By Niña Christelle Sumintac, STRATCOM Correspondent

A total of 19,898 aspiring students have applied for the 2025 Mariano Marcos State University College Admission Test (MCAT), the entrance exam for incoming first-year students for the academic year 2025-2026.
According to the University Registrar, the number of MCAT applicants this year is higher than the 15,110 recorded in 2024.

To make the admission process more accessible, MMSU has collaborated with local government units and national high schools in Ilocos Norte and nearby provinces to serve as testing centers from February 22 to April 28. 

In addition to the MMSU campuses in Laoag and Dingras, exams have been held in various municipalities, including Adams, Pagudpud, Bangui, Dumalneg, Burgos, Pasuquin, Piddig, Carasi, Solsona, Pinili, Badoc, Paoay, Currimao, Marcos, Banna, Nueva Era, and Sarrat. The MCAT will also be administered in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, on April 26, and Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, on April 27.

MCAT Chair Rosabel Acosta emphasized that the multiple exam venues, as in the previous years, aim to bring the admission process closer to students, especially with the expected number of takers.
“The number of applicants for the MCAT 2025 reflects the desire and eagerness of many students and parents to become part of the university’s mission of developing virtuous human capital in today’s knowledge-driven global economy,” Dr. Acosta noted.

The entrance test is a two-and-a-half-hour scholastic aptitude exam, assessing students across four core areas: English Proficiency (50 items), Science Proficiency (40 items), Mathematical Proficiency (20 items), and Analytical Ability (20 items).

The implementation of MCAT 2025 is spearheaded by Dr. Acosta, together with Chief of Admissions Anjeannette Alain Galang, University Registrar Henedine Aguinaldo, Chief of Scholarship and Financial Assistance Jahnese Asuncion, and a dedicated team of test constructors, examiners, proctors, information technology officers, a secretariat, and the technical working group.