Nguyen Trung Thai Son, a 12th-grade student from the informatics class 12A2 at the High School for Gifted Students, Hanoi University of Science, is one of two candidates nationwide who achieved a score of 29,75 in the A01 subject combination (mathematics, physics, English) this year.

"I was happy and surprised by the news. I didn't think I would be the valedictorian, but I had calculated I would get around this score," Son said.

Among the three subjects, Son found the mathematics exam the most challenging, with one probability question that took him half an hour to solve. For physics, Son noted there were many trick questions related to theory. He read carefully to avoid selecting incorrect answers, leaving just enough time to review his work.

English was the only subject where Son did not achieve a perfect 10, due to an error in an idiom question. However, he expressed no major regret, as English was not his strongest subject.

Nguyen Trung Thai Son. Photo: Provided by subject

Son shared that he began intense preparation after Tet (Lunar New Year), once he had completed the entire curriculum. In addition to his school classes, he spent two to three hours daily practicing exam questions, alternating between one mathematics paper, two physics papers, or two English papers.

Son's primary resource for study materials was mock exams from various provinces, which were highly challenging and helped him master different question formats. Consequently, he found the actual exam somewhat easier.

The student stated that he did not possess any special secrets or quick problem-solving methods. His main focus was on firmly grasping foundational knowledge. After intense study sessions, Son often played the piano or took walks to relax and regain focus.

According to Nguyen Thanh Van, Son's homeroom teacher, he consistently ranked first in his class with an average score of 9,7-9,8 out of 10.

"Son is very serious and careful in his studies. He has been praised many times for achieving the highest exam scores. At the same time, Son actively participates in class activities," Ms. Van commented.

Following the exam, Son plans to register for his first choice major: mathematics education at Hanoi National University of Education. He carefully considered this decision, partly because it aligns with his somewhat introverted personality, and partly due to his passion for mathematics since elementary school.

"I like mathematics not for any profound reason, but for the satisfaction of thinking through and finding solutions to difficult problems," Son said.

Khanh Linh