Why did the High School for Social Sciences and Humanities change its entrance exam method?

After four years of using the same entrance examination method as some other specialized high schools, starting from the 2024 academic year, the High School for Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, has decided to change its entrance examination method for specialized students. VOV2 reporters interviewed Associate Professor Bui Thanh Nam - Vice Chairman of the School Council, Head of the Training Department of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, about this issue.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam - Vice Chairman of the University Council, Head of Training Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam:The High School for Gifted Students in Social Sciences and Humanities was established in 2019 according to Decision No. 5673 of the People's Committee of Hanoi City. It is the first specialized high school in the country in the field of social sciences and humanities.

From the very first years of its admissions process, the school has always carefully surveyed, researched, studied, and learned from the experiences of specialized high schools within the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, as well as specialized schools under the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, with the aim of achieving the most effective admissions.

For the first two years, the school organized the entrance exams basically the same as specialized schools in Hanoi, including three common subjects: Mathematics, Literature, and English, plus a specialized subject exam. (Only English was a multiple-choice exam) and was organized into four exam sessions (two days): On the first day, the common Literature exam was held in the morning, followed by Mathematics and English in the afternoon; on the second day, the specialized Literature exam was held in the morning, and the specialized History and Geography exams were held in the afternoon.

After reviewing and learning from past experiences, to better suit the needs of students applying to the Social Sciences and Humanities specialized program, in 2022 and 2023 the school changed the format of the Mathematics exam from essay-based to multiple-choice and held the exam in only one day (two sessions): Morning session: Multiple-choice Mathematics (45 minutes), Foreign Language (45 minutes), and General Literature (90 minutes); Afternoon session: Specialized subject exam (150 minutes).

Taking four subjects in the entrance exam puts considerable pressure on both students and their families. In particular, after completing the three qualifying exams, many students are unable to perform at their best in the specialized subject exam. As a result, some students who are otherwise capable perform below their potential in the specialized subject exam, and based on their scores, they fail to gain admission to the specialized high school for social sciences and humanities.

Therefore, with the goal of reducing exam pressure while still identifying and selecting students with exceptional aptitude, ability, and passion for specialized subjects in the field of Social Sciences and Humanities, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has changed the method of entrance examinations for specialized students as follows:

Students with an average grade (GPA) of 7.0 or higher for the entire 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, and an average grade of 7.0 or higher for the first semester of 9th grade in Mathematics, Literature, and Foreign Language are eligible to register for the specialized subject entrance exam. Students only need to take the exam for their specialized subject. The academic results from the four years of lower secondary school assess the overall foundation of knowledge and comprehensive skills of students, ensuring they achieve the required competencies.

Using only the exam results from the specialized subject will help select candidates with aptitude and ability to study and research in-depth in that subject. This encourages students to be serious and focused in choosing and studying their specialized subject in depth, avoiding distractions and reducing exam pressure for students and their families compared to having to take exams in many subjects. It also helps students concentrate more effectively in exam preparation and exam performance.

VOV2 Reporter: With this new admission method, the school hopes not only to select candidates with exceptional abilities but also to fulfill the goal of nurturing and training talent for the field of social sciences and humanities?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh NamWith the new admission method, candidates only have to take the specialized subject exam, with the aim of:

Identifying and selecting students with exceptional aptitude, ability, and passion for specialized subjects in the Social Sciences and Humanities helps them develop and maximize their potential.

To create conditions for students to develop their research, creativity, and exploration skills in literature, history, geography, and related fields. To provide opportunities and a special learning environment for outstanding students.

Developing broad critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities through challenging learning models enables the school to achieve its goal of training and developing high-quality human resources in social sciences and humanities for national development.

VOV2 Reporter: Thank you for this interview!

Candidates participating in the entrance exam for 10th grade at the High School for Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (June 2024)