Be cautious with low cutoff scores.

GD&TĐ - After the Ministry of Education and Training announced the results of the 2025 high school graduation exam, many universities have projected and announced their minimum admission scores.

Compared to 2024, the minimum admission scores at many universities tend to decrease. Besides the desire to broaden the pool of applicants, this year universities are setting lower minimum scores due to a decrease in the average scores of many subjects in the high school graduation exam. The average score for Mathematics decreased by 1.67; English by 0.03; Literature by 0.23; Chemistry by 0.66… compared to 2024, significantly impacting traditional admission combinations such as A00, A01, B00, D01...

To date, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance has lowered its minimum admission score based on high school graduation exam results compared to 2024 by 1-4 points, depending on the training program. The Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade also announced that it accepts applications from 16 points, applicable to all majors and programs; a decrease of 2-4 points compared to the previous year. The University of Finance and Marketing sets its minimum admission score at 15 points based on high school graduation exam results, a decrease of 1-4 points compared to 2024.

Following the news of low cutoff scores, many candidates with scores close to the cutoff were quite happy, saying they might apply to popular majors and top universities. Some even decided to finalize their applications with scores only 1-2 points or higher than the cutoff. Experts warn that this situation is quite dangerous, as candidates may become complacent and confuse the cutoff score with the actual cutoff score.

In reality, the minimum admission score (also known as the entry-level score) is the lowest score a candidate is allowed to register for admission to a particular major or school; it is not the cut-off score. The cut-off score for admission may be equal to or higher than the minimum admission score, depending on the quota, the number of applicants, and the distribution of scores.

Over the years, besides universities (usually private or local schools) with admission scores close to or equal to the minimum threshold, mid-tier and top-tier universities, despite setting relatively low minimum thresholds, have high admission scores, sometimes even 5-10 points higher. Many candidates have missed the opportunity to be admitted to their desired majors due to confusion between these two types of scores.

To avoid falling into the "trap" of the minimum admission score, candidates should refer to the difference between the minimum admission score and the previous year's cutoff score, and research this year's enrollment quota for the chosen major before registering their preferences. If a candidate's exam score is lower than or equal to the previous year's cutoff score for the major at their desired school, they should carefully consider their options, even if the cutoff scores for traditional subject combinations are predicted to decrease this year.

However, candidates shouldn't be too stressed, because with the new admission regulations, this year all methods must be considered simultaneously, with equivalent admission scores, so the chances of being admitted through the high school graduation exam score method will be higher than in 2024.

It is crucial that before applying for admission, candidates carefully review the admission information of each school, paying attention to the minimum admission scores, proof of bonus points, conversion points, principles of equivalent conversion, and arranging their preferences scientifically . These are the right steps for candidates to optimize their chances of admission, rather than celebrating prematurely when the minimum admission score is low.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/can-trong-voi-diem-san-thap-post740349.html