Ready ka na ba for college? Getting those applications rolling is the first step in getting into your dream school. While different schools have different application processes, mayroong mga common requirements that you will need when applying for any college.
Preparation is half the battle. We know that applying for college can be overwhelming. To get you started, here are four documents you should prepare for your application:
Qualifications
- Must be a graduating grade 12 student
- Must have qualifying marks in the college entrance exam (if any)
Requirements
Academic Records
Academic records are documents that show your grades throughout high school and senior high school. These include report cards (Form 138) and transcript of records (Form 137). Schools may request either one or both of these documents.
Aside from being proof of your secondary education, they serve as a way for the school to see whether or not you will be able to keep up with your academic performance in college. Mahalaga rin ang mga academic records if you’re applying for a scholarship!
Where to get: Registrar
How much: Fee varies per document and per school
Certificate of Good Moral Character
Your grades show your academic performance in numbers, while a certificate of good moral speaks of your character. Schools have rules and regulations students must follow. Some of which includes rules about academic honesty, bullying, attendance, and more. This document shows your disciplinary record throughout your time in high school.
Where to get: Discipline Office, Guidance Office
How much: Fee varies per school
Letters of Recommendation
Another document that can vouch for your character is a recommendation letter. Isa itong dokumento para mas makilala ka pa ng college o university na gusto mong pasukan. Recommendation letters often include a teacher’s personal assessment of a student, and the reasons why you are a good candidate for the college you’re applying to. Think of it as someone ‘putting in a good word for you’.
Take note that colleges may or may not have a preferred format for the letter. Either way, it’s best to get a recommendation letter from a teacher who knows you well!
Where to get: You can request a letter of recommendation from the Principal’s Office or Guidance Office. You can also ask directly from a teacher of your choice.
How much: Free, but ask nicely!
PSA/NSO Birth Certificate
A birth certificate is an important document, because it’s a valid proof of identity. It indicates your basic details such as name, age, citizenship, and status. It’s a way for the school to verify the personal information you put on your application form. In other words, schools use this to make sure that you are who you say you are!
Where to get: PSA Serbilis Website, PSA Helpline
How much: Php 365.00
Some schools might request for your Senior High School Diploma and your ID pictures, so it’s good to have these ready too. It’s best to prepare the original and photocopies of all the requirements.
Remember that colleges have a limited number of slots for new students every year. Since these documents are important factors in making that decision, it’s never too early to keep a good track record on your grades and character. The earlier, the better!
Sa pagpasok mo nang college, kasama mo ang Bukas. Start building your future today by applying for a Bukas student loan in your dream school. We can cover up to 100% of your tuition and other school fees while you pay us back in low monthly installments. Mapa college, grad school, short course o study abroad pa ‘yan, kasama mo kami!
Learn more about Bukas and how we make education affordable for thousands of Filipino students like you. Apply for a Bukas student loan in your upcoming enrollment, and join our growing community for more tips and advice about all things student life. A brighter future awaits. Sa'yo ang Bukas!
Written by: Bea Salcedo
