Math Prodigy Sets New Record in HUST Aptitude Test

Vu Minh Duc, a talented math student from Bac Ninh High School for the Gifted, has made history by achieving the highest score ever recorded on the Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) aptitude test.

With a score of 98.61 out of 100, Duc surpassed all previous benchmarks to emerge as the leading candidate in the inaugural round of 2025.

On January 24, just before the Tet holiday, Duc was thrilled to discover his exceptional performance in the HUST aptitude examination during his last class. “I was surprised to get such a high score,” Duc shared. “I didn’t study extensively for this round; I thought I would just try my luck and possibly retake it later.”

As a student in a specialized math program, and with an older brother pursuing automation at HUST, Duc’s enthusiasm for the institution guided him toward a goal of enrolling in its Computer Science program.

His study regimen involved managing schoolwork while engaging in focused evening practice. Duc emphasized understanding the essential concepts of the test, which markedly differs from Vietnam’s high school graduation criteria.

“When you comprehend the basics, things become much simpler,” Duc expressed. “Every time I learn something new, I make sure to fully grasp it so I can apply it broadly.”

Interestingly, Duc did not attend any extra classes throughout his high school years. Instead, he concentrated on completing assignments given by his teachers and exploring additional information online. For the aptitude test, he relied entirely on a manual provided by his school.

“I think it’s sufficient to focus on what teachers teach in class. The secret is to pay close attention and manage your study and rest time wisely,” Duc stated. His typical study hours were from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., steering clear of late-night cramming.

Due to his rigorous training in mathematical reasoning as a gifted student, Duc achieved a perfect score in the math section, enabling him to quickly and effectively tackle most math problems.

Nevertheless, he faced greater difficulties with the Reading Comprehension and Science sections, which contained unfamiliar topics.

“Those parts left me uncertain because I couldn’t consistently find clear references in the text,” Duc remarked. “I think I need to enhance my analytical skills and ability to connect information.”

Besides his record-setting score in the aptitude test, Duc has shown consistent excellence in academic contests. Just a week prior, he earned a second-place finish in the provincial mathematics competition, alongside maintaining high positions in school events and achieving near-perfect grades in natural sciences, all while scoring 6.5 on the IELTS.

His homeroom teacher, Nguyen Thuy Linh, commended Duc for his hard work, strong critical thinking abilities, and commitment to achieving his aspirations.

“Duc is the kind of student who strives to grasp everything fundamentally. This deep investigative ability is his strongest attribute,” Linh noted.

Not even a broken arm could hinder Duc’s efforts. After fracturing his arm during a soccer game in August, he wore a cast for over a month but still attended every class, diligently listening to his teachers.

“His determination is truly remarkable. His results are well-deserved and reflect his incredible dedication to his education,” Linh emphasized.

With his unprecedented score, Duc is optimistic about securing a spot in the Computer Science program at HUST this year.