Rising to Rank 1: The Journey of Engr. Jonathan Conrad Yu, November 2025 CELE Topnotcher
When the results of the November 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination were released, one name stood above all - Engr. Jonathan Conrad G. Yu, the Top 1 Placer, embodying not just brilliance, but discipline, humility, and a quiet consistency that defined his path. At 24 years old, Jonathan Yu’s story reflects both talent and grounded determination. A graduate of the University of San Carlos, he grew up sharpening his analytical mind through math competitions and even cultivated the quirky ability to solve a Rubik’s cube in 15 seconds. Outside academics, he enjoys basketball, food trips, and listening to BINI - a reminder that topnotchers are very much human, too.
ENGR. JONATHAN CONRAD G. YU
1ST PLACE, NOVEMBER 2025 CIVIL ENGINEER LICENSURE EXAM
UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS
When the results of the November 2025 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination were released, one name stood above all—Engr. Jonathan Conrad G. Yu, the Top 1 Placer, embodying not just brilliance, but discipline, humility, and a quiet consistency that defined his path.
Personal Journey
A Mind Built for Problem-Solving
At 24 years old, Jonathan Yu’s story reflects both talent and grounded determination. A graduate of the University of San Carlos, he grew up sharpening his analytical mind through math competitions and even cultivated the quirky ability to solve a Rubik’s cube in 15 seconds.
Outside academics, he enjoys basketball, food trips, and listening to BINI—a reminder that topnotchers are very much human, too.
When Preparation Became Purpose
Jonathan began preparing for the board exam in January 2025, though he admits it wasn’t consistent at first due to filing requirements. It was only around April to May that he locked in with full focus—proof that starting late doesn’t matter as long as commitment follows.
Study Habits and Strategies
Consistency Over Perfection
Jonathan tried crafting a rigorous study schedule—but like many reviewees, he struggled to follow it. Instead, he turned to a more flexible but disciplined approach:
Answer something every day, no matter how heavy or light.
Take breaks when needed to avoid burnout.
Master materials through repetition, using sets from Megareview and CE Reference Books.
For difficult topics, Jonathan slowed down, went back to the concepts, and answered as many problems as needed until mastery felt natural.
Mindset and Challenges
Staying Calm Under Pressure
What kept him motivated wasn’t external expectations - it was the internal satisfaction of solving problems. While many reviewees crumble under pressure from others, Jonathan embraced a mindset of calmness and humility.
Even when the September CELE was postponed, which caused him to lose momentum and study minimally for over a month, he picked himself back up. As the exam approached, discipline—not motivation—pulled him forward.
Advice to Future Takers
Engr. Jonathan’s Top 3 Review Tips
Solve at least 100+ problems a day.
Mastery comes from exposure and repetition.Find a healthy escape from review stress.
For Engr. Jonathan, it was basketball and online games.Limit distractions - especially your phone.
Use timers, block apps, or hide your phone entirely.
A Message to His Past Self
He would tell his old self:
“Play a bit less Dota games and stop using your phone haha.”
On Mindset
“Stay disciplined and keep learning. You can learn something from anywhere—don’t stop.”
His Final Message to Future Civil Engineers
Jonathan’s success is rooted not only in skill—but in faith.
“Trust in the Lord and remain faithful. He will guide you throughout the journey. Put in the work and remain humble.”