Plan for high school students to study before university program
Outstanding high school students can study and receive credit for some basic subjects at university, shortening the time to get a bachelor's degree.
The information was given by Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City National University, at the university's annual conference on the morning of December 22.
According to Mr. Quan, one of the new goals and points of Ho Chi Minh City National University in 2024 is to pilot a number of common subjects and recognize credits for outstanding high school students in a combined online and in-person method.
He said that many major universities in the world have implemented this model. For example, at Tsinghua University, China, special talents can study from the age of 13, 14, graduate from university at 16-18, and graduate with a doctorate at 20.
"The mission of Ho Chi Minh City National University is to train and foster talent. If we continue to follow a linear model, there will be no breakthroughs," said Mr. Quan.
Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City National University, at the conference on the morning of December 22
According to Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan, Ho Chi Minh City National University is developing specific standards and conditions for this plan. The program targets talented students in all high schools, not just specialized schools. It is expected that students will study through the MOOC online lecture system of member schools, then take direct exams to have their credits recognized.
"If the project is implemented, talented students can shorten their university studies by up to one year. Importantly, this is an opportunity for students to get acquainted with the university environment and have early career orientation," said Mr. Quan.
This is not the first time Ho Chi Minh City National University has proposed this. More than 10 years ago, the university had a project for high school students to study and take credit exams for a number of university subjects. The project was based on the AP program (Advanced Placement - advanced placement program, also known as American college preparation), helping students choose to study a number of general university subjects (38 subjects) right from high school.
At that time, the project was planned to be piloted with excellent students of the High School for the Gifted under Ho Chi Minh City National University. However, the member schools did not reach an agreement due to issues related to tuition fees, credit granting methods, and student learning methods.
In 2021, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training also proposed that the Ministry of Education and Training allow students of specialized schools to take exams and be recognized for completing a number of credits in basic subjects being taught in universities and colleges.
To date, these projects and recommendations have not been implemented.