Ho Anh Kiet, a student in Math 1 specialized class at Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted in the Ba Ria – Vung Tau area, achieved the highest score of 17,5/20 in Ho Chi Minh City's recent excellent student math competition. He received the news from his teacher while in northern Vietnam to take an aptitude test for Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

"I was a bit surprised and emotional because all my hard work and efforts over a long period paid off", Kiet said.

Before the exam, Kiet had aimed for a second prize. However, after performing better than expected, he felt confident about achieving first prize. The student stated he had solved most of the exam requirements, skipping only one question on spatial geometry.

Ho Anh Kiet, a 12th grade Math 1 specialized student at Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Provided by subject

During middle school, Kiet visited Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted for a sports competition. Overwhelmed by the spacious and beautiful campus, he decided to focus on math, his strong subject, to secure admission.

After gaining admission to the Math 1 specialized class, Kiet's performance declined. He struggled to adapt to living away from home and being surrounded by many talented students. Following an evaluation period, he was listed for transfer to the Math 2 specialized class. However, a make-up test allowed him to remain.

"That was a warning I did not want to repeat", Kiet stated.

In 10th grade, Kiet earned a consolation prize in the provincial excellent student competition. The following year, he missed an opportunity by failing to make the school's team. After a period of sadness and self-doubt, Kiet planned his redemption.

From late 11th grade, he independently studied the entire 12th grade math curriculum. When the new school year began, Kiet dedicated 3-4 hours daily to advanced topics and problem-solving. Learning from his previous experience, he focused on studying by topic. He listed questions he could not solve to discuss with friends and find new solutions, rather than studying broadly and haphazardly.

Kiet recounted that this period was quite stressful. Sometimes he felt discouraged by the large number of difficult problems, struggling to find solutions. His motivation stemmed from his teachers' lectures.

"With their easy-to-understand teaching methods, strictness when students lacked focus, but also occasional jokes to relieve pressure, we felt inspired to improve daily", the student shared.

Kiet (in blue shirt) during a class extracurricular activity. Photo: Provided by subject

Mr. Tran Quang Vinh, the math team coach at Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, described Kiet as resilient and persistent. Living in the dormitory due to his home being about 50 km from the school, Kiet always proactively studied independently, seeking out materials and exercises from various sources.

"He is diligent, thoughtful, and a good self-learner", Mr. Vinh said.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thuy, his homeroom teacher for three years, characterized Kiet as a hardworking and "meticulous" young man. She noted that the student had made significant progress compared to the shy boy he was when he first entered the school.

Kiet's primary goal is to gain admission to the Computer Science program at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. The student expressed a desire to change his living and learning environment to test his adaptability. Additionally, an uncle he admired since childhood also attended university in Hanoi.

Therefore, Kiet plans to participate in all three aptitude tests to achieve the best possible score for admission to Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Le Nguyen