Ateneo Junior Summer Seminar

This summer will be a great one for Emma Rose Guanco, a 3rd Year ISAer. She is one of the 70 ‘best minds’ of selected high school nationwide to join the exhilarating and fun-filled Ateneo Junior Summer Seminar (AJSS) at Ateneo de Manila University this April.

Initially, top five juniors of every chosen schools in the Philippines have to submit their credentials and take a test very similar to, or even tougher than, the Ateneo entrance test, since, aside from a seat in the seminar is at stake, those selected are eventually assured of a slot at Ateneo after graduating from high school.

To be able to join the rewarding seminar is not easy. According to Emma, she never expected to get in the seminar because the test given was very hard. For instance, they were made to answer 30 abstract math questions in five minutes. The results came out last February and she didn’t bother to check because she thought she wouldn’t make it.

Emma looks forward to this upcoming event and has great expectations about the seminar. She is sure that she’ll be learning a lot, at the same time, enjoy her summer vacation with smart young minds as well.

The AJSS selection process was a tough one. “I could clearly remember that moment. There was so much pressure. The furious rubbing of erasers and pencils were audible.” Emma said when asked how she feels of the exam.  “It is a really good opportunity to expose oneself with intelligent and smart people, each having his field of expertise. It would be like studying in Ateneo for 6 weeks.” Emma added. Aside from short courses in Math, English, Psychology, Physics, and Philosophy, the seminar will highlight events like Sports Fest, Field Trips, Alumni Night, and IT Camp