College Board, the organization that owns the SAT, announced the scores for the year's final test on the evening of 19/12. This test took place two weeks prior. The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is an international standardized examination that assesses reading, writing, and mathematics abilities, used for university admissions in the United States and many other countries.
Foreign Language Specialized High School (CNN), part of the University of Languages and International Studies (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), saw three of its students achieve the maximum score of 1600/1600 in this testing session. They are Pham The Tuan (class 12A1), Nguyen Minh Thu (12A3), and Ha Bao Tran (12A6). All three are from the school's English specialized stream.
According to College Board, 7 SAT tests are held annually, with approximately 2 million students worldwide participating. A score of 1530 or higher places a test-taker in the top 1% globally.
"The school is delighted and proud of their achievements. This is the result of rigorous study, clear direction, and an aspiration for international integration", stated Do Thi Ngoc Chi, the Vice Principal.
Chi noted that the school typically has students who achieve a 1600 SAT score each year. However, having three students reach this score in the same testing session is considered "special and impressive". Two months ago, another student, Nguyen Kieu Anh (class 12A1), also achieved this perfect score.
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From left: Minh Thu, The Tuan, and Bao Tran. Photo: Provided by the school |
Minh Thu and Bao Tran expressed surprise at their results. Both acknowledged that English specialized students have certain advantages when preparing for the SAT, such as a strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary, and good reading comprehension skills. Nevertheless, the SAT reading comprehension section leans heavily on critical thinking, requiring test-takers to apply reasoning to achieve high scores.
Thu's study method involved careful reading to avoid "traps" in the test, combined with extensive practice. During the peak month leading up to the exam, she dedicated 3-4 hours daily to completing practice tests.
Bao Tran added that she frequently analyzed incorrect answers to identify the underlying issues and learn from her mistakes. During the actual test, she maintained a calm and steady mindset to perform at her best.
With her achieved score, Minh Thu plans to apply for combined admission to domestic universities, while Bao Tran intends to study abroad.
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Nguyen Kieu Anh, a student from Foreign Language Specialized High School, achieved 1600 SAT in October. Photo: Provided by the school |
Foreign Language Specialized High School was established in 1969 and stands as the only specialized foreign language high school in Vietnam. Each year, the school admits approximately 1,500 10th-grade students into its specialized streams, which include English, Russian, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Thanh Hang
