Lost in the 'maze' of private exams

TP - In 2026, nearly 20 separate entrance exams will be held for university admissions, creating more choices for candidates. However, this diversity has caused considerable anxiety among students and parents.

Create opportunities

In recent days, Ms. Nguyen Hoang Thanh (Dinh Cong, Hanoi ) has been busy researching admission options, including joint programs with several universities. Her son has registered to take the Hanoi National University's aptitude test in March and is preparing for the IELTS exam. However, the family is still concerned about his chances of being admitted to a regular program and wants to "secure" a backup plan. "He only participated in one aptitude test, so the chances aren't very high," Ms. Thanh explained.

Candidates are looking for information about the 2026 university entrance exams. Photo: NTCC

Compared to 2025, the number of separate entrance exams continues to increase. This expands admission opportunities but also poses a risk of overload in terms of time, cost, and study pressure if candidates register for too many exams without clear direction.

Admissions experts advise candidates to participate in only 1-2 separate entrance exams. Prioritize exams whose results are used by many universities or that are directly relevant to your target field of study. Avoid the mindset of "taking just to be sure," which can lead to overload.

In Hanoi, many universities organize their own entrance exams with varying scales and objectives. While the content closely follows the general education curriculum, the exam structure, organization, and scope of results differ significantly.

The National University of Hanoi's aptitude test is held in six rounds from March to May, attracting nearly 100,000 registered candidates. The computer-based test consists of three parts: Mathematics and data processing; Literature and language; and an optional section in science or English. Currently, about 100 universities nationwide use the results of this test for admissions.

Hanoi University of Science and Technology continues to organize its aptitude test with three rounds. The test lasts 150 minutes and includes sections on mathematical thinking, reading comprehension, and scientific thinking or problem-solving. The test results are used by more than 50 universities in their admissions process.

This year, Hanoi University of Education continues to organize the aptitude test for admission to teacher training programs and some educational science programs. The results are mainly used within the university's admissions process and some other higher education institutions. In addition, candidates can refer to the aptitude test of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City or the specialized test of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.

A method is needed.

Besides expanding opportunities, some separate exams are also mandatory requirements for candidates wishing to apply to specialized groups of universities. For example, to apply to police or military schools based solely on high school graduation exam scores, candidates must participate in one of two assessment exams organized by the Ministry of National Defense or the Ministry of Public Security. To participate in the talent-based admissions program at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (for candidates who have not won national or international awards), candidates must take a thinking skills assessment exam. This year, some departments at the Foreign Trade University also consider the results of this exam, opening up more opportunities for candidates who have participated.

According to Dr. Pham Kim Thu, Principal of Mai Hac De High School (Hoang Mai, Hanoi), based on recent years' admissions experience, students should not register for too many separate entrance exams. For most candidates, participating in one or two exams is appropriate. If they have clearly identified their target group of schools and the exam is accepted by many schools (such as the aptitude test of national universities), candidates may only need to take one exam. Taking additional exams should only be considered when it truly expands opportunities to enter other groups of schools; otherwise, it is easily a waste of effort.

Given the already packed curriculum and exam preparation schedule for the high school graduation exam, Dr. Pham Kim Thu advises students to prioritize core academic learning. Initially, 70-80% of the time should be dedicated to consolidating general knowledge; 20-30% to developing critical thinking skills, reading comprehension, and data processing according to the specific exam format. As the exam approaches, students can increase their practice with sample questions, but they should not neglect their classroom learning.

Preparing for aptitude and cognitive assessment exams requires a well-structured four-stage plan: consolidating foundations; honing skills; accelerating practice with sample questions; and "setting the stage" two to three weeks before the exam. Simultaneously, candidates need to maintain a balanced lifestyle, avoid comparisons, and view each exam as an independent opportunity.

Speaking with reporters, Dr. Pham Thanh Ha, Deputy Head of the Training Management Department at the Foreign Trade University, said that this year the university is using four admission methods, including admission based on the results of domestic and international aptitude tests. Each test has a different structure, scoring method, and scope of assessment; therefore, candidates need to carefully research which test results the program they are interested in accepts and what the minimum score requirement is.

For international exams like the SAT, ACT, or A-Level, candidates must pay attention to the certificate validity period, score standardization requirements, and language proficiency requirements. Closely monitoring the exam registration deadlines, application submissions, and supporting documentation submissions is crucial to avoid risks.

“Regardless of the method, the level of competition remains very high. In the ‘matrix’ of separate entrance exams, the most important thing is not to take many exams, but to choose the right ones – based on personal strengths and a clear strategy. With a reasonable roadmap, solid preparation, and a stable mindset, candidates can completely turn pressure into opportunity, optimizing their chances of getting into university in 2026,” said Dr. Pham Thanh Ha.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/lac-loi-giua-ma-tran-ki-thi-rieng-post1822787.tpo