Parents proactively adjust their aspirations
In 2026, Hanoi will remove the permanent residence condition and remove the zoning in the 10th grade public high school entrance exam, expanding the opportunity for students to choose aspirations. However, many parents are also worried that this will increase the number of students registering for schools, causing benchmark scores to fluctuate.
Ms. Ngo Dieu Ly - a parent of a student at To Hoang Secondary School (Bach Mai ward, Hanoi) - said that she and her child are worried that the benchmark scores of schools in the list of aspirations may increase unexpectedly.
My child's first wish is to enter Viet Duc High School, last year the benchmark score was nearly 8.5 points per subject. After removing the area division, the benchmark score may be even higher because the number of students with good academic performance from the suburbs and other areas will also register" - Ms. Dieu Ly shared.
After knowing the information that the zoning would be abolished, Ms. Dieu Ly and her child adjusted the school selection strategy. She learned more about some schools near her house such as Dong Da High School and Do Muoi High School to reduce pressure on her child.
According to Ms. Dieu Ly, Hanoi's 10th grade entrance exam this year may be more fierce when only about 60% of 9th grade graduates are admitted to public 10th grade. Meanwhile, the children will have to compete with students throughout the city.
I am preparing for my child in two directions. First, accompanying tutoring and sharing with my child in this stage. Next, working with my child to develop a plan to choose aspirations so that the possibility of admission is highest" - Ms. Dieu Ly said.
Ms. Pham Hong Nhung - a parent of a student in Tu Liem ward, Hanoi - is also concerned about the benchmark scores of schools this year.
Ms. Nhung's child placed the first wish at Xuan Phuong High School and the second wish at Dai Mo High School.
I think the top schools will increase, but it will not be significant because the number of students with good academic ability to enter those schools is not large. As for schools with a benchmark score last year of about 20 like the children's choice, there are strong fluctuations" - Ms. Nhung confided.
To increase the chances of being admitted to public schools, Ms. Hong Nhung plans to register her child's third wish for Hong Thai High School, near her maternal grandparents' house.
“Schools in the inner city have scores quite close to each other, while this year there are not many bases to predict scores. Therefore, I choose nguyện vọng 3 in the suburbs as a backup plan, but I am also afraid that my children will be afraid to go far away” - Ms. Nhung added.
Advice for students and parents
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy - Principal of Nguyen Tri Phuong Secondary School (Ba Dinh ward, Hanoi) said that according to regulations this year, students can register for a maximum of 3 aspirations, ensuring they are suitable for the capacity and conditions of students. This will increase the chance of admission according to aspirations for students to schools closer to their place of residence. But it also means that students also need to carefully consider their aspirations when registering, otherwise they may still fail all 3 aspirations if when registering in the same area, the number of students registering is too large and the enrollment quota cannot meet.
For 9th grade students, Ms. Thuy advises them to focus on consolidating basic knowledge, practicing learning skills and being proactive in the review process. Learning needs to be aimed at understanding the nature of the problem, developing thinking ability, not just learning to cope with the exam.
Parents need to accompany and encourage their children, avoid creating too much pressure, and at the same time help them choose aspirations that suit their abilities and learning orientation" - Ms. Thuy said.
Ms. Le Kim Anh - Principal of Tran Duy Hung Secondary School (Yen Hoa ward, Hanoi) advises candidates in this period to have a smart review strategy, not to study scattered but to focus on the focus, and to practice questions intentionally.
In addition to reviewing, Ms. Kim Anh advises students to manage their time reasonably, balance between studying and resting, pay attention to physical and mental health, and maintain stable psychology.
Regarding the selection of aspirations, the Principal of Tran Duy Hung Secondary School said that students need to base on their own academic performance (expressed through the results of mock exams), listen to advice from homeroom teachers and subject teachers to make the most appropriate decisions.
