Cu Xuan Tien, Head of Admissions and Student Affairs Division under the University of Economics and Law, noted that the score distribution for high school graduation exam subjects shows clearer differentiation than previous years. This benefits universities and junior colleges in selecting candidates based on exam scores.

All subjects see a notable decrease in average scores compared to 2024 (only physics sees a slight increase, with a dramatic rise in candidates scoring 10, from 55 to 3,929). Math has seen a sharp drop in average scores, with 56.4 percent of candidates scoring below average, and only about 12 percent scoring seven or higher.

In contrast, the English test is also difficult, but the score distribution is an average score of 5.38, while the proportion of candidates scoring below average (<5) dropped by 4.5 percent compared to 2024. 

The bell-shaped distribution chart indicates clear differentiation of students’ abilities. This is because English is an optional subject, leading to fewer students registering to attend the exam. Candidates choosing English test typically consider it a strength and a competitive advantage for university admissions.

Tien believes that this year’s admission benchmarks will trend lower than last year. The majors with admission exam groups involving math, English, and chemistry will see larger drops compared to other exam groups.

Due to the sharp decline in math scores, the cutoff scores for admission to polytechnic and technology majors, using A00 exam group (mathematics, physics, chemistry), and A01 (maths, physics, English) may drop by 1 to 2 points compared with the last year.

For B00 exam group (math, chemistry, biology), with average scores in math, chemistry, and biology all decreasing, the benchmarks for medical and natural science fields may drop by 1.5 to 2.5 points.

As for C00 (literature, history, geography), as the scores of literature, history and geography papers remain stable, the cutoff scores are likely to remain unchanged or slightly decrease.

For D01 (math, literature, English) and D07 (math, chemistry, English), with no score growth in math and English, benchmarks are expected to drop by one to two points. 

B00 exam group sees no recruitment crisis but deep benchmark drops

Tien estimated that the number of candidates scoring seven or higher in each subject of the B00 exam group will significantly decrease compared to 2024. This leads to a reduced pool of candidates for some majors using the exam group for admission. As a result, benchmarks for related majors will drop sharply, especially for popular majors like medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry, compared to 2024.

However, Tien noted that no recruitment crisis will occur for some reasons. First, biology and chemistry are optional subjects this year (previously, candidates choosing the natural science exam group had to take physics, chemistry, and biology tests). Candidates selecting these subjects are likely confident in their strengths and plan to use them for university admissions, leading to fewer registrations in 2025 compared to 2024.

Second, most schools now use multiple admission methods. Thus, the candidate pool is supplemented by methods like direct admission, priority admission, competency or aptitude test results, and conditional academic record reviews.

Economics and Law schools see sharp benchmark drops

The University of Economics and Law this year uses six exam groups for enrollment: A00, A01, D07, X25 (Math, English, and Economics and Law Education), X26 (math, English, informatics), with X25 and X26 being new compared to 2024. With math and English as key subjects, benchmarks are expected to drop by 0.5 to 1.5 points compared to 2024.

Hot majors such as international business, e-commerce, international economics, marketing, and economic law, which are highly competitive, will see smaller benchmark reductions. Conversely, new programs like civil law (English), applied mathematics in economics, management and finance (English), financial technology (Co-operative Education), and management information systems (Co-operative Education) offer more opportunities for candidates.

Tien said the admissions board is considering adjustments to the score gaps between combinations to ensure fairness for candidates. 

Additionally, this year, candidates with international English certificates can choose to convert international test scores into national English subject scores or receive bonus points added to their total scores for admission. Candidates only need to submit proof of their English certificate on the Ministry’s admissions portal, and the school’s admissions software will automatically calculate the optimal option.

Thuy Nga