Twins achieve top two spots in specialized physics exam

With 9.5 points in the specialized subject, twins Do Tung Lam and Do Tuan Lam secured the top two positions in the 10th-grade physics class at Ha Long Specialized High School.

Tung Lam and Tuan Lam are both former students of class 9A8 at Trong Diem Secondary School in Ha Long City.

In addition to being the top scorer in specialized physics, Tung Lam led the entire Ha Long Specialized High School with a total admission score of 46.75/50 (three general subjects plus the specialized subject multiplied by 2). His scores for the other two subjects were 9 in math and 8.75 in literature. His brother, Tuan Lam, scored 8.5 in math and 8.25 in literature. Both achieved a perfect 10 in English.

"My scores in all subjects exceeded my initial goals," Tung Lam said, while Tuan Lam expressed some regret that his results weren't quite as expected.

The two students felt the literature exam was the most challenging, with many new reading comprehension questions compared to previous years. In math, both struggled with the final question on combinations. The English exam was familiar, allowing them to easily pass due to prior practice and preparation.

The twins agreed that the specialized physics exam wasn't difficult. However, errors in presentation and calculations prevented them from achieving perfect scores.

Tung Lam (second from right) and Tuan Lam with their parents. Photo provided by the interviewees

Tung Lam (second from right) and Tuan Lam with their parents. Photo provided by the interviewees

The brothers said they developed an interest in physics in 7th grade, finding the subject relatable and practical. Under the guidance of Ms. Bui Thi Kim Oanh, their physics teacher, Tung Lam and Tuan Lam confidently joined the school's physics team.

In 8th grade, both competed in the advanced level natural science competition. Tung Lam won second prize in the city and third prize at the provincial level, while Tuan Lam won third prize and an honorable mention, respectively. A year later, both brothers won gold medals in the physics Olympiad organized by Ha Long Specialized High School and first prize at the provincial level.

They maintained a daily study schedule from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., including both school and extra classes. They used free time during school hours to work on specialized subjects, and practiced with exercises provided by their teachers in the morning and afternoon lab sessions. After each practice test, they compared scores and corrected each other's mistakes.

"We often made different mistakes, so cross-checking helped us both compete and support each other," Tung Lam recalled.

At home, the two students practiced one specialized subject test daily, focusing on challenging topics like motion and fluid mechanics. In addition to materials from their teachers, Tung Lam joined online physics forums for further learning, while Tuan Lam collected exam papers from other specialized high schools, especially the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences and the High School of Education and Training.

They also watched physics videos on YouTube channels like Vat Ly Chill, Veritasium, PBS Space Time, MinutePhysics, and on TikTok.

Despite their busy study schedule, Tung Lam and Tuan Lam regularly jogged, played badminton, table tennis, and soccer. "Sports help me relax and study more effectively," Tung Lam shared.

Ms. Doan Hanh, their 9th-grade homeroom teacher, described the twins as excellent students who consistently ranked among the top of their class.

"Sometimes, right after physics class ended, they would come up and ask for extra practice problems," Ms. Hanh recounted. She was impressed by their serious attitude and clear goals throughout their preparation process.

The two students with their teacher, Ms. Doan Hanh. Photo provided by the interviewees

The two students with their teacher, Ms. Doan Hanh. Photo provided by the interviewees

Ms. Bui Thi Kim Oanh noted that both students demonstrated exceptional aptitude in physics from an early age, along with a strong desire to learn and improve.

"They practically became teaching assistants in the classroom," Ms. Oanh said. "When I assigned exercises, Tung Lam and Tuan Lam often took turns presenting solutions on the board, making it easier for their classmates to follow and understand."

For the next three years of high school, Tuan Lam expressed his desire to participate in the national student competition and plans to study abroad in Russia to pursue engineering and science. Tung Lam intends to focus on physics and participate in major competitions.