After graduation, what next?

The 2025 high school graduation exam has ended, but the journey of grade 12 students has not stopped. Ahead are important decisions related to university admissions, major and school selection.

The joy of mother and child after finishing the 2025 high school graduation exam at an exam site in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: THANH HIEP

This is also a valuable time for children to rest, learn life skills, prepare mentally for adulthood and equally important...

Ready for the selection phase

Right after the high school graduation exam ends, 12th grade students across the country will soon enter an equally important stage, which is university admission. In 2025, admission regulations will continue to change, requiring candidates to closely monitor information from each school.

Dr. Nguyen Trung Nhan, head of the training department of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, noted that university admissions in 2025 will be conducted using many methods. Each school will have its own admission plan, applying many different forms such as considering high school graduation exam scores, competency assessment exam scores, reviewing academic records, interviews, etc.

"Therefore, students need to carefully read the admission plan of each school. In addition to the time frame for registration, supplementing, and adjusting admission wishes on the general system of the Ministry of Education and Training, many schools will have additional time frames for receiving applications, supplementing evidence, and confirming early admission... If you do not understand clearly, it is easy to miss the opportunity to be considered for admission," Mr. Nhan emphasized.

Dr. Lam Thanh Hien, principal of Lac Hong University, advised students not to wait until the last minute to research and "finalize" their major and school. "During this time, students should carefully review their favorite major, learn more about the training program, admission scores, and career opportunities, to avoid choosing a major emotionally," said Mr. Hien.

For students who are still undecided about their major and school, Master Cao Quang Tu, Admissions Director of Saigon International University, encourages students to visit and learn directly from the schools they are interested in if possible.

"Consider it a trip, both to relax after exams and to get a clearer sense of the learning space, living environment, and school culture," Mr. Tu suggested.

Graphics: TAN DAT

Take a break and learn new things

According to teacher Do Dinh Doan, principal of Nguyen Trai High School (HCMC), after the exam, the first thing students should do is take time to rest.

"The whole school year, you have been studying hard, studying continuously every day. Now that the exam is over, you suddenly feel free, relieved, but also a bit empty. That is a very normal feeling," Mr. Doan shared.

However, Mr. Doan also noted that resting does not mean letting go. He reminded: "Many students after exams often stay up late, sleep during the day, play too many games or glue their eyes to their phones all day. If this continues for a long time, it will be easy to lose the rhythm of life and spirit of preparation for the upcoming stage."

Mr. Nguyen Phuc Vien, principal of Cho Gao High School ( Tien Giang ), said that the time after the graduation exam is a very precious "quiet" period, helping students to practice the necessary skills before entering university.

"After 12 years of studying, many students have never cooked a meal, do not know how to open a bank account, do not know how to manage personal finances or take care of their mental health. This is the time for them to learn more skills, such as practicing time management and communication skills. Especially learning English seriously, because this will be a vital tool in the university environment and later when going to work," the teacher shared.

Mr. Vien also encourages students to learn to drive a motorbike and register for a driving test. "This is a basic but very practical skill. When entering university, not everyone studies near home. And parents cannot always pick them up. Being independent in traveling is also a part of maturity," he said.

In addition, Mr. Vien emphasized the role of experience. For example, students should try to work part-time, participate in volunteer activities, or register for an internship if they have the opportunity. These experiences not only help them mature and understand themselves better, but are also a big plus if they want to study abroad, apply for scholarships or apply for university admission based on their portfolio.

Put aside worries about graduation exam scores

After the exam, what students should do is to calmly rest and recover their energy. At this time, put aside the worries about the score. I understand that many students will be anxiously waiting for the score, then sit and speculate about the right or wrong of each question... but in fact, that does not help, but only makes them more stressed.

My advice is to trust your own review and exam process. Take a break and then consider the final results.

Then you should re-evaluate your own abilities and think carefully about choosing a major and a school. Don't choose a major based on trends or just because you see a "hot school". Look at your interests, actual abilities, future job needs, and also your financial situation and the learning environment that your family can support. Choosing the right one from the beginning will help you study effectively and with less pressure.

MSc. PHAM THAI SON (Director of Admissions and Communication Center, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade)

Spend time with your parents

Teacher Do Dinh Doan emphasized another aspect that many students often forget: spending time with their parents.

"All year long, you have been busy studying and reviewing for exams, and have had almost no time to care for your parents. Meanwhile, your parents have been quietly devoting all their energy, money, and care for all sorts of things for their children's exams. So, after the exam, you should spend some time with your parents, talk, share, even cook a meal, go for a walk with your parents, or go somewhere near home," he suggested.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thi-tot-nghiep-xong-lam-gi-tiep-theo-20250628081807322.htm