High school entrance exam (grade 10):

In just a few days, the entrance exam for 10th grade in Hanoi's public high schools will take place. These days, 9th-grade students are entering a stressful review period, burdened by the pressure of grades and the worry of "not getting into a public school." Behind the exam lies not only a knowledge race but also the pressure of expectations, because for many parents, the doors to a public school are gradually becoming a "measure" of their children's abilities and future.

A review session for 9th-grade students at Ngo Si Lien Junior High School (Cua Nam Ward). Photo: Le Tung

The pressure of final exams

According to statistics from the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, this year, the city has approximately 147,000 students graduating from junior high school, an increase of about 20,000 students compared to last year. Meanwhile, the total enrollment quota for 10th grade in public high schools is only about 81,400 students, equivalent to 55% of students having the opportunity to attend public schools.

Despite having studied quite thoroughly and achieving good results in recent tests, Hoang Minh Khoi (a 9th-grade student at Cau Giay Secondary School - Cau Giay Ward) still couldn't hide his stress. Some days he studied until almost 1 AM because he was afraid of falling behind his classmates. His biggest pressure wasn't necessarily the difficulty of the exam, but the feeling that failing to get into a public school would make his parents sad.

It's not just students who are stressed; the entrance exam for 10th grade in public high schools is also becoming a major pressure for many families. Ms. Vu Thi Yen (a parent with a child in 9th grade at Mai Dich Secondary School - Tu Liem Ward) said that the closer the exam day gets, the more tense the atmosphere at home becomes. "Many nights I see my child studying late into the night, and I feel anxious too. Every parent hopes their child will pass the entrance exam to a public school," Ms. Vu Thi Yen said.

According to teacher Le Thi Thai Ha (teacher at Phuc Loi Secondary School - Phuc Loi Ward), what worries many students most today is not just grades. They fear not achieving their desired goals, and they fear disappointing their parents and teachers. Some students with good academic performance always feel they are not good enough.

At the age of 14-15, many students are not mature enough to understand that a single important exam cannot represent their entire worth. However, pressure from family, comparisons with friends, and social media lead many to view exam results as a "verdict" on their future.

Education expert Le Duc Thuan believes that the pressure of the current high school entrance exam doesn't simply stem from an obsession with achievement, but rather from a confluence of many societal anxieties. "What's concerning is that all the adults' worries are now being placed on the shoulders of 14-15 year old children. Many of them aren't afraid of failing, but rather of feeling like they've become a disappointment to their families," said Mr. Le Duc Thuan.

Some journeys of growth stem from a single "failure."

Clearly, not every 9th-grade student can enter a public high school for 10th grade. And in fact, recent times have shown that many, even without continuing their education in public high school, have found suitable paths. Ngan Van Thuan (born in 2004, residing in Dai Mo ward) is one example. Instead of taking the entrance exam for public high school like many of his peers, Ngan Van Thuan pursued a 9+ college program at Hanoi High-Tech College. “At the time, I was worried, afraid of being seen as someone who wasn't good at academics and therefore chose vocational training. But the more I studied, the more I realized I was more suited to a practical environment,” Ngan Van Thuan shared. From his workshop lessons and direct contact with machinery and equipment, he gradually found his right career path. After graduating, Ngan Van Thuan found a stable job as a refrigeration technician at a home repair and maintenance company in Dai Mo ward, earning 15 million VND per month.

From the perspective of vocational schools, Dr. Le Danh Quang, Vice Principal of Hanoi High-Tech College (Xuan Phuong Ward), believes that in recent years, the dual-degree model, combining high school education with vocational training, has become a popular choice for many parents and students. Not all students are suited to a purely academic path. Some students possess excellent practical skills and technical thinking. When they study according to their strengths, they mature faster and have a clearer career orientation.

According to Dr. Le Danh Quang, many businesses today no longer place too much emphasis on formal qualifications but prioritize practical skills and the ability to work immediately after training. In fact, many students who once felt inferior for failing to get into public high schools have significantly changed after completing vocational training, finding stable jobs and becoming more confident in themselves.

According to Nguyen Quang Tuan, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, the pressure of the high school entrance exam comes not only from competition but also from the expectations of families and society. The important thing is that parents and schools need to support and help students maintain a stable mindset instead of creating pressure for high scores. The high school entrance exam is an important milestone, but it doesn't determine the entire future. Each student has their own abilities and direction, and can succeed if they choose a path that suits them.

The high school entrance exam is very important, but it's not the only thing that determines a student's entire life. What students need most right now is to be listened to, encouraged, and supported so they understand that, regardless of the outcome, there are still many other doors ahead for them to grow and mature.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/thi-vao-lop-10-trung-hoc-pho-thong-nhieu-canh-cua-de-hoc-sinh-truong-thanh-972264.html