With 10 extra points, male student becomes valedictorian of the 2 most difficult math schools in Hanoi

After the Pedagogical High School announced the 10th grade exam results for the 2025-2026 school year, Bui Nhat Minh, a former student of Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary and High School, became the valedictorian of the Math major with a near-perfect score of 29.5/30. Of which, Minh scored 10 points in general Math; 9.75 points in specialized Math. Minh's score was 10 points higher than the standard score for the school's specialized Math block.

Previously, Nhat Minh was also the valedictorian of the entrance exam to the High School for the Gifted in Natural Sciences this year with 9 points in general math and 10 points in specialized math. The male student's total score was 29/30, 9.5 points higher than the standard score.

"I felt very happy and surprised. Even though I calculated my score after the exam, I didn't think I would be valedictorian, and even valedictorian of two major specialized schools, because this year's exam gathered many talented students and the enrollment range was wide," Nhat Minh said.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Tho - Nhat Minh's mother, her son's love for Mathematics appeared very early. When he was in primary school, every time he was taken to the bookstore, Minh only chose to buy Math books instead of toys like his peers.

In secondary school, Minh gradually determined that his learning path was to pursue advanced Mathematics. Minh always proactively set a goal of entering a specialized school, spending most of his time focusing on studying, self-studying, and exploring more deeply advanced Mathematics problems.

“Because of my passion, my child learns Math as part of his daily routine. My husband and I just try to create the quietest space for him to study effectively,” said Tho, adding that the family does not prohibit the use of electronic devices.

Since 6th grade, Minh's parents bought him his own phone and computer. "But he doesn't use them to play games or surf the internet like many other kids. They are all for studying," the female parent added.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tho and her son. (Photo: NVCC)

The new valedictorian confided that he came to Mathematics not because he wanted to compete or compare with anyone, but purely out of his personal love and passion. Every day, the male student spends a few hours reviewing the knowledge he learned in class, and at the same time actively searches for new Math problems on forums and online study groups to test himself and expand his knowledge.

Throughout the preparation process for the entrance exam to a specialized school, Minh mainly studied by himself. Although he attended extra classes, he only studied Math and did not study too much. For the remaining subjects, Minh asked his family for permission to study at home, because he believed that the knowledge learned in class was enough, the important thing was how he studied.

The male student said he never studies too late at night. "No matter how much homework I have, I still make sure to go to bed before 11pm so I can be awake and ready for the next day of school," the 10X shared.

Before the exam day, Minh usually spends a whole day summarizing his existing knowledge and experience in taking the test so that he can do his best on the test. During the exam, the male student always tries to do the basic questions as solidly and quickly as possible, to save more time for the difficult, classified questions.

Commenting on his student, Mr. Le Van Cuong, Vice Principal of Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary and High School, said that Nhat Minh is a modest, calm and confident student. According to Mr. Cuong, these are all important and necessary qualities for someone pursuing Mathematics.

Before the 10th grade entrance exam, Nhat Minh had an impressive record of about 50 domestic and international Math awards. Right from the 8th grade, the male student skipped a grade to participate in the city-level Math competition and excellently won the second prize. In the 9th grade, that achievement was extended when the 10X reached the first prize.

Currently, Nhat Minh is still waiting for the results of the 10th grade entrance exam organized by the Hanoi Department of Education and Training. However, the male student said that he has many wishes to major in Mathematics, with two priority choices being the Natural Science High School and the University of Education High School.

Kim Nhung

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/thua-10-diem-nam-sinh-thanh-thu-khoa-chuyen-toan-2-truong-kho-nhan-nhat-ha-noi-ar950506.html