This year's score spectrum is filled with scores of 10s, a testament to individual effort and innovation in education . But, just below those peaks is a larger gap than usual and quieter shadows.
The Dark Side of a Beautiful Spectrum
Math is one of the three compulsory subjects but the average score is only 4.78, the lowest among the subjects. Nearly 50% of candidates scored below average, with 777 failing exams, 10 times higher than in 2024 (only 76 exams). English is no better with 46.68% of candidates scoring below 5 points, even though this is a subject expected to be standardized to B1 standards. Many teachers commented that the exam was too difficult, not commensurate with the teaching level in many localities.
Meanwhile, the number of exams scoring 10 in many subjects has skyrocketed: Physics increased from 55 (in 2024) to 3,929, Geography doubled, and even Math, which is considered very difficult, had 513 perfect 10s. A spectrum of scores where the maximum and minimum both increased, is both evidence of clear differentiation and reveals the widening gap between students who are well-prepared for the exam, have access to good materials and methods, and students in remote areas who study in a deprived environment, and do not receive enough support in terms of orientation or skills.
Dr. Sai Cong Hong (Association of Vietnamese Universities and Colleges) commented: “This year’s exam is well differentiated, in line with the university admissions goals. However, for students with average scores or below, if there is a lack of orientation information, they are easily confused. When the bonus points are gone, motivation and opportunities will also decrease.” 2025 is the first year that the Ministry of Education and Training will eliminate bonus points for vocational, IT and foreign language priority - a policy that once opened the door for many candidates with average academic performance.
When there are no more bonus points, all expectations are focused on exam scores and academic records, which is a big challenge for students in disadvantaged areas. However, whether they get high or low scores, each student is now facing the question: Which path is right for them? While most of the public pays attention to the valedictorians and salutatorians, the majority of students with test scores below 7 in each subject are rarely mentioned. However, they are the most common part of the education system, the future workforce if properly oriented. They do not need to be honored, but they need to be listened to, guided and empowered to choose their own path.
Vocational training is no longer a "second-class" choice.
The end of the exam is when many candidates feel uncertain with results that are not as expected. But they are not facing a dead end. On the contrary, a deeply differentiated score spectrum with a sharp increase in failing scores in Math, nearly 50% of candidates with below average English scores are posing a clear reality that it is time for paths outside of university to be viewed more fairly. Vocational education has the opportunity to make a breakthrough.
From 2025, this system will officially be managed by the Ministry of Education and Training, an important step to synchronize enrollment and post-high school streaming. Colleges will start enrolling students at the same time as universities, using the same enrollment platform, increasing transparency and making it easier for candidates to access. At the same time, the draft Law on Vocational Education (amended) is being developed in the direction of increasing autonomy, cutting more than 40% of administrative procedures, expanding international cooperation and promoting links with businesses. "If given the right authority at the right time, vocational education institutions can completely transform themselves, catch up with the digital labor market and integrate internationally," said Mr. Pham Vu Quoc Binh, Deputy Director of the Department of Vocational Education and Continuing Education.
In practice, positive signs in vocational training in Vietnam are gradually becoming clear. In Ho Chi Minh City, many vocational schools are pioneering the “practical engineer” model according to international standards, opening early enrollment, supporting tuition fees and guaranteeing output (employment). Technical majors such as mechatronics, welding, molds, etc. are increasingly attractive thanks to solid career prospects. In Quang Nam, the model of combining vocational training and Japanese from grade 10 has helped students prepare to work in Japan with starting salaries of 1,000-1,500 USD/month. In Thai Binh , policies supporting tuition fees, dormitories and ensuring output have significantly increased the rate of students choosing vocational training after high school.
New thinking, new opportunities
“Society has long labeled “learning a trade because you failed the university entrance exam,” making many students who are suitable for it still hesitant about this choice. We really need the press, schools, and parents to join us in changing our mindset,” said Mr. Truong Anh Dung, Director of the Department of Vocational Education and Continuing Education.
From this reality, many experts affirm that vocational training is not a backup plan. It is a practical and valuable choice, if it is suitable for the learner. The training time is short, the content is closely linked to reality, and is closely linked to businesses. Many professions such as automotive technology, logistics, food processing technology, health care, information technology, etc. can bring higher incomes than many university majors, as long as they are properly trained.
Dr. Le Truong Tung (FPT University) commented: “We have talked too much about the winners. But the average students are the majority and they need to be provided with clear information, listened to, and suggested… not silently chosen in a context of being forced to choose”. The future does not only start at the university gate. It can be started from a small vocational class, a workshop, a skills training center, as long as students know what they want and are given the opportunity by adults to start.
No one wants to get a low score, but it is not necessary to be the valedictorian to go far. The important thing is to choose the right direction, a path that suits your ability, conditions and dreams. And as soon as you know your exam scores, that is when candidates and their families need to be most alert to consider and choose, not to choose the wrong path because of the pressure of scores.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/khep-lai-ky-thi-tot-nghiep-thpt-nam-2025-lua-chon-con-duong-phu-hop-post895345.html
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