The Brutal Reality of a ‘Poor’ Board Exam Taker

What is the reality for ‘poor’ board exam takers? It isn’t good.

Let’s face it: Hindi lahat mayaman. Not everyone comes from a wealthy family or privileged background.

Some takers can take and retake the board exams without worrying about lost opportunities or drained funds.

If that isn’t you, these are the realities you face.

The 8 Brutal Realities of being a ‘Poor’ Board Exam Taker

1. One chance, last chance.
2. You have a strict budget.
3. Your diet will suffer.
4. You should be resourceful.
5. You cannot afford to get sick.
6. You will feel the sting of envy.
7. You will watch others enjoy life.
8. You don’t have the luxury of a safety net.

Brutal Reality 1: One chance, last chance.

You one have on real shot. Your first take is already your final chance to fully prepare.

When you blow your chance, that’s it. You will be forced to work on the next term. Kailangan mo na magbanat ng buto after.

When you work, your time to prepare gets halved.

Brutal Reality 2: You have a strict budget.

You will spend your parents’ hard-earned money.

They saved it up. They even loaned it.

You will have to stretch every peso just to make ends meet.

Brutal Reality 3: Your diet will suffer.

You will often settle for whatever fills your stomach. (Ex. Pancit Canton + Rice).

Fills the stomach? Yes.

Nutritious? No.

Brutal Reality 4: You simply cannot afford to get sick.

Getting sick means added expenses and lost time. Keep yourself healthy, always.

Brutal Reality 5: You will feel the sting of envy.

Some classmates will have the latest gadgets. They can afford to upgrade every time a new model comes out.

You are stuck with your old calculator with deep scratches and faded buttons.

Brutal Reality 6: You will have to be resourceful.

You’ll borrow old reviewers, buy secondhand items, and share notes with friends.

The board exam isn’t about who spends more or has more; it’s about who gets prepared and ready. This cannot be bought.

You have a chance to pass.

Brutal Reality 7: You will watch others enjoy life.

You have to delay gratification while preparing for the toughest exam of your life.

Brutal Reality 8: You don’t have the luxury of a safety net.

You only have one shot. So you have to make it count!

I’m rooting for you to win.

Passing the board exam isn’t about who spends the most, people fail due to lack of effort.

Ultimately, it comes down to how prepared you are when the board exam comes.

The license is earned, not bought.

Effort matters. Effort cannot be bought. Effort is the equalizer.

I hope this motivates you despite the situation.

I’m rooting for your success.

-Engr. Rucel Britanico Virata, Author – Outsmart the Board Exam