We had a talk with Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Thao - Deputy Head of Training Department, Director of Testing Center, Hanoi National University about how to take the National High School Exam to get the best results.
Sir, on March 14, Hanoi National University announced the reference test questions for the 2021 High School Student National Entrance Exam of Hanoi National University, most of the test questions are designed in the form of multiple choice questions. What advice do you have for candidates when taking the multiple choice test questions of the National Entrance Exam?
- For exams with objective multiple choice questions, it is important that candidates control their test time well by allocating time to read and understand the title, instructions for each section, and each question before deciding on an answer.
For each section, candidates should save time reading the instructions by doing the sample test, then they can divide the test time of each section according to the number of questions in that section to know the time needed to complete all the questions.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Thao guides people on how to take the competency assessment test to get high scores. Photo: VNU
If possible, save time on each question to review all the questions in a section, redoing questions you find difficult in that section before moving on to the next section.
You should also note that the test does not arrange questions from easy to difficult, but is structured according to interdisciplinary fields, a set of questions integrating fields. If candidates encounter a question that is too difficult, they should continue to the next question and then return to that question if there is time.
An important note is that the test score is calculated based on the total number of correct answers, wrong answers are not deducted points. Therefore, candidates should try to answer all questions within the time allowed for each section. If there is still time after completing a section, candidates should not rush to the next section but check the answers in that section that are not really sure. Candidates will not be able to return to the previous test to correct answers after the test time for that section has expired.
The National High School Exam consists of 3 parts. In what order should candidates take the test to get the best results, Professor?
- The GPA exam consists of 3 parts: Quantitative (75 minutes), Qualitative (60 minutes), Science (60 minutes). Before starting each part, candidates should carefully read the instructions for answering. In the qualitative part, there are questions in the fields of literature and language; candidates should read and consider all the answers, apply knowledge, skills and thinking in the direction of choosing the answer that they feel is most suitable for the question.

Hanoi National University has prepared conditions to organize exams to assess the capacity of high school students. Photo: VNU
On the other hand, in math and science questions, candidates must find the correct answer. Candidates can make a rough draft and choose the answer that they feel is the most correct. If they cannot find the answer as calculated, reread the question and review all the answers.
It is important that candidates understand exactly what the question is asking. Some questions require candidates to do rough work, calculate, and deduce to get the correct answer or the most suitable answer while there are also questions that are easy to recognize and need to be answered quickly.
For easy questions, finish quickly to save time for more difficult questions. After completing the easy questions, go back and check the difficult questions before moving on to the next part.
When you come back to a difficult question, use logic to eliminate incorrect answers. Compare your chosen answers with the remaining questions and see how they are different. This difference can give you a clue to the correct answer. Eliminate as many incorrect answers as possible, then choose the answer based on the connections between the answers and the question.
According to you, what do candidates need to prepare for the National High School Exam?- First, candidates take a sample test to see their strengths and weaknesses, and the gaps in knowledge that need to be reviewed and supplemented. The Examination Center - Hanoi National University organizes many exam sessions during the year, so candidates can choose the exam date and session at
www.khaothi.vnu.edu.vn(from April 1, 2021). After completing the registration steps, students take the sample test, balancing the appropriate time for each part of the test.
Before the exam day, take care of your health, review the specialized knowledge sections that you did not do well in the reference exams, and check the exam location, date, and time on your personal account at
www.khaothi.vnu.edu.vnor check your email to receive new notifications (if any) from the Testing Center - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.