241 UP students to graduate summa cum laude

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 241 students of the University of the Philippines Diliman will graduate summa cum laude during the 114th General Commencement Exercises at the UP amphitheater tomorrow.

Summa cum laude is an academic distinction given to a student who earned a weighted average grade (WAG) of 1.20 or better.

The UP said 1,143 students will graduate magna cum laude and 985 students will graduate cum laude.

A magna cum laude distinction is for those with a WAG of 1.45 or higher while a cum laude is for those with a WAG of 1.75 or higher.

At least 5,000 students from UP Diliman will graduate this year.

Last year, 286 graduated summa cum laude, 1,109 as magna cum laude and 788 as cum laude.

Meanwhile, the university’s Media and Public Relations Office yesterday issued tips for the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT) set for Aug. 2 to 3.

It advised examinees to study for the exam, adding that the UPCAT covers four subject areas: science, mathematics and language proficiency as well as reading comprehension in both English and Filipino.

Test permits, it added, should be printed on a short or letter-sized paper.

“Ensure that all details, including your photo, are clear and readable,” UP said on Facebook, adding that students should not send the test permit file or screenshots to anyone.

“Do not tamper with your test permit in any way or put any unnecessary marks. Read and understand the instructions stated in the test permit once you receive it,” UP added.

Aside from reviewing for the exams, the university also encouraged applicants to maintain their wellbeing.

“Be healthy on the day of the exam as it cannot be rescheduled. Avoid activities that will increase your risk of getting sick. Eat and hydrate well. Get enough sleep before your exam day. It is important that you are mentally and physically well enough to take the exam. In the interest of public health, it is strongly encouraged to wear face masks at all times,” the post reads.

For 2025, 17,996 or 13 percent of the 135,236 applicants passed the UPCAT.