The number of candidates registering for the exam reached a record high.
Over 95,000 candidates from various localities across the country participated in the first round of the 2024 National University of Ho Chi Minh City's Aptitude Assessment Exam, held on April 7th. This was the highest number of candidates since the exam was first organized in 2018.
The first phase of the exam was held in 24 provinces and cities, with 51 examination clusters. Thus, this year's exam was expanded to include 3 more localities compared to 2023.
The 2024 National University of Ho Chi Minh City's Aptitude Test will be held in two phases. Phase 2 will take place on June 2nd in 12 locations.
As one of the largest-scale aptitude tests in the country, the aptitude test of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City has continuously increased in the number of test-takers and the number of universities using its results for admissions over the past eight years.
This year, 105 universities and colleges have registered to use the results of the aptitude test administered by the Ho Chi Minh City National University for student admissions.
At the same time, the second round of the Hanoi National University's aptitude test took place over two days, April 6th and 7th, at 12 testing locations.
The total number of candidates registered for this exam was 18,213, with 18,069 candidates present, achieving a 99.2% attendance rate. According to the assessment of the Hanoi National University Examination Center, this is the highest attendance rate ever recorded, with many examination centers achieving 100% attendance.
To date, the Hanoi National University Examination Center has conducted 2 out of 6 HSA exam sessions in 2024, with 29,082 candidates participating, accounting for nearly one-third of the 2024 HSA exam.
Currently, 74 universities and colleges use the results of the HSA exam administered by Hanoi National University as a method of admission.
Increased pressure, increased costs.
Admission methods based on the results of individual entrance exams are becoming a trend as more and more schools organize these exams, with hundreds of schools using the same results and tens of thousands of candidates participating.
Besides the two aptitude tests of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnam National University Hanoi, it has been noted that in the 2024 admissions season, many more higher education institutions will organize aptitude and thinking skills assessment exams for admissions. The organization, testing methods, exam structure, and the number of schools using the results of these exams will vary.
Admission methods based on aptitude and thinking skills assessment tests are seen as increasing opportunities for candidates to enter university. However, the increasing number of these tests will lead to increased pressure on candidates and generate more costs for families whose children participate in these separate exams.
In the final stages of preparation for the 2024 high school graduation exam and university entrance exam, at Phan Huy Chu High School (Dong Da district, Hanoi), teachers and students are focusing on reviewing, consolidating, and supplementing any knowledge gaps for the students.
Regarding separate exams, Ms. Duong Thi Thu Ha – Vice Principal of the school – observed that aptitude tests create opportunities for candidates but also add pressure and difficulties for them.
According to Ms. Ha, many universities currently organize their own entrance exams with different question structures and knowledge scopes. If students want to take the competency assessment exams organized by two different higher education institutions, they will have to go through two separate exams. This creates some pressure and hardship for students participating in multiple exams.
Regarding students participating in multiple separate exams, Ms. Ha noted that the exam questions are based on the learning objectives set by the Ministry of Education and Training. To participate in numerous competency assessment exams, students must equip themselves with fundamental knowledge, then familiarize themselves with the structure and sample exam questions from various schools, and practice with sample questions to improve their skills.
According to the Education Law and the Higher Education Law, universities have autonomy in student admissions. However, National Assembly representative Nguyen Thi Viet Nga, Deputy Head of the Hai Duong Provincial National Assembly Delegation, argues that the proliferation of separate entrance exams will diminish the significance of the high school graduation exam.
In addition, Ms. Nga also pointed out the reality of the proliferation of test preparation centers for competency assessments to show that the pressure on candidates is currently immense.
Furthermore, to participate in each individual exam, candidates also have to pay different exam fees, with some schools charging up to 450,000 - 500,000 VND per exam. If candidates register for multiple exams from different schools, it means they have to spend a larger amount of money.
Source
Comment (0)