Two best friends graduate as valedictorians from Hanoi University of Science and Technology with perfect 4.0 GPAs

Despite studying different majors, Cong Toan and Ngoc Hai, friends since high school, both graduated as valedictorians from Hanoi University of Science and Technology with perfect 4.0 GPAs.

Luu Cong Toan, a student in control and automation engineering, and Truong Ngoc Hai, a student in computer engineering, are two of the three outstanding students who graduated from Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) this year with a perfect 4.0/4.0 GPA.

Notably, the two 22-year-old men, both from Hung Yen province, were classmates at Tien Hung High School (formerly in Thai Binh province).

"Toan and I often made a bet: whoever couldn't maintain a 4.0 GPA until graduation had to treat the other to a big meal. Unexpectedly, we both succeeded," Hai said.

Toan, although he knew they would both graduate with perfect scores, was still overwhelmed with joy when the university announced the valedictorian list yesterday.

Toan (right) and Hai during their graduation defense in July at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. *Photo courtesy of interviewees*

From their high school years, Toan and Hai were close friends. With their homes about one kilometer apart, Toan often drove Hai to school. Sometimes, when their vehicle broke down, they walked home together. The pair also supported each other academically, especially when they were both on the gifted Physics team. Whenever they encountered difficult problems, Toan and Hai would stay after class to discuss them further.

"Toan is extroverted, while I am more introverted. But we both share a common drive to achieve our goals, which is why we got along," Hai recounted. As a result, both frequently ranked among the top 5 in their cohort. In 12th grade, Hai won first prize in provincial Physics, while Toan secured third prize.

When choosing universities, Hai and Toan both selected HUST, scoring 29,4 and 28/30 respectively on the A00 combination (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry) graduation exam.

Upon entering the university, Toan felt overwhelmed during his first calculus class. With over 100 students in the class, seeing many who had won national and international awards or came from specialized high schools, Toan felt both admiration and confusion.

Considering the expenses his parents covered for his education, Toan resolved to excel, at least not to fail any subjects. He never missed a class, always sat in the front row, paid close attention to lectures, and reviewed material at home. Toan also proactively sought out study materials and asked senior students for guidance on each subject. Thanks to this dedication, Toan achieved a perfect score from his very first semester.

However, achieving a 4.0 also created pressure to maintain that score. During each final exam period, Toan lost 2 kg due to stress, often staying up until 2h to study and then waking up at 4h to continue.

"That pressure became motivation, helping me maintain perfect results for 8 semesters and never having to retake any subject," Toan said.

Hai also faced many challenges, particularly with Algebra. Abstract concepts like matrices and vector spaces were entirely new and difficult. He decided he needed to change his study approach from passive to more proactive.

For general subjects, in addition to classroom hours, Hai went to the library to borrow books and past exam papers for review. Despite studying different majors, he often discussed with his best friend to review theories, re-solve exercises, and explain difficult parts to each other.

For specialized subjects, Hai also researched the content beforehand and formed study groups.

"Group study is very helpful because discussing problems from multiple perspectives helps me understand knowledge more deeply and comprehensively," Hai said.

Finding effective study methods from their first year, both joined a study support club and became teaching assistants, helping peers with general subjects. They also participated in research at the university's laboratories to enhance their knowledge.

Beyond the initial difficulties, Hai and Toan also experienced periods of intense stress. For Toan, the graduation project defense was the most arduous. Toan's thesis on "wireless power transfer systems for endoscopic capsules" was considered very challenging. During that time, Toan was already working; he would go to the company during the day and bury himself in his thesis at night. After two months of intense pressure, Toan had to take a leave of absence from work.

Currently, Toan is a software engineer at Viettel Aerospace Institute. He plans to work while pursuing a master's degree at the university.

Hai is continuing as a research assistant at the Natural Language Processing laboratory at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Here, Hai is developing his graduation project into a research paper and seeking opportunities to study abroad before returning to Vietnam to work.

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. We are fortunate to have been companions throughout this journey and will continue to support each other in the future," Hai said.