Nguyen Bao Chau, a 9th-grade student from Ly Thai To Secondary School, achieved the highest score for the 10th-grade specialized English program at Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted (Khanh Hoa province) with 54.45/60 points (total of three core subjects plus specialized subject multiplied by a factor of 3). Her score for the specialized English subject was 8.9.

Last week, Chau traveled over 1,300 km to Hanoi to enroll at the Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, a part of Vietnam National University, Hanoi. She scored 36.92/50 points in the entrance exam, with 7.37 in specialized English.

This year, many top-scoring students in specialized English from provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Ha Tinh were accepted to and chose Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted. Chau traveled the furthest. She explained that she sees Hanoi - Amsterdam as a highly academic environment and wanted to challenge herself.

Nguyen Bao Chau, a 9th-grade student from Ly Thai To Secondary School. Photo: Family provided

Nguyen Bao Chau, a 9th-grade student from Ly Thai To Secondary School. Photo: Family provided

Chau said she began learning English in first grade, but her passion for it, and the decision to pursue specialized English study, developed just before 9th grade. “I was greatly inspired by my teacher," Chau shared. "Her dedicated teaching showed me that English is not just a subject, but a gateway to the world.”

At the beginning of the school year, Chau created a three-phase study plan for the specialized English exam. First, she consolidated her foundational knowledge by reviewing vocabulary and familiar grammar topics. Next, she intensified her preparation by practicing different types of exam questions. Finally, she practiced full exams to improve her reflexes. After completing an exam, Chau would grade herself, note her mistakes, and redo the exercises to learn from them. Some resources she used included the Destination book series, specialized exercises by teacher Vinh Ba, the Olympic 30/4 exam set, and specialized exams from various provinces and cities.

Chau dedicated most of her remaining study time to general math and literature.

To avoid burnout from her intensive study schedule, Chau followed the 25-5 rule: 25 minutes of focused studying followed by a 5-minute break. She also pursued hobbies like drawing, writing, and photography for relaxation. “I believe that keeping my passions alive helps me maintain my academic spirit," she said.

Throughout 9th grade, Chau consistently achieved high results, including a silver medal in the national 9th-grade Internet-based English Olympic competition (IOE), first prize in the provincial excellent student competition, and second prize in the Nha Trang city competition.

Chau's initial goal was to be accepted into Khanh Hoa's Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted. However, about a month before the 10th-grade entrance exams, she decided to try for another specialized school in Hanoi.

According to Chau, the most challenging part of Hanoi - Amsterdam's specialized English exam was the essay, which asked students to share their perspectives on the definition and path to success.

In her essay, she wrote: "Success is not just about achieving big goals, but also about feeling satisfied with the journey chosen, after putting in effort, maintaining personal values, and spreading positive impacts.” Chau also believes that the greatest success lies in witnessing personal growth through small steps. Her diligent preparation helped her excel in the vocabulary and grammar sections.

Bao Chau with her teacher Pham Thi Nho (left). Photo: Family provided

Bao Chau with her teacher Pham Thi Nho (left). Photo: Family provided

Pham Thi Nho, a history teacher at Ly Thai To Secondary School, has been a close mentor to Chau throughout middle school. She describes Chau as a well-behaved and diligent student. In addition to English, Chau excels in many subjects and actively participates in school activities. “Chau consistently maintains excellent academic performance and often represents the student body at school events," Nho said. In 8th grade, under Nho's guidance, Chau and two classmates participated in the Khanh Hoa Province Cultural Heritage Exploration Competition. As team captain, Chau led her team through three rounds, winning first prize at both the city and provincial levels.

For her three years at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, Chau aims to improve her English skills and participate in excellent student competitions. She also plans to study French at the school and join book and writing clubs.

Hai Yen