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Sarah sparks a trend

LAST YEAR, Sharon Cuneta made headlines when she enrolled at the University of the Philippines Open University to pursue an Associate in Arts degree. She seems to have sparked a trend, as a host of other stars—

namely Aldred Gatchalian of Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition, Jackie Lou Blanco, Rachelle Ann Go and Sarah Geronimo—have expressed interest in enrolling there as well.

When we caught up with Sarah at a party organised by the production staff of Little Big Superstar in honour of her high school graduation (she had just completed the Angelicum College home study program), she explained her reasons for wanting to pursue higher education at the Open University.

“At first, I thought about enrolling in the UST Conservatory of Music,” she said. “But after discussing it with my parents, I realized that I might not be able to handle it, what with my schedule and all. That’s why we’re looking at the Open University.”

The Open University is a distance learning program offered by UP to those who don’t have the time to attend regular classes. As such, all classes are conducted online, and assignments are submitted via e-mail. That makes it perfect for those who have busy schedules like Sarah’s.

As for the Associate in Arts degree, the official website of the Open University describes it as follows: “The Associate in Arts (AA) programme is a 60-unit liberal arts program at the undergraduate level. It qualifies individuals to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, whether in the sciences or the arts.”

After completing 60 units, students have the option to pursue a Bachelor’s degree through a special ladderized programme. But before one is admitted to the Open University, one must first pass the Undergraduate Assessment Test (UGAT).