'The 10th grade entrance exam is much more stressful!'

Parents hug and encourage their children after they complete the combined subject exam at Phu Nhuan High School (Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City).

"In my time, you guys went through hell and high water to get into university."

Ms. On Thi Thu Thuy, a parent whose child is in 12th grade at Mac Dinh Chi High School (District 6, Ho Chi Minh City) and taking the high school graduation exam this year, observed: "In my time, students struggled to get into university; if they failed, it was over, they had to go to vocational school instead of looking at other options. Now, there are many aspirations, many schools, many paths, so there are many choices. I see many students taking the high school graduation exam just to get above the passing mark and graduate because they've already been accepted, so now getting into university is too easy; anyone with any academic ability can get in. Unlike the 10th grade exam, which required selection and screening to categorize students into excellent and good levels, so the pressure was much greater."

Meanwhile, Ms. Le Thi Hong Nhung (residing in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City), mother of twin brothers Nguyen Phuc Dang Khoi and Nguyen Phuc Dang Khoa, waiting for her sons to finish their exams at the Nguyen Van Luong Secondary School exam center (District 6), also said, "The 10th grade exam is much more stressful!" Ms. Nhung explained that this is because the number of candidates is much higher than the number of places available in public schools. Not to mention, many candidates taking the 2024 high school graduation exam are only doing so to qualify for early admission, so they don't feel as much pressure.

"I enrolled my children in private schools from middle school to high school so that the teachers could provide them with thorough guidance. Before the exam, both of them applied to the economic law program at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Law based on their academic records, and their scores were relatively good, so this time the exam is just to increase their chances of being admitted to other programs. Seeing my children's continuous efforts over the past three years, I'm not putting too much pressure on them during these exam days; I just want them to do their best," Ms. Nhung confided.

The most memorable moments of the 2024 high school graduation exam.

During the recent exam period, the mother smiled and said that both brothers did well on the tests, with not much difference between them. "Seeing my children do well on the exams is even more satisfying than my own success. For the past month, their schedule has been 6:30 AM every day, and they don't finish until midnight. In the days leading up to the exams, it even extended to 2 or 3 AM. Now I feel relieved," Ms. Nhung sighed.

"Even though my house is close to the school, I still sit here waiting because I'd be worried if I went home and wouldn't be able to do anything. Partly, it's also easier to handle if anything happens because I'm right there nearby. And having parents present makes me feel more secure, not only for me but also for the students," the female parent added.

A parent drives their child to the exam site at Colette Secondary School (District 3) in the pouring rain.

Just teach your children the lessons of being a good person.

Ms. On Thi Thu Thuy said she never pressures her children to strive for this or that, because "you can't force things in this generation." "The important thing is to guide them with life experiences and how to treat others. I always tell them they can live however they want, but they must live according to their conscience and not do anything dishonest or wrong," Ms. Thuy recounted.

"Each generation has different ways of thinking, so I only share what I've experienced, so that my child can analyze for themselves what they should and shouldn't do according to their generation's way of thinking. As long as you create conditions for them to do what they like, they will have the motivation to do it. If you force them, they'll get discouraged immediately, because it's not their own idea. That's why I also teach my child to have their own opinions and know how to defend them," the female parent added.

As for her children's studies, Ms. Thuy only advised them to study and take exams as they progressed. "She's the third child in the family and wants to major in business administration."

Parents wait to pick up their children at the Le Loi Secondary School exam site (District 3) after the 2024 high school graduation exam in mathematics has ended.

Ms. Do Thi Oanh, residing in District 10, said that all parents share the same sentiment: they want to be with their children at every important moment, no matter how busy they are, so that their children feel secure knowing their family is always there for them. "I hope all my children will achieve the best results after 12 years of schooling," the parent urged.

After the 2024 high school graduation exam concludes, the results are expected to be announced on July 17th, and candidates can register and adjust their university admission preferences an unlimited number of times on the Ministry of Education and Training's common system from July 18th to 30th. Before 5 PM on July 22nd, universities will announce the minimum admission scores on the common system and their respective websites.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ket-thuc-thi-tot-nghiep-thpt-2024-phu-huynh-noi-thi-lop-10-ap-luc-hon-nhieu-185240630172534557.htm