Competition for specialized schools is sky-high, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education tells students 'don't worry too much'

Expanding opportunities for excellent students nationwide

On the afternoon of May 8, at a press conference on the socio-economic situation of Ho Chi Minh City, a representative of the Department of Education and Training (DoET) of Ho Chi Minh City announced many major changes in the enrollment work for the 2025-2026 school year. For the first time, 3 specialized schools in Ho Chi Minh City are allowed to enroll students nationwide, and at the same time, the education sector also applies the GIS digital map system to route students.

Ms. Nguyen Minh Bach Lan, Deputy Chief of Office of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, said that three specialized schools including Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, Tran Dai Nghia High School and Talented High School (Ho Chi Minh City National University) have made great contributions in training excellent students and developing high-quality human resources for the city and the region.

Ms. Nguyen Minh Bach Lan, Deputy Chief of Office of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, answered the press conference on the afternoon of May 8. Photo: Anh Nhan

Allowing nationwide enrollment will expand opportunities for excellent students from all localities to access a high-quality educational environment in Ho Chi Minh City, no longer limited by geography. At the same time, this will promote healthy competition, improve input quality and continue to affirm the prestige of Ho Chi Minh City's specialized schools in the general education system.

Speaking more about the entrance exam to specialized grade 10, Ms. Lan reassured parents and candidates not to be too pressured by the high competition rate. "This rate is only for reference in terms of the number of registrations. The important thing is that students need to determine their abilities and strengths, keep a stable mentality, review their knowledge firmly and believe in themselves," Ms. Lan shared.

The department representative also emphasized that specialized schools are one of many educational options, not the only door to success. If students are not admitted, they still have many opportunities to study at other public high schools.

GIS digital maps enhance fairness in admissions

Along with changes in the scope of specialized school enrollment, Ho Chi Minh City's primary school enrollment continues to apply a city-wide synchronous online system, using student identification codes and education sector data to ensure accuracy and transparency.

The highlight is the application of GIS digital maps to student routing. Instead of following administrative boundaries, this routing is based on three factors: school density, number of students and actual residential address. GIS digital maps help the education sector monitor student density visually, flexibly handling special cases such as students in district boundaries, children of workers moving from province to province.

Students take the entrance exam for grade 10 at the Gifted High School (Ho Chi Minh City National University). Photo: Anh Nhan

Over the past two years, enrollment activities have been divided into two groups: students with current residence in the area and students who wish to study outside the area of ​​residence. Both groups are selected according to a clear and public process.

During the implementation process, the education sector also strengthened the verification of actual residential addresses, closely coordinated with districts to limit negative aspects in the declaration of inaccurate information, while ensuring fairness in student allocation, contributing to social stability and sustainable development of local education.

"The experiences gained over the past two years are continuing to be summarized and improved, aiming towards a more fair, effective and convenient enrollment process for the people," said Ms. Lan.

Mr. Nhan

Source: https://tienphong.vn/ty-le-choi-truong-chuyen-cao-ngat-so-giao-duc-tphcm-noi-hoc-sinh-dung-qua-lo-post1740529.tpo