Should we take the second aptitude test?

After completing the first phase of the 2026 National University of Ho Chi Minh City's aptitude test, many candidates are wondering whether they should register for the second phase.

Candidates in the examination room for the first round of the 2026 National University of Ho Chi Minh City's aptitude test.

The results of the first aptitude test are expected to be announced on April 17th. Admissions experts suggest that if candidates aim to improve their scores and are still eligible to participate, they should take the second test to increase their chances of being admitted to their desired major.

The scores in the second round are usually higher than in the first round.

In recent years, the score distribution of the second round of the National University of Ho Chi Minh City's aptitude test has generally been higher than the first round. According to statistics from the National University of Ho Chi Minh City, the score distribution of the second round of the 2025 exam tends to be "skewed to the right" and more spread out compared to the first round, with an increase in the average score and the appearance of more candidates achieving higher scores.

Explaining the situation, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chinh - Director of the Center for Testing and Evaluation of Training Quality (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) - said that most candidates participating in the second round had previously taken the exam in the first round, possessed above-average academic ability, and wished to improve their admission results.

Of the total number of candidates taking the second exam in 2025, more than 65,000 (accounting for 71.27%) had previously participated in the first exam.

Analysis of the results shows that this group of candidates scored higher than the average in the second round of exams, belonging to the group with above-average ability. According to Mr. Chinh, the fact that this group of candidates continued to take the exam in the second round contributed to shifting the score distribution to the right.

"Like last year, the second round takes place about two months after the first, giving candidates more time to review and consolidate their knowledge. Candidates returning for the second exam are usually better prepared, understand the exam structure better, have more effective test-taking strategies, are more psychologically prepared for the exam, and know how to avoid previous mistakes after experiencing them firsthand, thus improving their results," Mr. Chinh analyzed.

Opportunity to improve your score.

Associate Professor Bui Hoai Thang - Head of Training Department at the University of Technology (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) - also noted that the second round usually attracts highly motivated candidates with clear goals in improving or optimizing their scores for admission. Meanwhile, many candidates with weaker academic abilities or who do not truly invest in the exam tend not to register for or participate in the second round.

This will change the structure of candidates, increasing the proportion of candidates with good and excellent academic performance, thus contributing to raising the overall exam scores. "The nearly two-month gap between the two exam sessions is enough time for candidates to supplement their knowledge, hone their test-taking skills, and overcome any shortcomings from the first exam. Therefore, if they still aim to improve their scores and increase their chances of admission, candidates should consider registering because the scores in the second session have generally been higher than in the first in previous years," Mr. Thang advised.

According to Mr. Cu Xuan Tien, Head of Admissions and Student Affairs at the University of Economics and Law (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), the results of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City's aptitude test are currently used by more than 100 universities and colleges nationwide for admissions and selection in various ways, depending on each institution's own plan. Among them, eight member universities of Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City will use a combined admissions method this year, accounting for up to 95% of their enrollment quotas.

"With the comprehensive admission method, the results of the aptitude test organized by the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City are one of the component scores for admission consideration, along with other components such as high school graduation exam results, high school academic results, and other criteria," said Mr. Tien.

One of the reasons many experts encourage candidates to take the second exam is because most universities use the highest score a candidate achieves for admission if they take the exam multiple times. This means that taking the second exam does not create a disadvantage but rather opens up more opportunities for candidates to improve their scores.

Taking advantage of multiple aptitude tests not only gives candidates more opportunities to demonstrate their abilities but also allows them to be more proactive in developing their university admission strategies.

"For candidates whose scores are at the competitive threshold or not yet at a safe level for their desired major, participating in another exam is a reasonable option. Just improving by a few dozen points can significantly change the chances of being admitted to highly competitive majors," Mr. Tien commented.

Registration for the second exam session starts from April 18th.

The second phase of the 2026 National University of Ho Chi Minh City's aptitude test will take place on May 24th in the following provinces and cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, and An Giang .

On April 18th, the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City will open the registration portal for the second exam session, with the deadline for candidates to register on April 25th. The results for the second session are expected to be announced on June 6th.

You should take advantage of the opportunity while you still have it.

Candidates go through the identification procedure before entering the examination room for the first phase of the 2026 National University of Ho Chi Minh City's aptitude test - Photo: TR.HUYNH

Dr. Nguyen Trung Nhan, Head of Training Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, believes that in the context of increasingly fierce admissions competition, having an additional exam to improve scores is a worthwhile advantage. For candidates who have not achieved their expected scores or want to increase the security of their application, taking the second exam is an opportunity not to be missed.

"The important thing is not just whether or not to retake the exam, but for candidates to accurately assess their position in order to make the most appropriate decision for the 2026 admissions strategy," Mr. Nhan emphasized.

However, not every candidate necessarily needs to take a second exam. The decision to retake the exam should be based on individual admissions strategies, current scores, and the ability to balance study time. If you have already achieved a high score, far exceeding the expected admission threshold for your target major, you should focus your time on the high school graduation exam.

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TRAN HUYNH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/co-nen-thi-danh-gia-nang-luc-dot-2-20260413232321632.htm