Trend of reducing admission quota based on high school graduation exam scores
From 2025, the high school graduation exam will change to match the 2018 general education program. Candidates will take 4 subjects, including 2 compulsory subjects: Math and Literature and 2 elective subjects.
Thus, there are a total of 36 high school graduation exam subject combinations. As the number of exam subject combinations is more limited, universities also plan to adjust their enrollment plans from 2025. The trend of universities, especially top universities, is to gradually reduce enrollment quotas based on high school graduation exam scores.
For example, at the National Economics University, the admission quota based on high school graduation exam scores in 2025 was adjusted from 18% (in 2024) to 15%. If calculated within 5 years, this school has reduced the admission quota based on high school graduation exam scores from 70% to 15%.
In addition, the school will use 4 admission combinations instead of 9 combinations as in 2024, including A00, A01, D01, D07, with no difference in scores between the combinations, no additional criteria, and all subjects will have a coefficient of 1 when considering admission.
Hanoi University of Science and Technology also plans to reduce the admission quota based on high school graduation exam scores in 2025 from 50% to 40%; the quota for admission based on thinking assessment test scores will increase slightly.
University of Commerce also plans to reduce admission quota based on high school graduation exam scores.
Previously, Nha Trang University was the first school to announce that it would not use high school graduation exam scores. Candidates will be admitted based on a combination of academic records and competency assessment scores.
Proposal to maintain admission rate based on high school graduation exam scores
Do Thuy Duong, a 12th grader at Viet Duc High School (Hanoi), noticed that the competition rate for admission to universities based on high school graduation exam scores is getting higher and higher. In some schools, the admission score based on this method is almost at the maximum. Therefore, the female student has invested in separate competitions such as capacity assessment, thinking assessment, etc.
"I feel bewildered and confused because the new exam has many differences. Meanwhile, I also have to invest more in the competency assessment exam to increase my chances of being admitted to university," Thuy Duong said, expressing her hope that universities will soon announce their admission plans so that she can have a clear direction for her review.
Mr. Dinh Duc Hien - Vice Principal of FPT Bac Giang Primary, Secondary and High School, recommended that universities should maintain a certain admission rate based on high school graduation exam scores.
The reason Mr. Hien gave was because this is a national exam, helping to reduce costs for society, especially helping students in remote, disadvantaged areas who do not have the conditions to travel or participate in many other exams but still have the opportunity to apply for university.
"The 2025 high school graduation exam sample is highly appreciated and is completely capable of classifying students. The exam level is suitable as a basis for university admission, helping to select quality candidates from different provinces and cities and ensuring fairness.
Although schools are autonomous in enrollment, they should also balance the admission methods. In addition, the Ministry of Education and Training also needs to take action to maintain a reasonable rate of enrollment in universities based on high school graduation exam results. Avoid the situation of too few quotas like some schools today" - Mr. Hien analyzed.
On the side of the Ministry of Education and Training, Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong said that in the near future, the Ministry will propose that universities increase admission quotas based on high school graduation exam scores, of course ensuring harmony in the autonomy of the schools.
