Vietnam: Should Students Retake Competency Exam After First Session Results?

For students aiming to secure a spot in their desired university programs, the upcoming results of the National University of Ho Chi Minh City's competency assessment exam for the first session, due on April 17, are crucial. However, for those seeking to bolster their chances, experts are encouraging a strategic approach: consider retaking the exam in the second session. This advice is particularly relevant for students who feel they can improve their scores and meet the eligibility criteria for the second round.

“

The score distribution for the second session is often higher than the first session.

The rationale behind this recommendation is rooted in observed trends. According to data from the National University of Ho Chi Minh City, the score distribution for the second session has consistently shown a tendency to be higher than the first. This phenomenon is attributed to several factors. A significant portion of students participating in the second session are repeat test-takers from the first session. These students, often already possessing a decent academic standing, are motivated to enhance their results for better admission prospects.

“

The group of students who retake the exam usually have better preparation, understand the test structure, and have more effective test-taking strategies, as well as better exam room psychology and know how to avoid previous mistakes after practical experience, thus improving their test results.

Experts like Dr. Nguyen Quoc Chinh, Director of the Center for Testing and Quality Assurance Assessment at the National University of Ho Chi Minh City, explain that repeat test-takers typically perform better. Having already experienced the exam format and timing, they are better prepared, understand the test structure, and can avoid previous mistakes. This familiarity, combined with additional study time between the two sessions, allows them to refine their test-taking strategies and ultimately improve their scores. Similarly, Associate Professor Bui Hoai Thang from Bach Khoa University notes that the second session attracts highly motivated students focused on score optimization, potentially skewing the results towards higher achievers.

“

The gap of nearly two months between the two exam sessions is enough time for students to supplement their knowledge, practice their test-taking skills, and overcome shortcomings from the first attempt. Therefore, if you still aim to improve your score and increase your chances of admission, you should consider registering because the score distribution for the second session in recent years has often been higher than the first session.