Aiming for over 25 points in the high school graduation exam and over 100 points in the aptitude test of Hanoi National University, Nguyen Quang Vinh, a student from Le Quy Don High School ( Thai Binh province ), is overwhelmed with a packed week of classes.
“Besides class time, I take extra classes in Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology on weekday evenings. For English, I study at a language center on weekends. In my free time, I join exam preparation groups to find information and review past aptitude test papers for practice,” Quang Vinh said.
This is the final stretch, so Vinh is focusing all his efforts on studying. If he only relies on his high school graduation exam scores, it will be difficult to secure a place in his preferred program - Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University , Hanoi .
Quang Vinh registered to take 2 out of 6 rounds of this year's aptitude test. The male student decided to take the first round to familiarize himself with the exam structure, and then focus all his efforts on achieving the best possible score in the second round.
Many students have to strain themselves to compete in various entrance exams to increase their chances of getting into university. (Photo: Ha Cuong)
In the final stretch of the exam period, Nguyen Tu Anh, a student at Truong Dinh High School (Hanoi), attends 10 extra classes per week. This year, Tu Anh plans to apply to university using the D-block subjects (Mathematics, Literature, and English), but she is still required to take extra classes in History, Geography, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry to prepare for the aptitude test administered by Hanoi National University and Hanoi Pedagogical University. On average, Tu Anh attends 1-2 extra classes per week for each subject, including Saturdays and Sundays.
Tú Anh also consulted with senior students, who advised her that if she wanted to get into a prestigious university, she couldn't ignore the aptitude test. "If I get good scores on both aptitude tests, it's like I've already been accepted into university early. The rest of the time I just need to focus on getting enough points to graduate from high school. Therefore, no matter how tired I am, I have to try my best in this final stage," Tú Anh said.
The questions in separate entrance exams are generally considered more difficult than the high school graduation exam, requiring candidates to flexibly apply their comprehensive knowledge of subjects covered over the three years of high school.
This year, Dong Phuong Dung, a student from Thai Binh Specialized High School, aims to enter the Economics field at top universities such as the National Economics University and the University of Economics - Vietnam National University, Hanoi. However, at this point, solving the aptitude test questions is still proving difficult for Phuong Dung due to the broad scope of the questions, which integrate knowledge from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
"Currently, many universities use the results of aptitude and thinking skills assessment exams for admission. Therefore, to improve our chances of getting into universities, taking these exams is something that I and my friends cannot ignore," Phuong Dung said.
A teacher from Truong Dinh High School (Hanoi) believes that many students currently aspire to participate in and focus their efforts on aptitude and critical thinking assessment exams, neglecting the high school graduation exam.
If students participate in too many exams, it will be difficult for them to keep up with their studies in class. Not to mention, each exam requires different fees, with some schools charging up to 500,000 VND per exam. When a student registers for multiple exams simultaneously, it means they have to spend a larger amount of money.
"The fact that many universities organize their own entrance exams is considered to create more opportunities and open up more choices for candidates. However, to have a wider door to university and the majors they love, students need to do thorough research and clearly identify which exams are necessary and suitable for their abilities before registering to take them. Students should not blindly follow the trend of participating in as many separate exams as possible," the female teacher advised.
In 2024, a number of universities continued to maintain the format of organizing their own entrance exams in their admission plans, including: Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City; Hanoi University of Science and Technology; Hanoi Pedagogical University; Ho Chi Minh City University of Education; and Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking...
The Law on Higher Education stipulates that higher education institutions have the autonomy to decide on their admission methods. Therefore, universities, based on their current admission regulations, are fully permitted to organize their own entrance exams.
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