Tran Tien Dat, 19, a former student of Tran Quoc Tuan High School, Gia Lai, achieved this record score in the second phase of this year's exam. He earned a perfect score (300) in mathematics and English, with Vietnamese and scientific thinking sections scoring 261 and 278 points, respectively.

Dat stated that his test-taking process was smooth, with hesitation on only six questions in the Vietnamese and scientific thinking sections. He estimated his score would be 1000-1050 points after accounting for minor errors.

"Friends looked up the scores and called to tell me I was the top scorer," Dat recounted. "Both my family and I were happy and surprised by this result." He added that his parents treated him to che (a Vietnamese dessert) immediately afterward.

The second phase of the competency assessment exam, held in mid-5, saw approximately 170,000 candidates, marking the largest turnout ever for a university-organized competency assessment. Dat's score also represents a record in the nine-year history of the exam.

Tran Tien Dat, the top scorer with the highest competency assessment score to date at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. *Photo: Provided by subject*

In early 4, Dat took the first phase and scored 997 points. Feeling he needed a higher score, he decided to take the second phase to improve. This time, Dat dedicated more time to reviewing Vietnamese content and learning calculator techniques for quick math solving to save time. He achieved full marks in English and mathematics, leveraging his IELTS 7.5 foundation and strong math skills from high school.

Additionally, the student believes his hobby of listening to historical and scientific stories on YouTube helped him accumulate social knowledge, aiding in solving some questions in the scientific thinking section.

The exam in late 4 was the student's third attempt at the competency assessment. Last year, Dat only participated in the first phase, scoring 800 points. He then focused his efforts on the high school graduation exam, achieving 25,5 points in the A01 subject combination (mathematics, physics, English).

However, due to overconfidence and unrealistic aspirations, Dat did not get into his preferred majors. He was admitted to the physics program at the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. After just one month of enrollment, Dat realized he couldn't force himself to continue a path he didn't enjoy.

"If I study a major I don't like, I don't know where I'll end up," the student said. "I decided to retake the exam, and my parents supported me." He added that before completing withdrawal procedures, he utilized his time in Ho Chi Minh City to study and earn an IELTS 7.5 certificate. He returned to his hometown late last year to focus on exam preparation.

Daily, Dat dedicated 7-8 hours to reviewing past knowledge and practicing mock high school graduation and competency assessment exams. In the past month, he intensified his study, learning 8-10 hours each day, aiming for 27-29 points in the A01 subject combination.

Dat's competency assessment exam results for phases one and two in 2026. *Photo: Provided by subject*

Dat plans to use his competency assessment score, combined with his academic transcript and high school graduation exam scores, to apply for artificial intelligence programs at the University of Technology, University of Science, or Information Technology at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. These are the preferred majors he missed out on last year.

Nguyen Thi Huong, Dat's homeroom teacher in 12th grade at Tran Quoc Tuan High School, was impressed by the gentle, diligent young man who was well-liked by his friends. She stated that for three consecutive years, Dat was an all-round excellent student and won second prize in the Gia Lai provincial (pre-merger) excellent student competition for mathematics.

Le Nguyen