The Evaluation of Competence Examination (Assessment Test) phase 1 in 2024 organized by VNUHCM is expected to have over 95 thousand participants in 24 locations nationwide. Participants are in the final stage of preparation for the exam, scheduled for April 7th.
To provide additional motivation for the examinees, the VNUHCM Newsletter has conducted interviews regarding the preparation process for this exam with valedictorians selected through the Assessment Test results.
- Tran Cong Huy Hoang - Valedictorian of the 2020 Assessment Test Exam phase 1, 4th-year student in Computer Science, HCMUT
Discipline and Self-discipline
When I decided to participate, the Assessment Test was still very new. Thanks to enthusiastic teachers, I registered for the exam. At that time, our preparations for the high school graduation exam were interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, I decided to seize every opportunity to enter my dream university.
In addition to classroom hours, I devoted about 60% of my time to preparing for the high school graduation exam and 30% for the Assessment Test. I focused first on natural sciences, my strong subjects. For social sciences, I chose to read textbooks and marked important parts. Every week, I reviewed the marked sections 1-2 times to remember, rather than memorize. The remaining 10% of the day I spent resting, listening to music, playing instruments, or watching movies. Taking breaks also helped me study more effectively.
Since the exam was quite new and there weren't many review options, I had to self-study. There were many types of questions posted online, so I printed them all out and placed them in front of me to feel the urge to work on them. I also invited a few friends to study together, then set deadlines to correct each other's papers. If we missed the deadline, there would be corresponding penalties. These methods all provided motivation for my studies.
The Assessment Test exam does not separate by subject, but rather distributes questions randomly. Therefore, I chose to answer questions from top to bottom. For those questions I was unsure about, I marked them to come back to later. I think it's important to spend the last 10 minutes marking the answer sheet to avoid situations where you finish the questions but don't have time to fill in the answers. For logical math questions, I think it's important to summarize the question, meaning to write down the main numbers or information to understand the question better.
Since it's not a mandatory exam and still quite new, teachers and parents will not push us to study for the Assessment Test. We must discipline ourselves and be self-disciplined. Preparing for multiple exams simultaneously also helped me learn how to manage my time better. The skills mentioned above are all very useful for university studies and life in general. For example, besides studying, university students also participate in extracurricular activities. With time management skills, we can balance various tasks well.
In coAssessment Testusion, I hope this year's participants will have confidence in themselves and calmly perform well in the Assessment Test exam. If you continue to give your best effort, you will achieve the desired results.
- Nguyen Ho Tien Dat - Valedictorian of the 2021 Assessment Test Exam phase 1, 3rd-year student in Computer Science (English program), HCMUT
Maintaining a Relaxed Spirit
In grade 12, after learning about the various admission methods, I was very interested in the content and format of the exam, so I decided to try it out and achieved valedictorian status.
During the preparation process, I focused on listening to lectures in class and reviewing textbooks, summarizing the content of subjects from grades 10, 11, and 12 every evening. Additionally, I frequently watched news broadcasts, read articles, or watched educational programs like "Road to Mount Olympia." About 1-2 months before the exam, I familiarized myself with sample tests and timed myself to find an effective approach.
I've always believed that a relaxed mind, without excessive stress, makes everything smoother. On the other hand, I reminded myself that this was just a trial for a university entrance method, not the only path. Therefore, enjoyable activities such as entertainment, sports, and spending time with friends were essential to me!
Before any exam, I would allocate at least half a day or ideally a full day to not study anything to keep a relaxed spirit. When answering questions, I would start from the top down, but for those I wasn't entirely sure about, I would mark them. After completing all the questions, I would go back and think more carefully to find the answers.
I always set aside 5-10 minutes at the end to review all the information to check for any mistakes or misfilled answers. This time frame is crucial to me, helping me avoid regrettable errors that could lead to unexpected results. This can be seen as my "strategy" for answering questions.
These lessons, experiences, and skills not only benefited my university studies but also in the future. Through this process, I learned to evaluate my weaknesses and find ways to overcome them, as well as recognize my strengths to maximize them. This is something I strive to continuously improve upon and perform tasks to the best of my ability. Additionally, maintaining calmness and relaxation also helped me overcome many difficulties more smoothly.
- Nguyen Ngoc Bao Tran - Valedictorian of the 2023 Assessment Test Exam phase 1, 1st-year student in English Language, HCMUSSH
Don't Doubt Yourself
When I was in grade 12, I didn't know much about the Assessment Test exam. Seeing friends look for review materials, I became curious and "borrowed" and answered a few questions, then researched more. I didn't specialize in any subject, so I found the Assessment Test exam very suitable and decided to participate.
During my school years, I focused on listening to teachers' lectures and actively sought to understand the lessons. I truly concentrated on preparing for the Assessment Test about a month before, reviewing foundational knowledge while doing illustrative tests. When doing tests, I prioritized subjects I liked and was "good" at, particularly English and logical math. After that, I corrected my answers, marked any incorrect ones, and then checked the results to take notes and minimize similar mistakes.
A week before the exam, I compiled important knowledge into a small notebook and reviewed it systematically. To alleviate fatigue from preparing for multiple exams simultaneously, I often rewarded myself with bubble tea, delicious food, and occasionally did tests with friends, answering each other's questions. After each relaxation session, I felt more motivated to study. When answering questions, I went from top to bottom to avoid missing any questions, and took the opportunity to solve relatively difficult questions while my mind was still sharp. For questions that took more time to solve, I marked them and continued with the easier ones.
Preparing for and participating in the Assessment Test exam helped me realize the importance of self-study skills. If we wait for teachers to remind us at university, we might panic when we have to study for exams. Therefore, the self-study skills acquired from the Assessment Test helped alleviate my confusion to some extent. Additionally, I believe in not doubting one's own abilities. When practicing, I never answered correctly on more than half the questions. But the official exam was very different; for example, the math questions were based on 12th-grade knowledge, so I found it "easier."
In the end, I learned how to have confidence in myself. Only when I believe in my abilities can I calmly answer questions and achieve results beyond my expectations. I wish the upcoming participants will achieve excellent results in the upcoming Assessment Test exam.
2024 VNUHCM Assessment Test Exam
The VNUHCM Evaluation of Competence Examination in 2024 retains the exam structure of 120 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes, covering three knowledge sections: language usage, mathematics, logical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving to assess the basic competencies needed for university studies.
This year, VNUHCM has made improvements in the payment methods for exam fees through various e-wallets. Participants can choose one of the four payment methods via Viettel Money, Foxpay, MoMo, and Payoo to complete the registration process.
Participants can register for the exam online at: https://thinangluc.vnuhcm.edu.vn/ and view information about sample tests, registration instructions, and payment methods at: http://cete.vnuhcm.edu.vn/thi-danh-gia-nang-luc.html.
According to Dinh Khai, Thu Ky - VNUHCM
For more details, visit: https://vnuhcm.edu.vn/sinh-vien_33383364/cung-thu-khoa-san-sang-cho-ky-thi-dgnl-2024/353832383364.html
Ha Bang - Media Collaborator, University of Information Technology
Nhat Hien - Translation Collaborator, University of Information Technology
