Vietnam Student Magazine: Da Nang Student Scores 28 in National High School Exam, Earns IELTS 7.0 and Becomes University’s Top Entrance Candidate

Scoring 28 in Vietnam’s National High School Graduation Examination, earning an IELTS score of 7.0 and maintaining an Excellent Student title throughout all three years of high school, Tran Thi Thanh Duyen has become the top-performing entrant in the 2026 admission cycle at The University of Danang, University of Economics.

Preparing Early, Starting in Grade 11

Tran Thi Thanh Duyen, born in 2008, was born and raised in Da Nang. In the 2026 admission cycle, she was admitted to the International Business programme, majoring in Foreign Trade, at the University of Economics, The University of Danang, with a score of 28 under the admission method based on National High School Graduation Examination results. Learning that she had become the university’s top entrance candidate came as a surprise and filled her with emotion and pride. For Duyen, the achievement marked a significant milestone following a period of early preparation and sustained efforts to overcome the pressures of exam preparation.

Tran Thi Thanh Duyen scored 28 in the National High School Graduation Examination and achieved an IELTS score of 7.0.

Duyen began preparing for university admission in the second semester of Grade 11 by studying for IELTS. She took the test and obtained her certificate before entering Grade 12, allowing her to focus on the subjects in the national graduation examination during her final year. She achieved an IELTS score of 7.0.

From the summer of 2025, as she entered Grade 12, Duyen concentrated on preparing for the A01 subject combination (Mathematics, Physics and English). Her approach went beyond listening to lectures and completing classroom assignments. She regularly sought additional knowledge and explored alternative solutions and new ways of thinking through websites and social media platforms. “I usually combine classroom learning with independently exploring additional knowledge, different approaches to solving problems and new ways of thinking. Expanding and deepening my knowledge on my own helps me retain information longer and understand the essence of each issue” Duyen said.

Thanh Duyen receives the titles of “University Valedictorian and Valedictorian of the Standard-Track Full-Time Undergraduate Programme, 2026 Admission Cycle” at the Outstanding Student Honouring Ceremony of the University of Economics, The University of Danang.

When Giving Up Seemed Like an Option

At times, disappointing results in mock examinations left Duyen feeling stressed and questioning her own abilities. “I used to ask myself whether I could do better. There were moments when I wanted to give up and settle for a lower target just to feel safer,” she recalled. Rather than forcing herself to continue studying while under pressure, she chose to take a temporary break from her revision schedule and spend time on activities she enjoyed, such as listening to music, watching television programmes or going out for a good meal. For Duyen, these breaks helped her regain her composure and gradually move beyond negative thoughts.

Once she had regained her balance, Duyen returned to her original goals, identified areas where her knowledge remained weak and looked for ways to improve. Instead of viewing poor test results as evidence of her inability, she treated them as an opportunity to identify what needed to change.

Duyen believes setbacks are inevitable when pursuing ambitious goals. She compares obstacles to an unwanted “seasoning” that nevertheless contributes to the significance of the final achievement. “I believe that, if we know how to ‘prepare’ them, setbacks can become part of the process of creating the ‘delicious dish’ we have always hoped for. In that sense, difficulties and failures make success all the more meaningful,” she said.

Duyen receives the trophy recognising her as the University of Economics' top entrance candidate at the 2026 “Honouring Valedictorians and Supporting Students” programme organised by The University of Danang.

For Duyen, academic achievement is the product of several contributing factors. Ability can provide an initial advantage, while effective methods help people make better use of their time and effort. However, determination is what enables individuals to maintain their learning momentum, realise their potential and overcome challenges. “I believe the most important factor is effort. It is what helps me maintain my study routine, develop my abilities, adjust my methods and overcome difficulties so that I can make progress every day,” she said.

According to Duyen, her parents have been her greatest companions throughout her educational journey. They have supported her from the beginning, sharing her emotions, placing their trust in her and respecting her choices. During the high school graduation examination, they remained outside the examination venue, offering encouragement and emotional support so that she could stay focused and perform to the best of her ability. “Their support has also given me greater confidence to overcome pressure", Duyen said.

Duyen with her family on her high school graduation day.

From Youth Union Activities to Ambitions for University Life

Beyond academics, Duyen served as a collaborator with the Executive Committee of the Youth Union at Phan Chau Trinh High School, where she was responsible for work at the school's Youth Union Office. In 2024, she received the “Outstanding Youth Union Cadre” award. She was also a member of the Phan Chau Trinh Journalism Club – INTO PCT and took part in the “Red Phoenix Flower” summer volunteer campaign.

Duyen also served as a supporting ambassador for the “Youthspeak 2024” and “Youthspeak Unitour 2025” projects, organised by AIESEC Central Vietnam and Da Nang. These experiences added a range of extracurricular activities to her high school years. Throughout all three years of high school, she maintained her Excellent Student title.

Over the next four years, Duyen aims to participate in academic competitions, explore scientific research opportunities if they arise and maintain strong academic performance with the goal of graduating with an Excellent degree classification. Becoming the university's top entrance candidate is a memorable milestone, but for Duyen, it also marks the beginning of a new journey. From moments of anxiety over mock examination results to achieving the outcome she had hoped for, she has come to realise that progress does not depend on always feeling confident or never making mistakes. Rather, it comes from the ability to adapt, make adjustments and keep striving after every challenge.

Source: Vietnam Student Magazine