The National High School Exam is not only an important milestone in a student's life but also a gateway to university and career opportunities. Everyone wants to achieve high scores, but not everyone knows how to study effectively and scientifically. So how can you study smart, maintain a stable mindset, and conquer this crucial exam?
The article below will share tips for achieving high scores in the National High School Exam from outstanding students across the country. From subject-specific study methods to maintaining your mindset and managing your schedule, you will find suitable strategies to improve your exam results.
Why does hard work not always lead to high scores?
Many students think that studying day and night, the more revision the better, will guarantee good results. But in reality, studying the right way is more important than just studying hard. What matters is not the amount of time you spend, but how you make use of that time.
A typical example is Nguyen Thi Minh Trang – the national top scorer in block D in 2023 with 29.8 points. Trang shared:
“I don't study too much, only a maximum of 6 hours a day, but I allocate specific time for each subject, combine revision and practice tests, and especially focus on reviewing my mistakes.”
1. Set clear and flexible study plans
The first step to effective exam preparation is to create a reasonable study plan. A good plan not only helps you allocate your time but also ensures you don't miss any important knowledge.
Suggested approach:
- Divide study time by subject: Physics – Chemistry – Biology (block B), Math – Physics – English (block A1)…
- Prioritize weaker subjects or those easy to lose points in.
- Set specific weekly goals (for example: finish the oscillation section this week, complete 5 comprehensive Math practice tests, etc.).
Nguyen Van Khanh – runner-up in block A in Hai Duong shared:
“I use Google Calendar to schedule my daily study for each subject. If I see free slots, I add more lessons; if I'm tired, I reduce the load, as long as I maintain consistency. Sometimes I study less, but I study every day.”
2. Practice by question type – train with mock tests
Learning the theory is just the first step; to achieve high scores in the National High School Exam, you need to practice regularly with mock tests and multiple-choice exercises.
Effective test practice tips:
- Start with basic tests and gradually move to advanced ones.
- Do practice tests under real exam conditions (timed, no looking up answers).
- After finishing, carefully analyze the mistakes to avoid repeating them.
Tran Hoang Vu – student who scored 10 in Math in the 2022 National High School Exam:
“I do one practice test every night. Then I note down the wrong answers in a notebook called the 'mistake book.' Every week I review it, and I feel the knowledge gradually sinks in.”
3. Combine group study and self-study
Keywords: effective group study, smart self-study
Self-study is the foundation for deep understanding, while group study helps exchange knowledge and overcome weaknesses.
Advice:
- Form groups of 2–3 students with similar academic levels to support each other easily.
- Limit chatting, focus on studying and reviewing practice tests.
- Choose serious study partners with similar goals.
Le Ngoc Anh – scored 28.7 in block B, currently a medical student in Hanoi:
“I study in a group with two close friends. We set a rule that each session we must finish reviewing three practice tests before we can… have snacks. It's fun and keeps us studying seriously.”
4. Don't forget to take care of your health and mental well-being
Long periods of exam preparation can easily lead to stress, insomnia, and anxiety. To achieve good results, maintaining a stable mindset is extremely important.
A few small tips:
- Sleep 6-8 hours every day.
- Do light exercise such as walking, yoga, push-ups, etc.
- Avoid caffeine and using your phone too much at night.
Nguyen Huyen My – scored 29 in block D shared:
“I always keep the habit of sleeping before 11 p.m. and never study after 10 p.m. If my mind is relaxed, I can focus better on practice tests the next day.”
5. Optimize scores for each subject – focus on your exam block
Depending on your exam combination, you should develop a strategy to optimize your score in each subject.
Suggestions:
- Strong subjects: push for “perfect scores.”
- Average subjects: solidify the basics.
- Weak subjects: focus on easy sections with fewer mistakes.
Example:
- For block A: focus on Math and Physics, while Chemistry should be studied by question type.
- For block D: practice English tests diligently – especially reading comprehension, as it's easy to lose points due to carelessness.
The secret to success lies within you
There is no universal formula for success, but if you know how to study properly, plan reasonably, and maintain a strong mindset, achieving high scores in the National High School Exam is entirely within your reach.
Don't try to study like others; find a method that suits you. See the exam not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to showcase yourself. Starting today, you can take control of your own future.