Innovation in admissions consulting: 'Touching' the lecture hall before choosing a major

GD&TĐ - Instead of just listening to advice or reading admission documents, high school students now get to "try out" and directly experience the university environment through many programs organized by universities.

This is considered a strong innovation in career counseling, when practical experience becomes the "key" to help students choose the right major and confidently step into life.

"Try learning" the university environment

Many universities across the country are opening their doors, welcoming students to visit, observe classes and directly experience the university learning environment. One of the recent outstanding activities is the series of public lectures (Public Talk) organized by the International University (Ho Chi Minh City National University).

At the end of September 2025, more than 160 students from Hoang Hoa Tham High School (HCMC) attended a talk on the topic "AI, big data and applications", presented by Professor Duong Nguyen Vu - Vice Principal and Scientific Director of VinUni - NTU Bioengineering AI Research Center.

For nearly two hours, students were led into the world of artificial intelligence (AI), big data and practical applications in modern life. The atmosphere in the hall was lively when many students boldly asked questions: "Can AI replace humans in all jobs?", "Can AI win the Nobel Prize?", or "Can AI dominate humanity in the future?".

Responding to these concerns, Professor Duong Nguyen Vu emphasized: “AI is an interdisciplinary field, requiring a combination of mathematics, physics, information technology and philosophy. Although it has made many advances, artificial intelligence still cannot replace humans in fields related to academic ethics and human values.”

He encouraged students to use AI as an effective learning support tool, while maintaining a critical spirit and constantly practicing independent thinking. The most impressive quote in Professor Vu's exchange session was: "The enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, but superficiality in receiving knowledge." That message not only made many students ponder, but also opened up a new approach to learning: Learning to understand, to criticize, to be creative.

Not only approaching technology or science, the lectures also help students understand more deeply the human aspect of their careers. For example, in the Public Talk in July with the topic "Which job brings the most happiness in the world?", Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep - Head of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering (International University), shared that happiness in the profession does not come from fame or income, but from passion and love for the job.

She also had a frank dialogue with students about the problem: Balancing personal passion and family expectations. “If you choose to follow your passion, you need courage and perseverance to overcome difficulties. But if you are still uncertain about the future, listening to your parents is also a safe choice,” Ms. Hiep shared.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Duy Phuong - Head of the Department of External Relations (International University), the Public Talk series in 2025 has been deployed since June and will last until the end of the year, with practical topics such as: "Vietnamese youth and responding to climate change", "Application of technology in learning English", "Personal financial management"...

In just the first 3 months, nearly 450 students from high schools in Ho Chi Minh City attended. Not only did they listen to lectures with a strong “university classroom” feel, but they also got to directly experience modern facilities, visit laboratories and learn about interesting majors right at school.

Students of Hoang Hoa Tham High School (HCMC) listen to a talk from Professor Duong Nguyen Vu, September 2025. Photo: Le Nam

From “Unitour” to “Campus Tour”

Not stopping at trial lessons in the classroom, 2025 will also witness the strong spread of practical experience programs such as VanLang Unitour, HUFLIT Campus Tour or HUIT Open Day - models connecting universities and high school students that are being pioneered by many schools.

At Van Lang University, the VanLang Unitour program has become a familiar brand to students in many provinces and cities across the country. In 2025 alone, Unitour will reach high school students in 8 localities, with the spirit of "Touching reality - Choosing the right major - Securing the future".

Each Unitour trip is an opportunity for students to witness the learning space, the modern laboratory and workshop system, as well as listen to career stories from the school's lecturers and students. Not only is it an activity to promote enrollment, Unitour is considered a sustainable bridge between the school and the future generation of learners.

Sharing the same goal, HUFLIT Campus Tour, a program organized by Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages ​​and Information Technology (HUFLIT), also attracted a large number of students to participate. Students were able to visit the campus, attend simulation classes and participate in academic activities of each major.

The difference of Campus Tour lies in letting students “learn by experience” instead of just listening to introductions. They are transformed into real students: sitting in the lecture hall, participating in mini workshops, trying to be an interpreter, or participating in games to explore soft skills. Through that, students not only understand the subject, but also feel the typical rhythm of life, culture and spirit of the university environment.

In addition, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade (HUIT) positions its role in career guidance through the annual HUIT Open Day event. This is an opportunity for students to orient their careers, learn about admission information and experience the actual learning environment at the school.

MSc. Pham Thai Son - Director of HUIT's Admissions and Communications Center, shared: "We hope that through these activities, students can identify suitable careers for themselves, and at the same time receive timely support and answers to questions and concerns before university. This is also part of the school's mission of serving the community, spreading useful messages to high school students."

University representatives said that the common goal of innovating admissions consulting is to provide students not only with knowledge, but also with inspirational experiences.

Each tour and each trial lesson conveys the message: Choose the right major to have a solid future. The exciting and enthusiastic atmosphere at the experience programs shows that when students directly enter the lecture hall and experience student life, they have a clearer and more realistic view of the university of their dreams.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/doi-moi-tu-van-tuyen-sinh-cham-giang-duong-truoc-khi-chon-nganh-post752489.html