Choose a combination, choose a long route.

After many localities announced the exam results and admission scores for 10th grade, students and parents are now entering another equally important "exam": choosing their subject combinations. This decision is not only linked to the three years of high school but also directly affects their chances of university admission, studying abroad, and future career orientation.

Parents and students participate in a career guidance session at Chu Van An High School for the Gifted ( Hanoi ). Photo: Phuong Lan

Choose wisely starting from grade 10.

Before the joy of being accepted into 10th grade could even subside, many families began to face new concerns: which subject combination to choose, whether to pursue a science or social science orientation, whether to enroll in advanced foreign language classes or an internationally oriented program...

In recent days, many high schools in Hanoi have organized admissions counseling sessions to help students and parents better understand the 2018 General Education Program, thereby making appropriate choices.

Last weekend, Do Muoi High School held a counseling and enrollment guidance program for the 2026-2027 school year. According to the plan, the school will enroll 675 students, corresponding to 15 classes with various training models. In addition to regular classes, the school also offers international-oriented English classes and enhanced classes in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, focusing on either natural sciences or social sciences.

For general classes, in addition to the 8 compulsory subjects, students will choose 4 subjects from 5 different subject groups, corresponding to 3 study topics. For example, students who choose the Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Informatics group will study topics in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry; students who choose the Physics, Biology, Informatics, and Fine Arts group will study topics in Mathematics, Physics, and Literature.

According to a representative from Do Muoi High School, the choice of subject combination should stem from students' abilities, strengths, and career aspirations, rather than following trends or choosing based on what their friends are doing.

On the same day, Chu Van An High School for the Gifted also organized an admissions counseling program for the 119th cohort, academic year 2026-2029. The school provided detailed information on subject combinations, study topics, and an internationally-oriented curriculum, with many classes focusing on a second foreign language such as Chinese or German.

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Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhiep, Principal of Chu Van An Specialized High School, said that the school carefully researched the development of subject combinations based on the 2018 General Education Program, university admission methods, and requirements for overseas study applications.

“Over the past three years, I have spent a lot of time researching new curricula, university admission methods, and the entry requirements of study abroad programs. High school is a very important stage for students to determine their career paths, so the choice of subjects must ensure long-term benefits for them,” Ms. Nhiep shared.

According to Ms. Nhiep, at the end of the last school year, the school conducted a survey on the effectiveness of the subject combinations being implemented and continued to listen to feedback from parents and students to make the most appropriate adjustments.

“The school carefully balances each subject combination to provide advantages for students. The program not only equips them with knowledge and skills, but also creates a balance with arts and physical education so that students are not overwhelmed. There is no single model that suits everyone; the important thing is that students find the path that best suits them,” emphasized Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhiep.

Don't choose based on trends.

According to the 2018 General Education Program, in addition to the eight compulsory subjects, students can choose additional subjects that suit their personal interests. However, this flexibility also places considerable pressure on students and parents.

According to Mr. Le Hong Chung, Principal of Yen Hoa High School, many universities now consider not only high school graduation exam scores but also academic results from 4-6 semesters in relevant subjects for admission. Therefore, choosing the right subject combination from grade 10 is something that needs careful consideration. "If students choose the wrong combination, they will face difficulties throughout their three years of high school. Therefore, providing career guidance from the moment they enroll is essential," Mr. Chung said.

According to teacher Le Hong Chung from Yen Hoa High School, the school currently focuses on two major areas: natural sciences and social sciences. Regardless of which area they choose, students are equipped with the necessary foundational knowledge to adapt to the demands of the new era.

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In reality, many parents still tend to choose majors based on popularity, following the crowd, or fulfilling family wishes. However, according to educators, no combination of subjects is inherently better than another. The right choice is one that aligns with the student's abilities, interests, and goals.

Choosing a subject combination in 10th grade doesn't determine your entire life, but it's a crucial step on the long road ahead. Because after passing the 10th grade entrance exam, what's important isn't just which school you attend, but also how you study to best prepare for the future.

Thu Huong

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/chon-to-hop-chon-duong-dai.html