Forecast of 2026 university admission scores by subject combinations.

Dat is a former student of class 12A1 at Cam Thuy 2 High School in Cam Tan commune, Thanh Hoa. The student is one of the province's three A00 block valedictorians, achieving scores of 10 in mathematics and chemistry, and 9,75 in physics.

Tran Duc Toan, the principal, stated that this achievement reflects the student's persistent efforts. Dat is the first student from Cam Thuy 2 High School to become a provincial valedictorian since the school's establishment in 1984.

"Dat is energetic and active, possessing not only strong academic ability but also a drive to excel," Principal Toan remarked. "This achievement provides great motivation, especially for a school in a mountainous region."

The student shared that his father is a farmer and his mother is a factory worker. From a young age, he became familiar with farm work, learning to plant rice in third grade.

"During summer breaks or harvest seasons, I often help my parents. Knowing their hard work gives me more motivation to study diligently," Dat shared.

Valedictorians from 34 provinces and cities across 7 subject combinations - Top 500 high-scoring A00 block candidates.

Pham Dang Dat, Thanh Hoa province's A00 valedictorian in 2026. *Photo courtesy of subject*

Dat stated that he consistently created a study schedule, maintaining a routine of studying from 19h30 every evening throughout his three years of high school. In addition to textbooks and materials from his teachers, he often sought extra learning resources online and used AI for exam preparation.

"When I encountered a difficult math problem and couldn't find a solution, I used AI to explore different approaches, then analyzed, verified, and refined my own solution," Dat said.

The student views AI not as a replacement for learning, but as a tool that broadens perspectives and suggests problem-solving methods, thereby fostering independent critical thinking.

During his high school years, Dat was a member of the school's gifted student team for mathematics and chemistry. In 11th grade, he won third prize in provincial chemistry. A year later, the student secured second prize in chemistry and third prize in mathematics.

Dinh The Van, his homeroom teacher and mathematics teacher for class 12A1, assessed that the student possesses strong self-study skills, consistent performance, and a dedication to researching knowledge beyond the curriculum.

With his achievements, Dat plans to apply for control and automation engineering at Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Le Hoang