The outstanding candidates are Nguyen Le Yen Nhi from class 12B4 and Dinh Ngoc Hai Lam from class 12B2 at Le Thanh Tong High School (Ho Chi Minh City).
Nguyen Le Yen Nhi (left) from class 12B4 and Dinh Ngoc Hai Lam from class 12B2.
In an interview at 9 a.m. on the same day, shortly after the results were announced, Yen Nhi was visibly emotional. She shared that she thought she had performed well but never expected a perfect score. The first people she informed were her parents and family.
What sets Yen Nhi apart is her non-specialized school background. During her 10th and 11th grades, she studied at Nguyen Trai High School (Gia Lai). In her final year, she decided to move to Ho Chi Minh City for boarding school and boldly switched her subject combination from Math-Physics to one aligned with her goal of pursuing medicine.
“It was a risky decision, but I wanted to challenge myself to follow my dream,” Yen Nhi shared.
Yen Nhi radiates joy on her high school graduation day.
Living away from her family since her final year, Yen Nhi’s life has been almost entirely independent. Her parents visit occasionally, but most of her time is spent studying and living at school.
Her daily schedule runs from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with afternoon sessions from 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and self-study until around 9–10 p.m. According to Yen Nhi, the key to success isn’t studying excessively but mastering foundational knowledge.
“The teachers at school review very thoroughly. I prioritize solidifying textbook theory before practicing exam questions. Doing many practice tests helps me become familiar with question formats and reduces exam anxiety,” Yen Nhi shared her study strategy.
Yen Nhi comes from a family with a strong educational background. Both her parents are middle school teachers. After achieving a perfect score, she plans to apply to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City.
Dinh Ngoc Hai Lam from class 12B2 also achieved a perfect score. Unlike Yen Nhi, Hai Lam has studied at the school since 10th grade and adopted a straightforward yet effective approach: mastering textbook knowledge and thoroughly understanding theory before tackling advanced problems.
Hai Lam looks charming on her graduation day.
Hai Lam shared that her family has been her greatest motivation throughout her academic journey. After the exam, she is determined to pursue medicine in Ho Chi Minh City to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor.
Despite their different starting points—one from a high school in Gia Lai who moved to Ho Chi Minh City in her final year, and the other following a steady academic path—both share a common foundation: self-study discipline, perseverance, and a passion for medicine.
The stories of these two top-scoring students are not only a source of pride for themselves and their families but also inspire many students preparing for their exams: a strong knowledge foundation, persistence, and clear goals are the keys to achieving the highest milestones.