Professor Le Thanh Son, Vice Rector of the University of Science - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and Head of the University's Admissions Counseling Team, predicted that the expected admission scores for the Natural Sciences group would not fluctuate significantly compared to last year and offered some advice for candidates when applying for university admission.

Reporter: With the 2023 high school graduation exam score distribution recently announced by the Ministry of Education and Training, what are your observations regarding the score distribution in relation to university admissions for the Natural Sciences group this year?

Professor, Dr. Le Thanh Son: Basically, the score distribution related to admissions for the Natural Sciences group this year has decreased slightly compared to 2022, except for the Biology score distribution which has increased compared to 2022.

In 2023, the exam questions for subjects in the basic natural sciences were stable, with appropriate adjustments and better differentiation. Therefore, high school graduation exam scores are a fairly reliable basis for universities to use in university admissions.

Professor Le Thanh Son, Vice Rector of the University of Science, at the meeting between the university's leadership, employers, and graduating students of 2023.

PV : With such a range of scores, how do you think the admission scores for the Natural Sciences group will change this year?

Professor Le Thanh Son: Of course, the admission score depends on many other factors, such as the number of applicants, the quota, etc. But looking at the score distribution, we can predict that the admission scores for the Natural Sciences group this year will not change much. The cut-off score for group A00 (Mathematics - Physics - Chemistry) may decrease slightly within the range of 0.5-1.5 points compared to 2022. Group A01 (Mathematics - Physics - English) will be similar to 2022 or decrease by about 0.5-1.0 point. Meanwhile, group B00 (Mathematics - Chemistry - Biology) may increase or decrease by about 0.5-1.0 point.

PV : Could you tell us what new points candidates need to pay attention to when registering their preferences for the University of Science?

Professor, Dr. Le Thanh Son: This year, the Ministry of Education and Training has made changes to the online application process. Candidates will register for specific majors within the university instead of registering for a major and choosing an admission method as in 2022. This is very advantageous for candidates. Therefore, candidates will receive maximum priority and will be admitted through the best method available to them.

This year, the priority points based on admission areas have changed: Priority points will be reduced for candidates who achieve a total score of 22.5 or higher in the three subjects of their chosen combination. Candidates should take note of this.

Those of you who have been admitted early through other methods, if it's your preferred major and you've decided to study at the University of Science, should register it as your first choice. If you're still hesitant, you should also place it as a suitable second or third choice. You should take advantage of the early admission results to apply to the University of Science.

For candidates admitted through direct admission under Article 8 of the Ministry of Education and Training's Admission Regulations, the registration process remains the same as in 2022. That is: Candidates whose names are already on the list of those admitted directly only need to click the "Enroll" button on the system to officially become new students of the University of Science.

Candidates should research information before registering their preferences.

PV : This year, how many slots does the school allocate for admission based on high school graduation exam scores? When is the school expected to announce the cutoff scores?

Professor Le Thanh Son: In 2023, the University of Science allocated approximately 60% of its admissions quota based on high school graduation exam scores; this number could be higher if other admission methods do not meet their quotas.

The school will announce the cutoff scores according to the schedule stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training. Specifically: Before 5 PM on August 20, 2023.

PV : Sir, do candidates with scores below 23 have a chance of getting into the University? If so, which majors are suitable for that score range?

Professor Le Thanh Son: This year, scores from 20 to under 23.0 are considered quite good. At this score range, students can consider majors in the Earth Sciences such as: Meteorology and Climatology, Water Resources and Environment, Geology, Physical Geography, Environmental Resource Monitoring and Surveillance Technology, Environmental Engineering Technology... Candidates can also consider some majors such as: Chemical Engineering Technology, Materials Science, Nuclear Engineering Technology, Biology, or the newly opened major: Environment, Health and Safety.

As long as you meet the minimum score requirement, the University of Science has many suitable majors for you to apply for.

PV : Can you give candidates advice on registering their preferences, especially those with mid-range scores (24-25 points) and those who are still unsure which major suits them best?

Professor Le Thanh Son: Candidates with scores in the 24-25 point range can confidently list their first and second choices for their preferred majors. In addition, they should list backup majors that match their score range, and add a few slightly lower-scoring majors as a guarantee of admission.

If you still don't know which career path suits you best, it's difficult. The deadline for registering, adjusting, and adding your application preferences is 5 PM on July 30th. I think before asking your parents, relatives, friends, or teachers, you should calmly ask yourselves: what are your strengths, weaknesses, talents, and shortcomings? Which subjects are you most interested in? What are you best at? What is your family's financial situation? Seriously answering these questions will help you find your path. And don't forget to check the admission scores for the majors you're interested in from recent years to make the most informed decision.

I wish you all the best in achieving your dreams and achieving success!

PV : Thank you very much, sir!

HA HUONG (compiled)