DCAT Coverage: Topics and Exam Format

The De La Salle College Admission Test (DCAT) is the undergraduate admission exam used by De La Salle University for many freshman applicants. What sets it apart from other college entrance tests is a dedicated, sizeable Statistics section.

Where this coverage comes from: Coverage is compiled from De La Salle's published admissions information and reports from past DCAT takers (student discussions on Reddit and Facebook groups). Most DCAT topic lists come from student reports, so treat them as a strong baseline rather than an official syllabus.

Exam Format at a Glance

Section	Emphasis
Mental Ability	Broad: vocabulary, logic puzzles, analogy
Reading Comprehension	Academic English (EAPP) and research
Mathematics	Algebra-centered, no trigonometry
Statistics	Dedicated, sizeable portion
Science	Lighter than the other sections

Mental Ability

This section can include questions about almost anything.

• Vocabulary
• Analogy
• Math-like logic puzzles, for example tracking which person holds which cards across several people

Reading Comprehension

• EAPP (English for Academic and Professional Purposes): formality of academic writing, hedging, citation, and rhetorical patterns
• Research: questions about the parts of a research paper

Mathematics

Algebra-centered, with no trigonometry.

Algebra

• Factoring
• Dividing
• Simplifying expressions
• Linear inequalities
• Rational and quadratic equations
• Systems of nonlinear equations

Other Math Topics

• Logarithms
• Business math (interest, annuity)
• Triangle similarities
• Geometry with a logic-heavy slant
• One item on identifying types of proof (direct proof, proof by induction, etc.)

Statistics

DCAT dedicates a portion of the exam to statistics alone.

• Z-scores
• Effect on the mean when a value increases
• Pearson correlation
• Probability distributions (Poisson, hypergeometric, binomial, and others)
• Descriptive statistics
• Type I and Type II errors
• Null and alternative hypotheses
• Linear regression

Science

Lighter than other sections (student-reported).

• Earthquakes
• Force
• Kinetic energy
• Autotrophs
• Biotic and abiotic factors
• Rock cycle
• A few chemistry questions: balancing equations and grams of compounds (student-reported: about two items)

How to Use This Coverage

• Prioritize Statistics and Algebra. They carry the most weight.
• Practice under time. Students often miss points on speed and concentration, not knowledge.
• Keep an error log. Record the topic, why you missed it, and the correct concept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there trigonometry on the DCAT?

No. DCAT Math is algebra-centered and reported to have no trigonometry. It does include logarithms, business math (interest and annuity), triangle similarities, and logic-heavy geometry.

Why is DCAT Statistics important?

It is a dedicated, sizeable portion of the exam, which sets the DCAT apart from other college entrance tests. Reported topics include z-scores, Pearson correlation, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, Type I and Type II errors, and linear regression.

What is EAPP on the DCAT?

EAPP stands for English for Academic and Professional Purposes. In DCAT Reading Comprehension it covers the formality of academic writing, hedging, citation, and rhetorical patterns, plus questions on the parts of a research paper.

Is DCAT Science hard?

Students report that Science is lighter than the other sections. Reported topics include earthquakes, force, kinetic energy, the rock cycle, and a few chemistry items.

Is the DCAT topic list official?

No. Most DCAT topic lists come from student reports, so treat them as a strong baseline rather than an official syllabus.

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