The DCAT (De La Salle College Admission Test) is the entrance exam for De La Salle University Manila and DLSU Laguna. This guide breaks down what's on the test, a week-by-week prep timeline, and the questions students ask most — plus a free, timed mock exam that matches the real format.
See exam formatSource: DLSU Office of Admissions and Scholarships (dlsu.edu.ph) · Updated July 2026 · figures are for the current admissions cycle and change each year.
The exact number of items and timing per section can shift slightly year to year, so treat this as a close approximation rather than a fixed blueprint — confirm current format on DLSU's official admissions page closer to your test date.
Abstract, numerical, and logical reasoning.
Tip: This section rewards speed and pattern recognition over memorized content — timed drills matter more here than content review.
Vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
Tip: Treat reading and writing as one combined skill set to review together — they draw on the same core comprehension habits.
General Math, Algebra, Statistics & Probability.
Tip: DCAT math leans on your full senior high school sequence, with statistics and probability showing up more heavily than in some other entrance exams — don't skip that topic.
Biology, Chemistry, and Physics fundamentals.
Tip: Expect application-based questions over straight definitions — practicing with scenario-style items pays off more than memorizing terms.
You don't need this exact schedule, but you do need a plan — this is a reasonable default if you don't already have one.
Sit a full-length mock under real conditions before you review anything. It's a map of your gaps, not a grade.
Work one area at a time, weighted toward your weakest scores from the diagnostic. Keep a running log of topics you keep missing.
One timed, full mock per weekend, scored honestly. Spend the following week drilling only what you missed — not re-reading what you already know.
Stop new material. Light review only. Confirm your test center, required IDs, and what you're allowed to bring on test day.
The DCAT (De La Salle College Admission Test) is the entrance exam used by De La Salle University to evaluate first-year applicants to its Manila and Laguna campuses. It's administered by DLSU's Office of Admissions and Scholarships.
For AY 2027–2028, testing dates are November 8 and 15, 2026 (Manila), December 4, 2026 (Laguna), and November 27, December 4, and 11, 2026 (online). Provincial testing dates vary by location. Confirm current dates on DLSU's official admissions page before finalizing your prep plan.
Current Grade 12 students expected to graduate by the end of the relevant academic year, and Grade 12 graduates (local or international) who haven't enrolled in any college coursework, along with a few other recognized routes (PEPT, ALS/NFEA&E passers, SAT/AP/IB credential holders). Applications are submitted through DLSU's Archers Hub during the announced application period. Confirm current eligibility rules on the official DLSU admissions page.
Reported sections generally cover Mental Ability, English/Reading Comprehension/Writing, Mathematics, and Science, with total testing time in the range of 2–3 hours. Exact number of items, timing, and section order can vary by testing cycle.
DLSU doesn't publish a single fixed passing score. Admission is holistic — your DCAT result is considered alongside your high school grades and, for some programs, an interview.
DLSU charges an application/testing fee that can vary by cycle and applicant category. Confirm the current fee on the official DLSU admissions or Archers Hub page.
Start with a full diagnostic mock exam to see where you stand, then review in proportion to your weakest areas — Mental Ability and Statistics/Probability are common weak spots students underestimate. Weekly timed mocks in the final months matter more than re-reading notes.
Create a free account and run a full, timed DCAT mock exam — you'll get a topic-by-topic score breakdown right after. Racing the clock? See DCAT prep →