The test assesses thinking, the questions are not tricky but not easy.
As one of 14,000 candidates who just took the first round of the thinking assessment test of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Le Huyen, a 12th grade student at Tran Hung Dao High School (Ha Dong District, Hanoi) said: "The Reading Comprehension test was relatively simple, I did the best. The Science Thinking/Problem Solving test, Biology content was relatively easy, but Physics and Chemistry were difficult because these are not my strengths."
In addition to the thinking assessment test, Khanh Huyen also registered to take the Hanoi National University's capacity assessment test next March and used the results of separate exams to apply to the National Economics University and Hanoi Law University.
“After the results of the first round of the thinking assessment test are out, I will consider whether to continue taking the next round of tests to improve my score or not. This time's test was generally not difficult, but I'm not sure I'll get a high score,” the female student shared.
Nguyen Minh Duc, a student at Phu Ninh High School (Phu Tho), said that to prepare for the recent thinking assessment exam, Duc researched, bought review materials and mainly studied at home. After taking the test, the male student scored about 65/100 points. In this exam, he set a goal of 75 points and will use the results to apply to Hanoi University of Science and Technology.
"My first choice is Hanoi University of Science and Technology, my second choice is University of Technology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. In addition to the thinking assessment test, I also want to participate in many other separate exams to increase my chances of being admitted to university" - Duc shared.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phong Dien - Deputy Director of Hanoi University of Science and Technology - said that the first round of the thinking assessment exam had a large number of candidates participating because the school reduced the number of exam sessions from 6 like last year to 3, but increased the number of candidates in each session. Despite the large number of candidates, the students were given the most favorable conditions to take the exam. The school also had plans to avoid incidents such as power outages, forcing candidates to retake the exam like last year.
The thinking assessment test has three parts: Mathematical Thinking (60 minutes), Reading Comprehension (30 minutes) and Scientific Thinking/Problem Solving (60 minutes). The questions focus on assessing the candidate's thinking ability, not directly testing knowledge of any subject.
Private exams continue to gain traction
In 2025, separate exams for university admission will continue to increase in both scale and number.
Regarding the Hanoi National University's competency assessment exam, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Thao, Director of the Testing Center, said that in 2025, the exams are expected to take place from March to May 2025 with a scale of 85,000 exams. On February 8, 2025, the center officially opened the registration portal. On March 15, 2025, candidates are expected to take the first exam, and on May 17, 2025, the sixth exam will take place.
2025 is the fourth year that Hanoi National University of Education has organized the competency assessment exam. The number of schools using the results of this exam for admission has increased to 22 units; including 9 old schools and 13 new schools. Last year, this exam attracted more than 11,500 candidates; 2.5 times higher than in 2023.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Director of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Training, informed that for the past two years, the Ministry of Education and Training has provided full data on high school learning results and supported schools in organizing their own exams, uploading exam results to the general admission system, creating favorable conditions for training institutions to conduct admissions during the general admissions round.
"Candidates can be completely assured of admission using methods based on their advantages, abilities, strengths as well as the evidence they have prepared" - Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy informed.
