 0.7%) were qualified  to enroll at the Main Campus.

Luckily, I was one of the lucky ones who got admitted at Main Campus.

All throughout my grade school days (and probably kinder too), I was preparing for this tough exam.  Good thing my parents had that foresight.

My parents made sure that I have a solid foundation in Math, Science and English early on. They bought a lot of books in these subjects, enrolled me in enrichment classes in math & reading.

Most importantly, they also made me join math training organizations like MTG and AMSLI.  This ensured that my Math competency is way advanced than most.  They were also very supportive in sending me for local and international math competitions.  This developed not only my math competency but my test taking skills as well.

I was a bit confident on the Math part already, so 1 year before the Pisay NCE, I started to focus on High School Science subjects such Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  I must admit I didn't fully grasp all the concepts but it still added something in my Science knowledge.  I also joined Vanda International Science Competition thru AMSLI, and luckily I got a Silver Award.

Three months before the NCE, I shifted my focus on Verbal Ability.  For this, I used mostly SAT books, which is actually for incoming college.  It was very challenging for me, especially the vocabulary and the reading part, but I reckon if I find this difficult, hopefully I will find the English part of the NCE easy.

Last week before the exam was spent preparing mostly for the Abstract Reasoning.

I will sharing more tips on how to increase your chances in passing the Philippine Science High School NCE in my next blog.

Pisay Confirmation / Pre-enrollment

It was a family affair when we went down to Pisay Main last December 21, 2018 to sign the acceptance and confirmation letter. Even my lolo, who rarely goes with us 'coz he's such a homebody, tagged along to witness it. 

Yehey, I'm now officially pre-enrolled.

I'm super excited for the orientation "Get to Know Pisay" this coming January 12, 2019.

Will be posting in my next blog about that. 

The Day Pisay 2018 Results Came Out

I remember it like it was yesterday.

It was around 2 pm and I was at home.  My classes were just till 12 nn because it was exams week.

I received a text from my Dad saying that I shouldn't be disappointed because the exam was very competitive and there are still other schools that we can consider.

I immediately knew that he was referring the Philippine Science High School National Competitive Exam (PSHS NCE) which I took 2 months earlier.

I panicked!  What?! I didn't pass?

A few minutes after, my Dad arrived, video recording me with his phone as he enters the gate of our house.

I new immediately from the looks in his eyes that I made it.

We hugged.  We cried.  It was a 7-year preparation coming into fruition.  All the hard work and sacrifices finally paid off.

My grandfather also arrived shortly.  He also hugged me.  It was the first time in a long time that I felt he was truly happy.

It was the momentous event of the year and an early Christmas gift to the family.

Classes in Pisay is still 8 months away  but I'm full of anticipation.

I will be sharing my journey and experiences here in this blog.