ALL ROADS LEAD TO ESPAÑA: What makes students want to study at UST?

The historic arch of centuries, the life-sized tiger statue, and even the rain in España— these are just some of the iconic symbols of The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas (UST), Asia’s oldest university. 

This year, over 46,700 applicants took the UST Entrance Test or USTET according to The Varsitarian. Each one of them has a different reason and backstory for becoming a Thomasian hopeful. However, on the last day of the exam, the final batch entered the campus’ tall gates, set foot on holy ground, and poured all they had into pen and paper for a chance to get accepted. 

Right after the morning schedule of the USTET, Lauren, a student from Marikina Science High School, spent her afternoon by the benches, patiently preparing to congratulate her special someone after the afternoon session is through. 

“I saw that other students had prepared bouquets for their friends and significant others. I’m not that knowledgeable on where to buy flowers here in Manila, so I drew my boyfriend a tiger and bouquet on my tablet instead,” she said. 

“Big 4” bucket list 

Despite coming from the STEM strand, Lauren hopes to get in the AB English Language Studies program. Meanwhile, her boyfriend, Kent, is aiming for BS Computer Science. The two are also campus journalists, with Lauren in TV Broadcasting  and Kent in Radio Broadcasting respectively. 

When asked why she applied to UST, aside from parental advice and academic pressure, she also highlighted the prestige that comes with being in one of the Big 4 Universities in the Philippines, which also includes the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University. She also added that the USTET was the hardest to take out of all four, not because of the content, but rather due to the time pressure. 

“Of course, I don’t want to feel FOMO [Fear Of Missing Out]. It’s a huge thing to be able to say that you applied to and got into the Big 4, which UST is a part of. It’s a big “what if” moment if you don’t apply here. 

Dream course, dream school

Aside from couples, friendships also found their way into the university; buying tiger merch, lining up for the famous Mang Tomas sorbetes, and sitting by the fountain benches. 

USTET taker Vincent came to campus with his two friends, Jarred and Xyday. The former didn’t take the test but went to show his support, while the latter— described by his friends as a ‘math genius’— applied to the BS Computer Science program. 

For students like Vincent whose first choice program is BS Architecture, UST truly is the dream. According to him, he’s always been artistic, even as a kid. 

The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is one of the most popular degree offerings in the university, and for good reasons too. The college has produced esteemed National Artists and industry leaders, including Leandro Locsin (who designed the Cultural Center of the Philippines), Juan Nakpil (a pioneer in Philippine architecture), and Ildefonso Santos Jr. (the Father of Philippine Landscape Architecture). 

More than just its high standards and great reputation, it’s also quite easy to fall in love with the idea of studying architecture in a university full of rich history, design, and a feast for your eyes in every corner. It’s almost as if its romantic structures are left untouched by time and detached from the blocky, rigid skyrises of modern Manila. 

Plus, who doesn’t love the wide open field and abundance of trees? Whether it’s Paskuhan season or just a regular class day, the beauty of UST’s campus truly is a valid reason for applying.

Twice the prayers 

Aside from fellow hopefuls and friends, UST was also filled with families from near and far who went all out for their loved ones. 

According to the mother of twins Veronica and Monica, who are vying for spots in the UST Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy and College of Tourism and Hospitality Management respectively, the family traveled two hours from San Mateo to accompany the girls. Aside from reviewing, prayers were of course also part of their college entrance exam ritual. 

“We prayed to our patron saint, Saint Claire of Assisi, in Katipunan. We let them [the twins] apply to a lot of schools… UST, UP, PUP, FEU… and we hope that they will pass all of them so they can choose where they want to go,” she said. 

See you at the Arch of Centuries

Founded in 1611, UST has seen the Philippines evolve with the seasons, and the same can be said vice versa. 451 years later, many things have changed with the school’s policies, culture, and environment. However, one thing stays the same: many young Filipinos continue to dream of not only a shot at Thomasian education, but also one day being part of the community that cheers “Go USTE!” every UAAP and takes the ever-fulfilling road to QPav in their final year of college.

So, dear USTET taker, whether you’ll pass through España, Dapitan, Noval, or Lacson— the university is excited to roar along with you as we welcome you home, future tiger!