Vietnam National University, Hanoi implements a new admissions process based on competency assessment.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Duc - Head of Training Department, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

- As someone who has worked and been associated with VNU for many years, and in your capacity as Head of the Training Department of VNU, could you please clarify the basic contents of the proposed plan for reforming VNU's admissions process?

After carefully studying the admission methods of advanced countries around the world, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has chosen to innovate its admissions process based on a model essentially similar to that of the United States, with consideration and adjustments to suit the specific circumstances and conditions of Vietnam, as follows:

Candidates must take a standardized test assessing general abilities and a specialized ability test (similar to the SAT1 and SAT2 tests in the United States).

The standardized test assessing general aptitude (similar to SAT1) is a multiple-choice test.The standardized general competency assessment test is structured with four components: (i) Mathematics; (ii) Literature; (iii) Natural Sciences; and (iv) Social Sciences. There are a total of 180 multiple-choice questions. The test duration is 215 minutes (in one session). The weighting according to competency level is 20% easy; 60% medium and 20% difficult. The content of the components comprehensively covers all three years of high school, but with weighting based on the content of grade 12. The Natural Sciences and Social Sciences components comprehensively cover the content of grades 11 and 12, with a focus on grade 12. The test is graded using four separate scores for each of the four components.

In 2014, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) applied this exam to select students who had passed the national entrance exam to study in high-quality, talented, advanced, and internationally standardized programs (on September 10, 2014). Therefore, the 2014 National Competency Assessment Exam was designed more simply, consisting of three components: 50 questions on Mathematics, 50 questions on Literature (with a structure of 10% from the 10th grade curriculum, 20% from the 11th grade curriculum, and 70% from the 12th grade curriculum), and 40 optional questions (candidates could choose a component including 40 questions on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or 40 questions on History, Geography, and Civic Education (with a structure of 30% from the 11th grade and 70% from the 12th grade). The 2014 National Competency Assessment Exam had a total of 140 questions (each Each correct answer is worth 1 point, incorrect answers or unanswered questions receive no points. The time allotted for the test is 195 minutes.

After receiving the results of the national competency assessment test, students applying to Vietnam National University, Hanoi, still have to complete certain tasks.specialized aptitude test(Similar to the US SAT 2) aims to assess the abilities and knowledge required to select candidates for specific university programs. For example, students applying to science and technology fields such as Mathematics, Mechanics, Information Technology, etc., can choose mathematics as their specialized subject; those choosing chemistry or biology can choose chemistry; and those applying to social sciences and humanities can choose literature, etc. These specialized subjects are determined by the Science and Training Council of each university for each major/group of majors/field. Candidates only take one specialized aptitude test as prescribed.

The point I want to emphasize is that Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) is built and developed according to the model of an advanced research university, so it is necessary for candidates to take an additional specialized aptitude test. Other universities do not necessarily have to apply this test, but they can also organize an additional single-subject test in the form of essay questions, open-ended questions, or an aptitude test to gather more information to assess candidates for programs with specific requirements.

At Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), students applying for high-quality, talented, advanced, or international standard programs are evaluated not only on their scores in the standardized general aptitude test and the specialized aptitude test, but also on their application materials and other achievements. For example, the talented program requires students to have achieved excellent academic results in all three years of high school, or to have participated in provincial, national, or international student teams.

Thus, it can be seen that the admissions process of Vietnam National University, Hanoi is evaluated comprehensively and objectively, in line with the general trend of advanced countries around the world.

- Could you please explain the basis and conditions under which VNU can implement the aforementioned new admission method in a feasible manner?

First and foremost, it is based on scientific principles. The methods for designing and standardizing test formats to measure abilities in the VNU entrance exam are based on psychometric theories and modern test-taking theories, similar to the SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, etc.

Secondly, the VNU's competency assessment admission method is based on the experiences and practices of advanced countries around the world, especially the United States, combined with the reality in Vietnam. The VNU's competency assessment plan involves the participation and support of experts in developing international competency assessment tests (from Educational Testing Service - ETS, USA) as well as advisors on US admissions policy. The US has SAT1 and SAT2 tests; VNU chose a standardized general competency assessment test and a specialized competency assessment test, with additional reference to the ACT-style test (which increases the knowledge testing content in the competency assessment test compared to the SAT), and has incorporated, selected, supplemented, and refined these to suit the Vietnamese context.

Thirdly, and in my opinion the most important point for Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) to confidently and firmly implement the competency-based admissions reform, we have had a clear direction and have been meticulously preparing for this reform for a long time. Beginning in 1997 with the selection of gifted students for talent programs, and following research results from the State-level project on tools for evaluating, selecting, identifying, and training and nurturing talent from 2004-2005, VNU has now developed 4000 source questions and trained approximately 50 experienced and highly qualified staff specializing in writing questions for standardized competency assessment tests. VNU's strength lies in its multidisciplinary and multi-field university structure, with experts in all areas, from natural sciences and technology to social sciences and humanities, economics and law, foreign languages, etc., enabling us to proactively develop high-quality source questions. Furthermore, VNU has also established the Institute for Educational Quality Assurance and the Testing Center, which have been operating effectively; it has a team of administrators and lecturers who have been trained in innovative admissions practices, which have been tested at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

It is important to emphasize that the software for assessing competency in the entrance exam was also developed by experts from Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU). The exam and grading are done directly on computers, ensuring objectivity, accuracy, and fairness throughout the process. These are solid foundations and favorable practical conditions for VNU to continue implementing the admissions reform effectively and reliably.

- So, could you tell us about the roadmap for reforming the admissions process at Vietnam National University, Hanoi?

To implement the above policies, from the beginning of 2013, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) proactively established a Steering Committee for Admissions Reform, chaired by Director Phung Xuan Nha, with the Rectors of member universities and the Director of the Institute for Quality Assurance participating in the Steering Committee. The Training Department is the permanent body. The current roadmap for undergraduate admissions reform at VNU is agreed upon by the Steering Committee as follows:

- In 2014,The standardized competency assessment test will be applied to select students for high-quality, talented, advanced, and strategic programs (international standard) at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, after they have passed the national entrance exam (and therefore, no specialized competency assessment test will be applied). The test will be conducted on a computer.

- 2015The university will apply a competency-based admissions approach to programs with talented, advanced, high-quality, and internationally standardized bachelor's degree programs. The general and specialized competency assessment exams will be held before the national university entrance exam. Therefore, applicants to these programs, after taking the competency assessment exams, will still have the opportunity to participate in the national university entrance exam to try their luck in other standard programs within the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, or other universities that use the national university entrance exam.

- 2016Based on the experience gained from implementing and applying competency-based admissions to all university training programs before the Ministry of Education and Training's national university entrance exam (using the "3 common subjects" format).

However, the above roadmap will be adjusted to align with the Ministry of Education and Training's policies and decisions on the National Competency Assessment Exam. For example, if the National University of Hanoi's (VNU) standardized aptitude test is recognized by the Ministry and used for high school graduation assessment nationwide, VNU will accelerate the standardized aptitude test roadmap according to the general roadmap of the sector. Simultaneously, it will develop plans to add more source questions, coordinate with localities and other units to ensure the necessary infrastructure for the nationwide online implementation of the standardized aptitude test.

- To make this implementation more meaningful, could you please explain the possibility of sharing and applying it to units outside of VNU?

My view and understanding is that autonomy in admissions does not mean each school has its own separate entrance exam. When the three-subject entrance exam is abolished, a student planning to apply to three different schools cannot simultaneously prepare for three different exams with different orientations; that would be impractical. One of the successes of the three-subject exam was its ability to guide admissions processes and prepare candidates. Successful reforms in admissions must also meet this criterion.

Furthermore, student recruitment and the organization of the recruitment process are two very different activities. Years of experience in directing recruitment have shown that for the recruitment process to be successful, the most important factors must be ensured, such as: the exam questions must be standardized and of good quality to accurately assess the candidates' abilities, and the exam results must be used to select the best candidates;secondThe entire process of organizing the entrance examination, from question setting and answer taking to grading and announcing the results, must be closely supervised, objective, and trustworthy by society.three isIt must be compatible with Vietnam's current education system (training programs, curricula, learning materials, etc.), and that's important.Wednesday(Regarding the reform of admissions based on competency assessment) it requires a strong, modern, and standardized IT infrastructure that meets the requirements for online exam registration, taking, and grading.The year isThe approach of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) is flexible; universities can recruit students based on different scores from the general competency assessment test. The specialized competency assessment test will only be applied to a few key universities and research-oriented universities. This will ensure that admissions are appropriate and aligned with the future stratification of universities in Vietnam.Six isIt is possible to implement a "two-in-one" approach, where the results of the national competency assessment test can be used not only for university and college admissions, but also as a minimum score for high school graduation (if permitted by the Ministry of Education and Training).

The admissions process of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has the advantage of fully meeting such criteria. The general trend worldwide, and in my opinion, Vietnam is no exception, is that the organization of the entrance exam should be entrusted to large organizations or centers with the capacity in terms of staff, facilities, and experience to ensure high-quality and reliable testing. Based on the results of VNU's standardized aptitude test, different universities can choose different admission cutoff scores, selecting successful candidates for different majors within their institutions. This ensures both the quality of incoming students and reduces costs for families, training institutions, and society as a whole.

The advantage of the new admissions plan of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) is that the standardized aptitude test can be held frequently, multiple times a year. Candidates can proactively register for the aptitude test at a suitable time and, of course, can take it before the national high school graduation exam. This method of organizing and implementing admissions, along with the credit-based training system, will inevitably pave the way for university admissions and enrollment to be conducted twice a year, as in advanced countries. This will reduce the societal pressure on the current university entrance exam and will be a breath of fresh air, fundamentally changing Vietnam's university admissions process.

I firmly believe that with such steady, cautious, systematic steps and thorough preparation, based on scientific principles and practical experience, the reform of admissions at Vietnam National University, Hanoi will be successful and have a widespread impact.

- In light of the information regarding various proposed reforms to the university entrance examination system, as a university lecturer and also a member of the Steering Committee for University Entrance Examination Reform at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, what message do you have for high school students who are preparing to pass the entrance exam and enter university next year?

Reforming the admissions process essentially means changing the form of examinations and assessments, while the core remains the cognitive abilities, knowledge, and other skills that candidates have acquired, been trained in, and accumulated during their secondary education.

The general aptitude test is not difficult and does not go beyond the scope of general education knowledge. With aptitude tests like SAT1 and SAT2 in the US, the content covers knowledge throughout both junior and senior high school, while the VNU aptitude test focuses on 12th-grade knowledge, with only 20% from 11th grade and 10% from 10th grade. Furthermore, if approved by the Ministry, it could be used to replace the high school graduation exam, and the test could be taken in multiple rounds. If students do not achieve a passing or low score in the first round, they can register to retake the test to meet the requirements or improve their score with a higher result. The aptitude test will create more opportunities for students. In addition, VNU still has a specialized aptitude test to give gifted and talented students a chance to showcase their abilities. Students can rest assured and prepare to adapt to and become familiar with the changes in the admissions process according to VNU's plan.

Getting into university is difficult, but ahead lies a long process of learning, striving, and training during those years in university. The fundamental knowledge acquired at the university level is an extremely important foundation for each individual's career. The philosophy of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) is to link training with research, learning with practice, and theory with reality. Training at VNU aims not only to equip students with sufficient knowledge, creative abilities, and moral qualities, and to ensure they find good jobs after graduation, but also to focus on training students in organizational skills and abilities, especially developing their thinking and vision, giving them the confidence and determination to enter life and start their own businesses. I wish you all confidence, ambition, and success!"Happiness only smiles upon those who persevere and work diligently."The doors of the lecture halls at Vietnam National University, Hanoi are always wide open to welcome you!

Thank you very much, sir!