Why Many Vietnamese Students Choose AP Courses Starting in 10th Grade

A growing number of Vietnamese students are opting to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses as early as the 10th grade, seeking to gain a competitive edge for international university admissions. Lê Sơn Nam, who received approximately $870,000 in scholarships from U.S. universities, attributes his success to starting AP courses early in high school.

Developed by the College Board, AP courses offer students a depth of study equivalent to a first-year university course. Beyond advanced knowledge, the program emphasizes critical thinking, questioning, analysis, and research, moving away from rote memorization. This approach helps students develop crucial skills for higher education and future careers.

Phan Minh Quốc Bảo, now pursuing Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University with a perfect 4.0 GPA in his first semester, benefited from early exposure to AP methods. His mother, Lê Thị Hồng Ánh, highlights that AP cultivates self-learning, research abilities, and proactivity – skills vital for university and professional life.

Former student Nguyễn Khang, who gained admission to prestigious European institutions like HEC Paris and Bocconi University with an IELTS score of 8.0 and top AP grades, exemplifies the benefits of early academic preparation. Asian International School, which offers AP courses, reports that its students are well-prepared for international higher education due to this strong academic foundation.

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The greatest value of AP lies in helping students develop self-learning, research abilities, and proactivity – skills that are important in higher education and future careers.