Vietnam's top high school graduate chooses KAIST, sparking interest

Hoang Huong Giang, a high school student who topped Vietnam's university entrance exams and achieved a perfect score on the SAT, is drawing attention for her decision to study at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

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The difficulty of the math problems was high.

Giang, a student at the High School for Gifted Students affiliated with Hanoi National University of Education, secured the top spot nationwide in the 2026 Vietnamese high school graduation exam for the A01 group (Mathematics, Physics, English). She earned a total score of 29.75 out of 30, with perfect scores in Physics and English, and 9.75 in Mathematics. This group is popular among students aspiring to engineering fields.

Despite finding the math problems challenging, Giang expressed slight regret over losing 0.25 points due to a calculation error in an integral problem. She shared that her study routine involves less than eight hours of study per day, balanced with activities like yoga, drawing, reading, and playing Minesweeper.

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I lost 0.25 points due to a mistake in an integral problem.

Giang also demonstrated exceptional performance in international standardized tests, scoring a perfect 1600 on the SAT and an 8.0 out of 9.0 on the IELTS. After receiving offers from Vin University (established by Vingroup) and Seoul National University, she ultimately chose KAIST to major in computer science, supported by a full scholarship from Samsung.

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I study for less than 8 hours a day.

"Artificial intelligence has vast potential for development. I want to contribute to new advancements in AI," Giang told local media, highlighting her future aspirations.

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Artificial intelligence has vast potential for development. I want to contribute to new advancements in AI.