Jonathan Conrad Yu is the lone Cebuano topnotcher in the November Civil Engineering Board Examinations. A proud product of Philippine Christian Gospel School for Junior High School and the University of San Carlos for senior high to college, Jonathan shared in an interview how he felt during the release of the results, his preparation journey, the people he dedicates this milestone to, and the insights he hopes to pass on to future examinees.
For most test-takers, waiting for the Civil Engineering licensure exam results is an anxiety-filled cycle of refreshing a webpage. But for Jonathan, who not only passed but claimed the top spot with an outstanding 91.75% rating, the moment felt almost unreal.
He wasn’t expecting to top—not even close. As the results dropped, he was simply scanning the list of passers, hoping to find his name.
“When I saw that I passed, I felt relieved and grateful,” he recalls. “When I realized I was among the topnotchers, I couldn’t believe it. Seeing my name up there felt so unreal.”
Despite the impressive score, Jonathan’s formula for success was simple: consistency and balance. Instead of cramming, he made daily problem-solving a non-negotiable habit.
“I made sure to answer problems every day. Some days I answered fewer, but as long as my brain was exercising, that was enough,” he shares.
For him, discipline and rest were equally important. “I had to put in the work, but I also made sure not to overwork myself so I could stay efficient.”
And if there’s one question people always ask whenever USC dominates the board exams, “Unsa may ginakaon sa mga estudyante sa USC nga pirmi man sila ma-top?”, Jonathan finally gave an answer.
“Ang akong mga kinaon kay Burp Burger og Iced Milo,” he laughs. These, plus occasional pancit canton, powered him through college—though he quickly tells future engineers to “eat healthy.”
It’s a light-hearted glimpse into a student who achieved extraordinary results while living the same everyday struggles as everyone else.
Behind the humor, Jonathan’s words are grounded in gratitude. He credits his achievement to his faith and the people who stood by him.
“I dedicate this to God, to my family, and to my friends. God has blessed me all my life and never left my side.”
He honors his parents and sisters for their constant support, his friends for making the journey lighter, and his teachers for shaping him into the engineer he is today.
Now that he’s set the bar high for USC and the region, Jonathan leaves aspiring civil engineers with advice rooted in honesty and hard work.
“Trust in the Lord and in the work you’re doing. As long as you’re honest with yourself and diligent in putting in the work, everything will fall into place.”
