MSA Academic Advancement Institute

MSA Academic Advancement Institute is a Quezon City-based test-preparation institute founded in 1988 by educator Merle S. Alferez. Based in Loyola Heights along Katipunan Avenue, MSA offers a wide range of programs beyond its flagship college-entrance-exam reviews, including preparation for the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) required for admission to Philippine medical schools. Its official NMAT program is offered in two formats, a Saturday classroom class and a one-on-one tutorial approach, alongside a separate online NMAT practice test product. The 2026 classroom batch runs from August 8 to October 17, meeting Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. MSA prices its NMAT review between 25,000 and 45,000 pesos depending on the format chosen, according to its official program listing. Beyond NMAT, MSA also reviews for other college and graduate entrance tests and civil-service-related exams. The institute has operated for decades and is commonly cited among established NMAT reviewers in Metro Manila, though independently verified passing-rate figures are not published.