Vu Minh Duc, a math prodigy from Bac Ninh High School for the Gifted, has achieved the highest-ever score in the Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) aptitude test.

Scoring an impressive 98.61 out of 100, Duc shattered previous records and became the top candidate in the test’s first round of 2025.

A record-breaking achievement

On January 24, during his final class before the Tet holiday, Vu Minh Duc, a 12th grader from Bac Ninh High School for the Gifted, was overjoyed to learn of his remarkable score in the HUST aptitude test.

“I didn’t expect to achieve such a high score,” Duc admitted. “I hadn’t prepared much for this round and went into the test just to try my luck, thinking I might take it again in later rounds.”

As a student in a specialized math class, and with an older brother studying automation at HUST, Duc developed a passion for the university and set his sights on its Computer Science program.

His preparation involved balancing schoolwork with targeted evening practice. Duc focused on understanding the core concepts behind the test’s structure, which differs significantly from Vietnam’s high school graduation exams.

“When you truly grasp the fundamentals, everything becomes easier,” Duc explained. “Whenever I learn something new, I strive to understand it fully so I can apply it to different types of problems.”

Independent learning leads to success

Notably, Duc did not attend any extra classes during his three years of high school. Instead, he concentrated on completing assignments from his teachers and researching additional resources online. For the aptitude test, he relied solely on a handbook provided by his school.

“I believe that focusing on what teachers provide in class is enough for these exams. The key is paying attention in class and organizing your time wisely for rest and study,” Duc said. He typically studied from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., avoiding late-night sessions.

Duc scored a perfect mark in the mathematics section, thanks to his rigorous training in mathematical thinking as a gifted student. This preparation allowed him to solve most of the math problems quickly and efficiently.

However, he found the Reading Comprehension and Science sections more challenging, as they featured unfamiliar content.

“These sections left me unsure because I couldn’t always find clear evidence in the text,” Duc noted. “I think I need to improve my skills in analyzing and connecting information.”

A history of academic excellence

In addition to setting a new record in the aptitude test, Duc has consistently excelled in academic competitions. Just a week earlier, he won second prize in the provincial mathematics competition. He has also maintained top rankings in school contests and achieved near-perfect grades in natural sciences, alongside an IELTS score of 6.5.

His homeroom teacher, Nguyen Thuy Linh, praised Duc as a diligent student with strong critical thinking skills and a determination to achieve his goals.

“Duc is the kind of student who wants to understand everything at its core. This ability to dig deep into concepts is his biggest strength,” Linh said.

Even a broken arm couldn’t slow Duc down. In August, he fractured his arm playing soccer and had to wear a cast for over a month. Despite being unable to write, he attended every class, listening carefully to his teachers’ lectures.

“This determination is what sets Duc apart. His results are well-deserved and reflect his incredible dedication to learning,” Linh added.

With his record-breaking score, Duc is optimistic about gaining admission to the Computer Science program at HUST this year.

Thuy Nga