On the morning of January 24, Hanoi University of Science and Technology held the first round of its thinking skills assessment across 11 provinces and cities, including Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Da Nang, Thai Nguyen, and Lao Cai.

This year’s test saw a 22% increase in participation compared to 2025. Nearly 3,000 students sat the exam at the university’s Hanoi campus alone.

Starting early, testing the waters

Among the test-takers was Vuong The Anh, a 12th grader from Thuan Thanh No.1 High School in Bac Ninh, who arrived early at Hanoi University of Science and Technology to take the exam.

Eager to gain admission to the university, The Anh joined the first round mainly to get a feel for the test structure.

“I’ve practiced with some sample questions and scored around 55–60,” he shared. “But since this test is structured differently from the national graduation exam, I’m still nervous. I hope the knowledge I’ve learned will carry me through today.”

Dao Minh Duc, another 12th-grade student from Ngo Quyen High School in Hanoi, left home before 5 a.m. to take the exam.

He plans to use the results to apply for the Chemistry program at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Initially, he had hoped to apply through the university’s talent selection track, which relied on school transcripts. However, this year, the school has replaced that with results from the thinking skills assessment.

“That left me with limited time to prepare. So, I see this round mostly as practice - to get used to the format and test environment before the next one,” he said. “But I’ll still try my best.”

A test of logic, not memory

According to Dr. Le Dinh Nam, Deputy Head of Admissions and Career Orientation at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, this year’s test format remains stable.

It comprises three independent sections: Mathematical Thinking (60 minutes), Reading Comprehension (30 minutes), and Scientific Reasoning/Problem Solving (60 minutes).

The questions are designed to evaluate students’ thinking and reasoning skills - not to test direct knowledge from specific school subjects.

The exam content is refreshed annually, aligning with the current national curriculum and featuring timely, relevant topics to engage students.

So far, nearly 50 universities have announced they will accept results from this test. They include major technical universities in northern and central Vietnam, as well as institutions in the economics, law, banking, healthcare, and international sectors.

More schools, more tech, more opportunities

“To prepare for this year’s assessment, we’ve upgraded our software and exam infrastructure,” Dr. Nam said. “This helps us accommodate more test-takers than in previous years.”

Held in a streamlined and efficient format, the test incorporates advanced testing technologies, aligning with international models such as the SAT and ACT.

Innovations include standardized question design, psychometric modeling, and automated grading systems based on multi-parameter IRT (Item Response Theory).

Not just for seniors

Results from the test are valid for two years, making it useful for students planning ahead.

This explains why, out of the nearly 17,000 candidates this round, around 2,000 were students from grades 10 and 11 - making up 12% of total participants.

Final scores will be available approximately 10 days after the test and can be accessed through each candidate’s personal account.

With Vietnam’s university admissions landscape shifting toward a more holistic and skills-based approach, this early wave of thinking skills assessments is poised to play a growing role in how students reach their academic goals.

Thuy Nga