Take 10 extra classes/week
Nguyen Xuan Quan, a 9th grader in Phu Nhuan district, said he had just registered for 2 more online classes in Math and English (2 sessions/subject), increasing the number of extra classes from 6 to 10 sessions/week. Since the summer of 8th grade, Quan has started taking 3 extra subjects: Math, Literature and English at a center in Go Vap district.
"I plan to apply for my first choice at Gia Dinh High School - a school that has always been in the top schools with high admission scores for many years, so I have to try hard to have a chance of being admitted" - Xuan Quan said.
Xuan Quan added that although his studies and revisions have been progressing normally, information such as the possibility of changing the English exam to another subject has made the male student worried and nervous. "Now, the exam subject has been finalized, but this year is the first year we study and take the exam according to the new education program, so worrying is inevitable," Xuan Quan expressed.
Similarly, Nguyen Quang Thanh, a 9th grade student in District 3, also has a relatively tight schedule with 6 sessions/week. Quang Thanh plans to register his first choice at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School (District 3).
According to the male student, he has maintained his extra class schedule since the beginning of the school year and plans to register for online classes after Tet.
"Since the beginning of the school year, I almost never go to bed before 11pm. I'm worried that while I'm sleeping, other students will stay up studying, surpassing me and my chances of getting admitted will decrease. I'm also temporarily putting aside hobbies like cycling, going to the gym, watching movies... to make time for studying" - Quang Thanh shared.
Don't be so stressed.
Ms. Lan Phuong, Quang Thanh's parent, said that her family is very supportive of her son's studies, but does not put pressure on him. "I often tell my son to set his aspirations for a mid-range school so as not to put too much pressure on him, but he refuses. He said that in his class, his classmates all set their aspirations for top schools, so he also wants to do the same, so he has signed up for many extra classes. To ensure safety, my husband or I always take him to school in the evenings," Ms. Phuong said.
Mr. Cao Duc Khoa - Principal of Huynh Khuong Ninh Secondary School (District 1) - said that there is a situation where students are under pressure and stress due to being too anxious and studying too much. Therefore, teachers at the school often advise students not to stay up too late, and at the same time recommend that parents should not put pressure on their children, so that their children always have a comfortable mentality.
Mr. Lam Trieu Nghi - Principal of Nguyen Thuong Hien High School (Tan Binh District) - also advised that students should not be too panicked or worried. "Students should stay calm, focus on studying and reviewing" - Mr. Nghi said.
According to statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, there are currently more than 88,000 ninth grade students studying at public secondary schools, a decrease of about 28,000 students compared to the 2023-2024 school year.
The 10th grade entrance exam in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025 includes 3 subjects: Math, Literature and English. It is expected to take place in early June 2025.
