What path for high school graduates scoring below 15 points?

Candidates scoring under 15 points on the three-subject high school graduation exam are ineligible for university admissions, but experts suggest numerous opportunities remain.

During the Admissions and Career Counseling Day organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper earlier this month in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Phuc Vien, Principal of Cho Gao High School in Dong Thap, expressed concern over a new regulation from the Ministry of Education and Training. The rule requires candidates to achieve a combined score of 15 out of 30 or higher on their high school graduation exam subjects, regardless of the admission method used.

"This means that if they fall below this threshold, candidates will no longer have the opportunity to enter university. So, what path awaits those who score under 15 points?", Vien questioned.

In response, Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Anh Dung, Deputy Director General of the Department of Higher Education, stated that this is a new aspect of this year's university admission regulations. Therefore, candidates need to carefully consider their choice of high school graduation exam subjects, ensuring they align with their strengths and career aspirations, while also meeting the total score requirements for university admissions.

"A score below 15 does not mean students are not capable; it could be due to an unfortunate reason", Dung observed, adding that this group can apply for admission to vocational colleges (excluding early childhood education) and intermediate schools.

Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Anh Dung, Deputy Director General of the Department of Higher Education, advising candidates on 8/3. *Photo: Nguyet Minh*

Doctor Le Quang Trung, Vice Principal of LILAMA 2 International College of Technology in Dong Nai, advised candidates not to chase popular majors or schools but instead consider tuition fees and their academic abilities. According to Trung, vocational colleges currently offer training programs tailored to business needs, ensuring job placement for graduates. Students have the opportunity to work and earn salaries at companies from their second year or work abroad after graduation. Even after studying at intermediate or vocational colleges, they can still pursue university education later.

"University is not the only path to success, nor is vocational college a dead end", Doctor Trung said.

Doctor Nguyen Trung Nhan, Head of Admissions at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, advised candidates and teachers not to be overly concerned about the minimum threshold. He believes the Ministry will adjust the exam questions accordingly, as the admission threshold depends on the quality of the high school graduation exam. If the exam is too difficult, a large number of candidates scoring below 15 points would certainly affect the recruitment pool for universities.