UP MBA GPAT: 8 Best Steps to Ace it

This UP MBA GPAT Article was published on March 11, 2015, and updated on March 24, 2020. 

Last 2012, I took the UP MBA GPAT exam. 

Three years after, I took the UP MBA comprehensive exam. 

The dreaded UP MBA Graduate Program Admission Test or simply UP MBA GPAT may seem intimidating, but it’s really just a test of how much an MBA aspirant learned over the years spent on high school and college.  

Looking back, I had apprehensions as to whether I could pass it or not. Luckily, I passed and now I am about to have MBA attached to my name.

UP MBA aspirants may have heard endless tips about studying for UP MBA GPAT all across the internet. Countless MBA aspirants have sought tried and tested tips on studying for the UP MBA GPAT.

Me too, I also scoured the net on what to do in order to ace the dreaded exam. However, I had to develop my own process since I didn’t find relevant study GPAT tips.

Ever since I posted the articles on UP MBA, a lot of people have been asking for tips and reviewers I used. I’ve forwarded numerous reviewers to different people seeking help. I even conducted a special review session for one aspirant.

The process I used worked for me and I hope MBA aspirants can take a page on how I successfully prepared for the UP MBA GPAT exam.

Research

Research first everything about the UP MBA GPAT. A lot of good articles have been written about the exam. Take a look at my previous articles MBA Application Experience and Sample MBA Proficiency Exam Questions. JuanaBe also has a comprehensive description of the UP MBA GPAT exam. Pinoyexchange also has a forum thread specifically for UP MBA GPAT.

Get GPAT Study Materials

GPAT is similar to GMAT – the US standardized test for MBA aspirants.

I strongly suggest grabbing any GMAT reviewer.

A lot of free resources are available on the internet. I also bought the cheapest GMAT reviewer in National Bookstore similar to the one used by JuanaBe. But talking to MBA aspirants over the year, the cheap GMAT reviewed isn’t available on National Bookstore anymore.

An MBA aspirant needs to have these two types of reviewers: One set for test questions and another for concept reviewers.

When I reviewed I had 3 types of test questions and 2 concept reviewers.

I made a reviewer out of the reviewers I used back in 2012.

You may download it by clicking the button below:

Take a Diagnostic Test

 The first thing you need is to take the GMAT test questions without any review.

This can gauge your baseline knowledge if you still remember it. You’ll have a quantitative measure of how rusty your brain cells are.

The grade you’ll get will tell you how much time you need to prepare for GPAT. Prepare a sheet of paper or a journal to tabulate your grade.

Don’t worry if you scored low.

You’ll see your progress later.

Review Concepts

Read on the concept reviewers from cover to cover. It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand everything. The tricks for just reading is for your brain to relearn the concept taught in your college and even high school programs.

The best approach is to just read the reviewers quickly and store as much as you can. An MBA aspirant should not take too much time on reviewing concepts.

These concepts were taught in high school and college.

The reading exercise is just a matter of remembering the knowledge lost by doing repetitive corporate work.

Retake the Same Test (2nd)

After your quick review, take the same test.

On this test, you’ll definitely score better since you have re-learned the knowledge you’ve lost. Tabulate your score on your learning plan.

Assess your progress by looking at the difference between your first and second tests.

Spend Time on Your Weakness

I bet there will still be mistakes even after test retake.

List the topic of the questions flanked. These topics are your weaknesses that need extensive studying. By this time you’ll have an idea of what your strengths and weaknesses are. 

Spend more time reviewing your weaknesses on the same concept reviewers you have. You may visit websites for in-depth articles on the subjects.

Retake the Same Test (Final)

Take the same test for the last time. This time try to get a perfect grade.

If you haven’t aced the practice test, go back on your weaknesses and review on it.

At this point, you can say you are ready to take the GPAT!

List your 100% score on your learning plan and enjoy your moment of perfection.

Repeat steps 3-8 on a different test

Looking back on your progress, you are actually ready to take the GPAT.

However, the practice test questions are, in nature,  limited and may have blind spots that could spell doom on the real GPAT.

Because of this, you need to repeat steps 3-8 on a different practice test. Expect to have a fairly satisfactory grade on this test.

You’ll still vulnerable to exam mistakes. This is a good thing because, not just knowing your weakness, you can practice having an educated guess. 

155 thoughts on “UP MBA GPAT: 8 Best Steps to Ace it”

  1. Hi RM, stumbled upon your article while google searching and I find this piece very encouraging. I am taking the GPAT this coming April. Can you forward me some of your review materials?

    Thanks!
    Erik ([email protected])

  2. Hi RM!

    Accidentally stumbled on your site while I was doing research for the GPAT exams on Sunday!
    This is so helpful! The last time I studied for a written exam was during college and I have no idea how to prepare for this one. By any chance, can you also share with me the reviewers you used for GPAT? :)

    1. Hi Kay! Thanks, I really appreciate it. Sure, I just sent you some of the reviewers I used for GPAT back in 2012. Message me up in my Facebook page if you still need help (I’d appreciate if you’d hit like). Good luck and you’re welcome. Thanks!

    1. Hi Regina – The Life of the Party! Great blog you have there. I just sent you some of the reviewers I used for GPAT back in 2012. Message me up in my Facebook page if you still need help (I’d appreciate if you’d hit like). Good luck and you’re welcome. Thanks!

  3. Hello Sir RM! I have read about your blogs about the GPAT. This is very helpful. Would you be so kind to lend me a GPAT reviewer. Hihi. Thanks!

    1. Hi April! Thanks if you found my blog helpful. I just sent you some of the reviewers I used for GPAT back in 2012. Message me up in my Facebook page if you still need help (I’d appreciate if you’d hit like). Good luck and you’re welcome. Thanks!

  4. hi, can i have copies of your review materials? i am planning to do MBA but i need to diagnostics so that I know exactly what should I prepare more. Thanks a lot.

    1. Hi Jun! I just sent you some of the reviewers I used for GPAT back in 2012. You can check your progress on the ones I sent you. Message me up in my Facebook page if you still need help (I’d appreciate if you’d hit like). Good luck and you’re welcome. Thanks!

  5. Hi Sir RM^_^

    Thank God I found your blog:) It is very helpful. Is it possible sir that you could forward to me a copy of GPAT reviewer? Appreciate the help. Thank you so much. God bless

  6. Hi Sir! All your posts are very interesting and helpful at the same time, especially for MBA aspirants like me. I am taking the GPAT this coming Sunday (April 12). I would be very grateful if you can share with me some of the review materials you got there. Thanks and more power to you! :)

    1. Thanks Kristoffe! I’m glad you found my blof interesting. I just sent you some of the reviewers I used for GPAT back in 2012. Message me up in my Facebook page if you still need help (I’d appreciate if you’d hit like). Good luck!

  7. Hi RM,

    Can you forward copies of your review materials please? How many items per subject and is there a Weekend class for UP MBA? Thanks.

    1. Thanks LLeng! I just sent you some of the reviewers I used for GPAT back in 2012. Message me up in my Facebook page if you still need help (I’d appreciate if you’d hit like).

      If I am not mistaken, there are 50 items per area. Then .25 points deduction on the final grade every wrong answer.

      There are no weekend classes for UP MBA, only evening (part-time) or day (full-time)

  8. Hi Sir, messaged you on facebook just now, hope you can send the reviewers for the GPAT. Thanks for the tips po! They made me feel lighter about the GPAT tomorrow :)

  9. Hi sir RM I was reading on your blog and it interest me to ask a copy of your reviewer. I’ll be taking GPAT as well. Thanks for the help and insights.

  10. Hi RM! Thank you for being so accommodating in answering all our queries about the GPAT. Can you also send me the reviewer? Here’s my email address, [email protected]. Many thanks! God bless you even more.????

  11. Hi RM! I am preparing for graduate studies as well. Mind sending over your reviewer? I appreciate your advocacy in helping out people like us! You’re a good man! Thanks in advance.

  12. Hi Sir! Do you have a reviewer for the Proficiency exam as well? Pwede pong makahingi kung meron. Thanks sir!

    1. Congratulations for passing GPAT! Currently, I don’t have the reviewers with me. In the meantime, just review on Accounting, Calculus, Algebra, Math of Finance and Statistics. Don’t worry on the Proficiency Exams. UPD VSB will hold workshops on the subjects you’ll fail (if ever). .

  13. Hi RM! I was lucky enough to get admitted to the MBA evening classes conditionally (Thanks again for the reviewer, it was very helpful!) Do you still have your proficiency exams reviewers that you can send us? Also any tips for the exams would be so appreciated!????

    1. I’m truly delighted that I helped you in your GPAT! Congratulations! Currently, I don’t have the reviewers with me. In the meantime, just review on Accounting, Calculus, Algebra, Math of Finance and Statistics. Don’t worry on the Proficiency Exams. UPD VSB will hold workshops on the subjects you’ll fail (if ever). Last time I took the proficiency exam I hoped that I pass all. But it was a blessing that I failed some and took the workshops. Got to meet new like-minded people and gain some friends.

  14. Hi RM! I was lucky enough to get admitted to the MBA evening classes conditionally (Thanks again for the reviewer, it was very helpful!) Do you still have your proficiency exams reviewers that you can send us? Also any tips for the exams would be so appreciated!????

    1. I’m truly delighted that I helped you in your GPAT! Congratulations! Currently, I don’t have the reviewers with me. In the meantime, just review on Accounting, Calculus, Algebra, Math of Finance and Statistics. Don’t worry on the Proficiency Exams. UPD VSB will hold workshops on the subjects you’ll fail (if ever). Last time I took the proficiency exam I hoped that I pass all. But it was a blessing that I failed some and took the workshops. Got to meet new like-minded people and gain some friends.

  15. Hi Sir,

    I am planning to take MBA next year and think that I need to have a longer preparation. Can you please also help me by sending copies of your reviewer? Thank you so much!

    1. Hi Lanz, I applaud your dedication by preparing this early. I hope you’ll continue studying until you eventually get in the program. I’m sending the reviewers now.

  16. Hi! Thank you for this blog “article”. Been looking for resources/info about GPAT. Can you also send me a copies of the GPAT reviewers? I already have the Pass Key to the GMAT but I’m not sure if this will be enough.

    Thank you. God Bless!

  17. Hi! Can you please send me the copy of reviewer for GPAT proficiency exams? Thanks! I’ll be taking the exams this June in UP Clark!

    1. Hi Cherry! I’m still searching for them. For now, just review on Accounting, Calculus, Algebra, Math of Finance and Statistics. Don’t worry on the Proficiency Exams. They will hold workshops on the subjects :)

  18. Hi Sir, I’m planning to take up MBA in UP. I was encouraged by your articles about the program, and I would like to prepare for it. It would be an honor if you would send me copies of your reviewers sir. Thank you so much!

  19. Hi,thank you for all the educators like you who are willing to spend their precious time helping mankind achieve their dreams. More power!

  20. Hi Sir RM. :) Thanks for sharing this blog to us, i’m planning to push my MBA degree next year. Would you mind if I request a copy of the GPAT reviewers, i think i really need to review as early as possible because my weaknesses way back in college are Calculus, Accounting and Stat. I know that would be a great help. By the way,does college GPA affect the result of GPAT? Thanks in advance and God bless! :)

    1. Yes. GPA will affect though you can still make up for it on the GPAT. Its good that you are preparing for the GPAT this early. Don’t mind first the proficiency exam. Just concentrate on GPAT.

      Subscribe to my blog and you can download the reviewers for GPAT. Good luck!

  21. Hello RM!
    Thanks to a last-minute browsing of your blog (just an hour before the 2nd proficiency exam, as I wasnt able to attend the review classes), I got the bonus question in Algebra. Finally clinched it and am now accepted for the MS Finance program. Thank you ever ever so much! :-D

  22. Hello sir!your blog is really helpful. Much thanks for the encouraging words. I went to UP a while a go. Got my exam permit. Can u give me your reviewer for gpat? Last question, will the gmat books in nbs might help? Thanks. [email protected]

    1. Yes. GMAT books will help. You can grab the reviewers I used when you subscribe to my blog. You will be redirected to the downloads page. Good luck kim! Update me the results of your exam

  23. Hi RM,

    I was browsing and reading re MBAs and found your site very helpful. Would much appreciate if you can share a copy of your GPAT reviewers. I am planning to take it next year. Hopefully I will be able to pass the GPAT exams :)

    Thank you in advance!
    Cat

    1. Sure! Subscribe on my blog and you will be redirected to a page where you can download the reviewers I used. Good luck Cat! I hope you can update me on your GPAT results. Message me if you still need help.

    1. Sure! Thanks for the compliment. As for the reviewer, just subscribe to my blog and you will be redirected to the downloads page. Goodluck! Message me on facebook if you still need help

  24. Hi Rm!

    I am planning to take my MBA in UP next year. Could you please provide me copy of your reviewers?

    Thank you very much! :)

    – Jazz

  25. Hi Sir,

    I’m pretty interested with your reviewer. I aspire to take the exam and hopefully will pass it.
    Right now, I have the application form / starter kit for the UP-MBA, but still I am undecided f I am gonna push through this or not. Yet I want to gauge my knowledge if I could still handle this type of examination. I hope I could also get a cop of your reviewer. Thanks.

  26. Hi Sir RM,

    Good day, I’m an ECE graduate with no undergraduate background on Bus.Ad…
    Aside from GPAT, what else do I need to be qualified in an MBA course? Thanks.

  27. Hi RM,

    g
    Good day sir.

    I will take the GPAT exam next year, can you please send me some copy of your reviewer? I really appreciate it. I will follow you on facebook and psot your blog updates in my linkedin. Thanks.

  28. And now, I am still reviewing the basics for GPAT. Thank you for the wonderful insights Sir RM! Your tips and advices helped me to study better. And now, I have enough confidence that I can make it to a clear cut of admitted applciants for MBA Part-Time program! :D

  29. This blog is very helpful for individuals like me who’s aspiring to have MBA. Thank you for all the information you shared sir RM.

  30. HI po. I am going to take GPAT Exams in UP Cebu this March. Can I have some of you reviewers. Thanks for the help. I will really appreciate it. Thanks.

  31. Hi, Sir RM. It’s so nice of you to share your experience in MBA. I’m taking the GPAT next month. Would highly appreciate if you can share your reviewer. Thanks a lot!

  32. Hi Sir RM…, Im planning to take the exam and would like to request for a copy of the GPAT reviewer.
    Glad that you do have a page like this to help those who are interested in taking up MBA. :)

  33. Hi Sir, good day! I saw your post last year & read about it. I took the GPAT & Proficiency exam last 2012-2013 but failed in Algebra, Stat & Calculus. I had not retaken the exam again since then. I was going to try again last year but got assigned to an out-of-the country training. I’m trying my luck again this year. I have downloaded your reviewer, thanks a lot! I was wondering if you have reviewer for the 3 subjects I failed in proficiency exam? Thanks in advance!

      1. ROWENA D BAUTISTA

        Hi Sir

        I see, no worries, need to pass my GPAT (again) then. But I think they have the workshop for the proficiency exam so that will be covered later. Thanks again! Wish me luck on Sunday! #1ofthemanyhopefuls

    1. Hi Wena, Were you allowed to re-take the failed subjects in proficiency exams in 2016 after passing the GPAT in 2012-2013? or started all over again from GPAT? Thanks

  34. Hello Sir RM,
    salamat po sa kopya ng GPAT reviewers niyo sana po makapasa din ako kagaya nyo. :) God bless po!

  35. Dean Allysa Marquez

    Thank you Sir RM for the GPAT reviewer you sent me. I hope I’ll pass the exam and for sure it’ll be a great help because I’m so anxious about the upcoming exam hehe. God bless and more power !!!!

  36. Hi I’m taking the GPAT this April. It’s been years since I’ve taken any admission test. May I have copies of some of you reviewers. Thanks so much.

  37. Was doing research on UP MBA and GPAT when I saw your blog. Your articles are really helpful. Thank you so much for this! Did message you on facebook already as I read the comments here. Best of luck with your blog and pages!

  38. Hi! I have my COE and the Job Description can be downloaded from the company’s intranet. Our HR is insisting that I download it from the intranet. Are they strict with the COE with duties and responsibilities? I just want to know your insights. I’m still planning to ask them within the week.

  39. Hi RM,

    Has there been any increase on the tution fee for 2016-2017?

    Also, is it the same as the UP MBA at BGC?

    Thanks!

  40. Hi RM,

    Have read your blog. Its been 19 years off college, and I am not sure if I can still remember the basics.
    I assume your review materials would be very helpful to refresh my memory on the basics. I would appreciate if you can share some of your review materials?? I have about 5-6 days to review, since I learned of the deadline for application only last week.

    Thank you.

  41. Hi RM,

    I’m a fresh grad with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. And I’m planning to pursue MBA in the near future. I stumbled on your site while I was doing an intense research for the GPAT exams. In line with that, I humbly ask for a copy of your reviewer.

    Thank you.

  42. Hi RM Nisperos!

    Nice blog! I’m hoping to get mine too to give effort in building my branding. Plus, writing is one of the things I’m passionate about. :)

    I have read your tips here and I’m looking forward to applying it once I take the exam. Being a UP student is really a big dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Will you mind sending me the resources you used to prepare for this exam? Any other tips and info on fees will be much appreciated. You can send it to [email protected]

    Thank you so much!

    1. Hi Ann. Message me on my Facebook page if you want me to help you build your branding. Anyway, you can download my reviewers on the bookstore page of this blog.

  43. Leslie Carol Laguisma

    Hi RM,

    Very nice! I accidentally browsed your blog and I’m wondering if you could also give me a copy of your reviewer? Please, thank you.!

  44. Hi Sir. I’ve just decided to take the GPAT this coming 28th of January 2017.
    I would like to seek for your advice how am I going to catch up the reviewers I need to read.
    Would you mind giving me what are the things I need to do, I will follow your instructions.

    If possible, can I ask for a copy of your reviewer?

    I hope you can help me with this and you can reply ASAP

  45. Hi Sir RM,

    Good day!

    I have seen your responses above. You’ve been really helpful with everyone. I’m glad to find your blog, and I hope to get an answer to my query too.

    I found out online that the submission of all requirements this year is on Feb 18, and GPAT on Feb 26. I believe I could still make it to the deadline, but I plan to submit and take the exam in April. I feel the urge to prepare as I’m not as bright as other UP MBA takers, especially in algebra/stat. I just downloaded your free reviewer. Thank you very much for that. Are they still accepting applicants in April 2017? What particular months in a year do they conduct the admission? Thanks again!

    1. It’s for MBA applicants and it required job experience of at least 2 years. please refer to the UP MBA application page in University of the Philippines Diliman

  46. Angelique J. Jaen

    Hi, Can i have a copy of GMAT reviewer too? I am planning to take MBA next year after my MSCM this year. Thank you and God bless

  47. Hi Sir,

    I was your student and now I’m thinking of taking MBA and have been reading your blog. When I check on how to apply for MBA in UP, they no longer use GPAT. Options are NMAT, GRE, or GMAT. Sorry to trouble you but which of the 3 you suggest taking? Thank you very much,

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