What are the chances for candidates to take the 10th grade entrance exam?

Unexpected competition ratio

In 2025, Hanoi will have over 103,000 candidates registering for their first choice; over 100,000 candidates registering for their second choice; over 63,000 candidates registering for their third choice at 115 non-specialized public schools. Compared to 2024, the number of candidates registering for the first choice of grade 10 in Hanoi decreased by 5,000 students and the target is the same as last year (about 81,000). Thus, the rate of successful students increased by about 3% compared to last year.

Students taking the 10th grade high school exam in 2024. Photo: Nhu Y

Therefore, the competition ratio (quota/number of candidates registering for the first choice) to enter top public high schools has shown signs of cooling down. Yen Hoa High School (Cau Giay) continues to lead public high schools in the city with a competition ratio of 1/2.44, lower than in 2024 at 1/3.11. Le Quy Don High School (Ha Dong) ranks second with a competition ratio of 1/2.35, compared to 1/2.9 last year. A special point is that this year, only 4/115 schools have a competition ratio of 1/2, while last year there were 20 schools.

This year, there are 10 public high schools in Hanoi with a competition ratio of less than 1. Of which, Tho Xuan High School (Dan Phuong) has the lowest competition ratio, with a quota of 540, but only 348 candidates registered for their first choice; Dai Cuong High School (Ung Hoa) has the second lowest ratio, with a quota of 450 but only 294 candidates registered for their first choice.

An important change is that the Literature exam may not use materials from the textbook. Therefore, to review Literature effectively, experts advise candidates to read more official documents, books, newspapers, and collections of works by many reputable authors in addition to the works in the textbook to expand their vocabulary, emotions, etc.

According to data released by the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, some suburban high schools have seen a sudden increase in competition rates. For example, Quang Minh High School (Me Linh) increased the highest, 72 places, ranking 14th out of 115 schools in terms of competition rates. Meanwhile, Viet Duc High School (Hoan Kiem) ranked 20th. Ngo Thi Nham High School (Thuong Tin) even made it into the top 10 this year (up 60 places compared to before). Some schools dropped in rank, such as Ngoc Hoi High School and Vietnam - Poland High School.

Don't just look at the odds

For specialized high schools, this year Hanoi has more than 16,000 candidates registering for the 10th grade specialized exam, with a quota of 2,730 for all 4 schools (Hanoi - Amsterdam Specialized High School, Nguyen Hue Specialized High School, Son Tay Specialized High School, Chu Van An Specialized High School). Of which, the highest competition ratio is Nguyen Hue Specialized High School with 1/7.96; followed by Chu Van An Specialized High School with 1/7.65.

This year, the Chinese language class of Chu Van An High School for the Gifted set a record with 35 targets and 856 candidates registering for their first choice, a competition ratio of 1/24.46 - nearly 25 candidates took the exam, with 1 candidate passing. Explaining this, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhiep, Principal of Chu Van An High School for the Gifted, affirmed that due to the needs of the labor market, candidates wishing to study Chinese have increased. Ms. Nhiep said that the competition ratio does not indicate each candidate's chance of passing. A high competition ratio does not necessarily mean no chance, a low ratio does not necessarily mean a high chance. Therefore, she advised candidates to have a scientific review plan; focus on practicing questions; maintain stable health and spirit.

In fact, in previous years, many high schools had a competition ratio of less than 2 such as Phan Dinh Phung High School (Ba Dinh), Viet Duc High School (Hoan Kiem), Tran Phu High School (Hoan Kiem) but the admission scores were among the top in the city, because this was a battle of excellent candidates.

Ms. Nguyen Boi Quynh, Principal of Viet Duc High School, affirmed that the competition ratio is just a parameter for students to refer to. Candidates need to prepare the best mindset to enter the exam. The admission score each year depends on many factors, so candidates should not be too worried or stressed, but also not subjective.

This year, students taking the 10th grade entrance exam in Hanoi will take three subjects: Math, Literature, and Foreign Language. The subjects are not multiplied by coefficients when determining the standard score. Unlike university admission, the principle of admission to 10th grade at schools in Hanoi is to consider all wishes at the same time.

For example, this year, Tran Phu High School has 1,358 candidates registering for the first choice; 175 for the second choice; and 22 for the third choice. When calculating the benchmark score, assuming this year's benchmark score is 22 points, then the second choice is 23 points, and the third choice is 24 points. All candidates registering for the first, second, and third choices with this score will be admitted. Thus, candidates will be considered for admission simultaneously until all candidates meet the requirements according to the benchmark score, quota, and related regulations; priority will not be given to the first choice first, then the second and third choices.

Although this year, candidates will take the 10th grade exam for the first time according to the 2018education program, the exam matrix will not change. Candidates in Hanoi will still take the exam in essay format, making it easier to review and practice questions.

NGHIEM HUE

Source: https://tienphong.vn/co-hoi-nao-cho-thi-sinh-xet-tuyen-lop-10-post1742608.tpo