PEAK Excellence Review Center Two Topnotchers Hailed from New Review Program for Psychometricians

By Sam D. Garcia, RN

PEAK Excellence Review Center has become the benchmark of many review centers in Cagayan de Oro City. With their sweeping victories for the many review programs they administer, it did not come as a surprise that two topnotchers were hailed from their first batch of 33 hopefuls for the Psychometrician Licensure Exam.

The Psychometrician Licensure Exam was conducted on July 21 and 22, 2015 in Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao and Legazpi. Results were released in seven working days after the last day of examination—with two topnotchers from PEAK Excellence Review Center getting the credit they deserved.

The two topnotchers are Mr. James Patrick S. Divinagracia (Top 6 – 83%) and Ms. Sheena Christy S. Bautista (Top 9 – 82.40%). Both of them come from Xavier University (XU) and have different stories to tell about their journey to victory.

Mr. James Patrick S. Divinagracia, a consistent honor student since high school and a recipient of a full entrance exam scholarship for B.S. Psychology in XU, is no stranger to academic achievement. While he has attained merits, including an Honorable Mention award upon graduation, he admitted that his most recent feat was not something he expected. He suffered from an internal battle throughout his review as he tried to overcome habits of procrastination. “I think what really worked, aside from the preparations, was praying,” says Divinagracia in an interview.

Nevertheless, Mr. Divinagracia claims that PEAK Review Center is an instrument in his journey to become a topnotcher. Despite his struggle to overcome the things that kept him back, he says that the review center has framed his expectations by making him see what’s essential. He says, “The exam drills and intervention programs helped us prepare for the board exam. The references of the practice exams were accurate, targeting the topics that were expected to come out during the real board exam. And of course, the spiritual preparation facilitated by PEAK gave us the confidence we needed.”

Mr. Divinagracia sees himself working in a testing center or clinic where he’s sure that he can put into practice the profession he just obtained. He deems being a topnotcher as a challenge because there might be unrealistic expectations coming from the people around him. The young professional still hopes for the best, especially that he also wants to advocate the LGBT community—something that is integral to his person and success.

Ms. Sheena Christy S. Bautista also has her story to share about excellence. An altogether academically-inclined woman, Ms. Bautista graduated cum laude in B.S. Psychology of Xavier University. She was a consistent dean’s lister and also a recipient of a full academic scholarship. When asked about the challenges she encountered during the review, she confided that she’s worked at the 11th hour. “It wasn’t until one month left before the exam that I finally decided that if I wanted to pass and top the board exam, I had to change my attitude and habits. So with hard work, determination, God’s guidance and the help of my family, friends and PEAK Excellence Review Center, I was able to surpass all those challenges.”

Hopeful for the future and armed with the reputation of a topnotcher, she says that her recent achievement won’t mean anything unless she can contribute positively to society. She intends to use her gifts and abilities in a job where she can serve others. Finishing a Master’s Degree in Psychology is also one of Ms. Bautista’s long-term plans.

Like Mr. Divinagracia, Ms. Bautista is convinced that PEAK Review Center has become the ideal training ground before taking the licensure exam. “PEAK has helped us prepare for the examination not only through lectures and practice examinations. PEAK has a way in inspiring its reviewees to not only focus on studying but also to have the right attitude towards the board exam—to aim high, to believe in one’s capabilities, and to never forget the importance of prayer throughout the journey,” she says.

Lastly, Ms. Bautista has three tips for future takers: start reading early, believe in yourself, and pray. With these, she says that there’s more chances for a reviewee to succeed.

The major components of the Psychometrician Licensure Exam include Theories of Personality, Psychological Assessment, Abnormal Psychology and Industrial Psychology. PEAK Excellence Review Center invites all aspirants to enroll at their main office at 3^rd Floor GJL Bldg., Julio Pacana St., Cagayan de Oro City for the next season. With other branches located in Butuan, Surigao, Malaybalay, Valencia, Ozamiz, Pagadian and Tacloban City.