16+ Common Mistakes in Vietnam's High School Graduation Exam

Did you know that 3 days of high school exams can determine your 12 years of studying? A thought-provoking fact is that about 15-20% of students "lose points unfairly" due to common mistakes to avoid in graduation exams - mistakes that are completely preventable!

From forgetting to bring backup pens to filling in the wrong exam code, from excessive stress to poor time management - every small detail can "blow away" your university dreams. Especially with Vietnam's new 2025 exam regulations, understanding the "rules of the game" during these 3 exam sessions has become more important than ever.

CHUS will help you "dissect" every moment during the 3 exam days so you can avoid these sometimes "silly" mistakes!

Common mistakes to avoid in graduation exams that cause students to "lose points unfairly"

The Day Before the Exam - Preparing to "Fight" Without Missing Anything

Mistake #1: Preparing supplies in a "careless" way

This is a "classic" mistake that 30% of students make. Many think preparing supplies is a "small matter," but when your pen runs out of ink during the exam, you'll know you're in trouble! Lack of proper supplies is one of the common mistakes to avoid in graduation exams that teachers always remind students about.

"Unbreakable" supplies checklist:

• 4-5 ballpoint pens with the same ink color (blue or black)
• 3 pencils (2B) for filling in multiple-choice answers
• 2 erasers (one as backup)
• Ruler, compass (if taking Math exam)
• 2 handheld calculators (100% battery)
• Wristwatch

Pro tip: Prepare 2 identical supply bags. One main bag, one backup bag. In case you have a "goldfish brain" moment and forget to bring the main bag.

Exam supplies checklist: Thorough preparation like a "warrior" will help you feel more confident

Mistake #2: Staying up late to "cram" last-minute knowledge

80% of students fall into this situation! Thinking that "staying up late to study more" will help, but it actually makes the brain tired, seriously affecting thinking ability on exam day.

Scientific research proves: The brain needs at least 7-8 hours of sleep to function optimally. Lack of sleep can reduce memory ability by 40% and concentration by 60%. This is precisely one of the common mistakes to avoid in graduation exams that many students don't pay attention to.

Instead: Review important formulas and theorems for 1-2 hours, then get adequate rest. The brain will "organize" knowledge during sleep.

Mistake #3: Being overly stressed about scores

Many students create invisible pressure for themselves by constantly thinking about "having to achieve a certain score." This makes the brain tense, affecting sleep and concentration ability.

Right mindset: Instead of thinking "I must get 8 points," think "I will do my best with what I've prepared."

Winning mindset: "I will do my best" instead of "I must get X points" - Change your thinking!

Exam Morning - Perfect "Warm-up"

Mistake #4: Eating breakfast the wrong way

This is a factor that 90% of students overlook! Eating too much will make you sleepy, eating too little will make you hungry during the exam. Eating unfamiliar food can cause digestive problems. Nutrition issues before the exam are also among the important common mistakes to avoid in graduation exams.

"Golden" breakfast menu:

• Chicken porridge or pho (easy to digest, provides stable energy)
• 1 banana (potassium supplement, helps brain function well)
• Water (avoid soft drinks that cause sudden blood sugar spikes)

Absolutely avoid: Strong coffee (causes hand trembling), fried foods (hard to digest), carbonated drinks.

The "golden" breakfast menu creates perfect energy for the exam session

Mistake #5: Going to the exam too early or too late

Going too early makes you wait long, increasing stress. Going late makes you rushed and panicked.

Golden timing: Arrive at the exam venue 30 minutes early. Enough time for procedures, mental stabilization, but not too long to worry.

In the Exam Room - The Decisive Moments

Mistake #6: Not checking the exam code immediately

This is a "deadly" mistake! Every year, 2-3% of students get a score of 0 because they fill in the wrong exam code or don't fill it in at all. With the modern exam grading system, this cannot be "forgiven."

Mandatory procedure:

1. Receive exam paper → Check exam code immediately

2. Fill in exam code on answer sheet

3. Check again (2nd time)

4. Only then start working on the exam

Most important step: Fill in the correct exam code - Wrong filling = Losing 12 years!

Mistake #7: Reading questions in a "skimming" manner

"Read quickly to have time to work on the exam" - This is wrong thinking! According to statistics, 25% of exams lose points due to misunderstanding the questions. Not reading questions carefully is one of the common common mistakes to avoid in graduation exams.

Golden rule: Read questions at least 2 times

• 1st time: Understand what the question generally requires
• 2nd time: Underline important keywords (numbers, conditions, specific requirements)

Real example: The question "Find x such that f(x) > 0" and "Find x such that f(x) ≥ 0" have different signs but many students don't notice.

Mistake #8: Managing time based on "intuition"

This is the #1 "killer" of scores! Many students spend 40 minutes on the first difficult question, then have to "rush" through 10 final questions in 20 minutes. Poor time management is also one of the most serious common mistakes to avoid in graduation exams.

Standard 3-2-1 strategy:

• 60% of initial time: Working on exam (prioritize easy questions first)
• 30% of next time: Checking, completing
• 10% of final time: Handling unexpected situations

For Math subject (90 minutes):

• 0-50 minutes: Working on exam
• 50-75 minutes: Checking again
• 75-90 minutes: Reserve

60% working - 30% checking - 10% reserve. Remember this formula well!

Mistake #9: Skipping "easy-to-get" questions

Many students have the psychology of "liking difficult, hating easy," rushing into solving difficult questions and skipping easy-point questions. This is a way to "harm" yourself!

Smart strategy:

1. Quickly read through the entire exam to "map" difficulty levels

2. Complete all easy and medium questions first (ensure "safe" points)

3. Spend remaining time on difficult questions

Right psychology: 10 easy questions, each worth 0.2 points = 2 points. While 1 difficult question worth 0.5 points but takes 30 minutes = loss!

Mistake #10: Violating exam regulations - "Self-destruction"

These are "deadly" mistakes that many students don't even know about! According to new exam regulations, violations can lead to immediate exam suspension.

Common "unintentional" violations:

• Writing with pencil in essay sections (only allowed to use pencil for multiple-choice answers)
• Making marks or personal symbols on exam papers
• Using unauthorized materials (including draft paper brought from home)
• Cheating behaviors like looking at others' papers

Absolutely prohibited behaviors:

• Talking to other students
• Leaving your seat without permission
• Keeping phone on person (even if turned off)
• Bringing study materials

Important note: Even "accidentally" leaving a formula sheet in your pocket can be considered a violation. Check your pockets carefully before entering the exam room!

One "unintentional" action can get you suspended immediately!

Mistake #11: Not applying the "easy first, difficult later" strategy

This is a "golden" principle that 70% of students know but only 30% apply correctly! Many students still work in order from question 1 to the end, leading to "death" on easy-point questions.

Standard strategy:

1. Quickly read through the entire exam (first 5 minutes) - "Scan" to classify easy/difficult questions

2. Complete all easy questions first - Ensure "safe" points

3. Handle medium questions - Maximize points

4. "Attack" difficult questions - With remaining time

Mistake #12: Constantly changing answers

The reason is many students doubt themselves too much. Being overly hesitant when taking exams is also among the common mistakes to avoid in graduation exams that experts often warn about.

When you SHOULD change answers:

• Discover clear reasoning errors
• Re-read the question and understand it better than the first time
• Have concrete evidence for the new answer

When you should NOT change:

• Just because of uncertain "feelings"
• Because other answers "seem more reasonable"
• Due to end-of-exam time pressure

"Feelings" are not as trustworthy as clear logic - Don't change answers randomly!

"Funny and Frustrating" Situations and How to Handle Them

Situation 1: Pen runs out of ink midway

Handle like a pro: Raise your hand to notify the examiner, ask permission to borrow a pen from another student. Absolutely DO NOT panic or leave your seat without permission.

Situation 2: Need to use bathroom during exam

Strategy: If really necessary, raise your hand for permission. The examiner will accompany you and record the time. However, try to "take care of business" before entering the exam room.

Situation 3: Calculator breaks

Backup plan: Always bring 2 calculators. If both break, notify the examiner for assistance or calculate by hand (slower but still doable).

Situation 4: Finding the exam unusually difficult

Strong mentality: Remember that "if it's difficult for me, it's difficult for everyone." Exams are designed to classify students, there are always easy, medium, and difficult questions. Don't let 1-2 difficult questions discourage you.

If the exam is difficult, it's difficult for everyone - Don't let 1-2 questions shake your spirit!

After Each Exam Session - "Reset" Mentality for the Next Session

Mistake #13: Discussing answers with friends

This is the fastest way to "torture" yourself! When you know you did something wrong, you'll be stressed for the next exam session. This habit is classified among the serious common mistakes to avoid in graduation exams.

Golden rule: End of exam session = end of thinking about that session. Focus 100% on the next exam session.

Mistake #14: Excessive nutritional supplementation

Many parents "enhance nutrition" by cooking many nutritious dishes. This can cause digestive problems for children.

Reasonable menu: Keep normal eating habits, just add a bit of vitamin C and water.

Excessive supplementation can "backfire" - Keep the normal menu!

Final Day - Decisive "Final Sprint"

Mistake #15: Learning "new" knowledge

Many students panic and want to "cram" more knowledge before the final exam session. This is a way to "overload" the brain. Over-studying at the last minute is also on the list of common mistakes to avoid in graduation exams.

Instead: Only review formulas and concepts you already know. The brain needs "rest" time to function optimally.

Mistake #16: Changing plans at the last minute

Some students want to change their exam strategy or question order on the final day. This can cause confusion.

Stick to the plan: Keep the strategy you've practiced. Familiarity will help you feel more confident.

Stick to the plan! Changing strategy at the last minute = Making it harder for yourself

"Golden" Psychology for 3 Exam Days

Winner's mindset

1. "I've prepared as best as I can" - Instead of worrying about what hasn't been done

2. "Everything will be fine" - Trust in your abilities

3. "One exam doesn't decide everything" - Reduce unnecessary pressure

Breathing technique to reduce stress

When feeling stressed, apply the 4-7-8 technique:

• Inhale for 4 seconds
• Hold breath for 7 seconds
• Exhale for 8 seconds
• Repeat 3-4 times

4-7-8 breathing technique: Super powerful stress-reducing "weapon" - Inhale 4s, hold 7s, exhale 8s!

Secrets from "High-scoring" Students

Experience from students who scored 27+ points

Some students who achieved high results in last year's exam (29.5 points 2024) shared: "The most important thing is staying calm. I always reminded myself to 'read questions twice, check once' despite time pressure."

Ha (28.75 points 2024): "I have a habit of taking notes very carefully. Many think taking notes wastes time, but it actually helps me avoid mistakes."

Common pattern among excellent students

1. Read questions extremely carefully - Never rush

2. Do easy questions first - Ensure "safe" points

3. Check at least once - Discover basic errors

4. Stay relaxed - Don't let stress control

Read carefully + Do easy first + Check + Stay calm = Success formula!

Wrap it up

Remember that you've prepared 12 years for this moment. You have the knowledge, you've practiced the skills, now you just need to apply them correctly and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Don't let these 3 days become a burden, but see them as an opportunity for you to "shine." With thorough preparation and a strong mentality, you'll definitely conquer your dreams!

CHUS believes that with these experiences, you'll confidently conquer the 2025 High School Graduation Exam! Wishing all students success and good luck in pursuing your dreams!