Mai, a 12th-grade chemistry student at Hung Vuong Specialized High School (Phu Tho), said she had estimated her score after checking the answer key released by the Ministry of Education and Training over a week ago, but didn't expect to be a top scorer.
"I waited for my mother to come home from the market before sharing the news. We were both overjoyed," Mai said on Tuesday.
According to data from the Ministry of Education and Training, there are 9 students nationwide who achieved a perfect score of 30/30 this year: 8 in the A00 combination (math, physics, chemistry) and 1 in the B00 combination (math, chemistry, biology).
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Mai, the top scorer in the A00 exam, hails from Phu Tho. Photo: Provided by the interviewee |
Mai, the top scorer in the A00 exam, hails from Phu Tho. Photo: Provided by the interviewee
Mai said she first encountered chemistry in 8th grade. She realized her aptitude for science subjects, which rely on logical thinking, leading her to choose chemistry as her major.
In 9th grade, Mai won first prize in the provincial chemistry competition for students and was directly admitted to Hung Vuong Specialized High School, where she became the class president of the chemistry class. During her three years of high school, she also participated in the provincial chemistry competition and won second prize.
Mai described her preparation for the 2025 high school graduation exam as relatively relaxed. Her study secret was to focus on understanding the lessons in class and then analyzing them further for deeper comprehension. She dedicated more time to physics, as it wasn't her strength. Chemistry, being her forte, required less effort.
Mai practiced with tests provided by her teachers and enrolled in some online courses to improve her knowledge in the three A00 subjects. In the two weeks leading up to the exam, she primarily focused on practice tests at home, consistently achieving near-perfect scores.
To maintain her health, Mai said she focused on studying during the day and went to bed before 11 p.m.
"I believe it's essential to have time for rest and rejuvenation," Mai shared. "My grandparents and parents always pay attention to my nutrition and mental well-being."
Evaluating this year's exam, Mai found the math portion the most surprising as it was more challenging than the practice tests she had taken. It took her considerable time to complete. Physics was her biggest concern, but the exam turned out to be manageable.
Besides studying, Mai enjoys watching movies and taking photos. She actively participates in extracurricular activities, including roles such as Head of External Relations for Fly Organization (a program supporting and teaching children in SOS Children's Villages) and Head of Organization for Museum of Thought (a summer camp and psychology education program for adolescents).
Mai is considering her future plans, leaning towards a career in business.
"I've been exposed to this field since I was young, observing my mother at work. It seems like a good fit for me," Mai said, adding that she wants to explore something flexible and creative.
Huyen Trang - Hai Yen
