Self-study and adaptation - the secret to help students pass the high school entrance exam

Proactive

Like tens of thousands of other students in Hai Duong, Dang Duc Minh, a 12th grader at Nam Sach High School, is studying hard with the hope of achieving high results in the 2025 entrance exam. Minh said that in order to increase his chances of being admitted to Hanoi University of Science and Technology and the University of Engineering and Technology - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in addition to focusing on studying for the high school graduation exam, he also participated in the Hanoi National University's competency assessment exam and the University of Science and Technology's thinking assessment.

According to Minh, to get good results in these exams, in addition to the teaching and support from teachers, self-study is the most important. He makes the most of his regular study time to acquire knowledge, takes the opportunity to ask and ask teachers for answers and guidance.

“At home, I complete the homework assigned by my teachers well. I study more documents online to expand my knowledge and practice more according to the sample exam structure. I think that you should “Define clearly the goal of self-study. The clearer the goal, the more motivated you will be to strive and do it yourself instead of waiting for others to remind you,” Minh said.

Similarly, Dang Van Duyet, a student at Phuc Thanh High School (Kinh Mon), is also studying day and night to be able to pass the Military Medical Academy. Duyet did not take any separate exams but put all his hopes on the national high school exam for university admission. Through the survey, Duyet found that his scores in the three subjects of math, physics, and chemistry were not enough to pass the Military Medical Academy.

“After spending less time studying at school, I changed my study plan. In addition to studying in class, to understand the lectures of my teachers, I proactively researched more materials related to the lessons from advanced books, online materials, and even in real life... I think this is an effective self-study method to help me grasp and expand my knowledge,” Duyet said.

Sharing the same opinion, Bui Duc Hung Hiep, Ninh Giang High School, said that in order to be admitted to the National Economics University, he had to make a lot of effort during this time. Hiep also changed his study plan early, allocating time reasonably in class as well as at home. In addition to absorbing knowledge well in class, Hiep researched and bought more practice test books online.

Nowadays, learning materials are very abundant, so students must know how to select knowledge to remember more accurately and easily. Hiep believes that to know what information is really necessary, he always identifies the problem correctly and narrows down the scope that needs to be clarified. Along with that, he cultivates perseverance and discipline when studying on his own.

Hiep affirmed that in this context, self-study will be the "key" to passing the "gate" in the upcoming high school graduation exam.

Teacher support

It can be affirmed that self-study plays an important role in the current situation. Self-study also helps students form skills and attitudes for long-term learning orientation in the future. However, to effectively self-study and self-review, the role of schools and teachers is very important.

In the 2024-2025 school year, Nam Sach High School has more than 1,500 students, including more than 500 12th graders. The school is organizing extra classes in school in accordance with the spirit of Circular 29. Teachers enthusiastically support the students.

Mr. Tran Khoa, Principal of Nam Sach High School, said that the school has directed teachers to improve the quality of formal teaching, making the most of class time to guide, assign homework, and correct students' papers. Teachers actively encourage and motivate students to improve their self-study spirit. The school also creates maximum conditions for students to participate in mock exams and quality surveys inside and outside the province on platforms and organized by some universities.

“Teachers have actively guided and corrected students’ work online. Teachers have provided maximum support when students needed it. Learning conditions in the district are more difficult than in urban areas, so students have proactively studied on their own and purchased online learning packages. Parents have also accompanied the school in career orientation and psychological stability for students,” said Mr. Khoa.

Mr. Truong Hong Phuong, Principal of Gia Loc II High School, said that in the first year of graduation exams under the 2018 general education program, with many innovations in university admission regulations, teachers, parents and students will inevitably have concerns. In addition to the guidance, instruction and support from teachers, self-study is still the important "key" for students to achieve the highest results in the upcoming exam.

“Students need to develop a long-term study and review plan, instead of cramming and memorizing like before. Allocating time reasonably between subjects, increasing practical practice and improving presentation and argumentation skills are also important factors,” said Mr. Phuong.

Mr. Do Duy Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training of Hai Duong, said that in the context of the exam changing to better suit modern educational practices, the concerns of students and parents are understandable. However, if this is considered an opportunity to change the way of learning, learning for understanding and knowing how to apply, instead of just studying for the exam, the 2025 high school graduation exam could become an important milestone, marking the true maturity of a new generation of students.