After gaining admission to a different degree programme in 2025, Trần Tiến Đạt decided to pause his studies and reconsider the path best suited to him. He later returned with a clear choice of Computer Science and achieved 1,139 out of 1,200 in the 2026 VNUHCM Aptitude Test. With a comprehensive admission score of 29.77 out of 30, excluding priority points, bonus points, and converted scores, Đạt became the incoming student with the highest admission result at the University.

From taking a ‘wrong turn’ to finding the right path

Trần Tiến Đạt’s journey to university did not begin with an outstanding result. In 2025, after his National High School Graduation Examination results fell short of expectations, Đạt still gained admission to university and began his first days as a student. However, studying and experiencing university life led him to realise that the degree programme did not truly align with his aspirations. Rather than continuing along a path about which he remained uncertain, Đạt decided to pause his studies, return home, and take time to consider the way forward.

‘That was not an easy decision, but looking back, that turning point helped me understand more clearly what I wanted to pursue. I believe that growing up does not necessarily mean always making the right choice from the beginning; rather, maturity also means being able to reflect, adjust, and continue moving towards your goals,’ Đạt said.

Drawing on his interest in computers, programming, and work involving calculation, Tiến Đạt began exploring computer science more seriously. He actively sought advice from senior students to learn about the curriculum, academic environment, and future career opportunities. After careful consideration, Đạt decided to try once again.

Đạt sat both rounds of the 2026 VNUHCM Aptitude Test. His result in the first round fell short of his expectations, but rather than stopping there, he continued preparing and working towards the second round. Đạt subsequently achieved 1,139 out of 1,200, the highest score recorded in the 2026 test and the top score in Round 2.

For Đạt, the most memorable aspect of the experience was not simply the score of 1,139. More importantly, the result reflected his determination to pursue the goal he had chosen. That effort gave Đạt the opportunity to return to VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS), this time to study Computer Science through the Advanced Programme – a field aligned with his interests and the direction he wished to pursue.

Not comparing himself with others, but striving to improve

Beginning his studies in Computer Science with an outstanding admission result, Đạt does not regard examination scores as a measure of the journey ahead. He acknowledged feeling concerned about not yet having a strong foundation in programming and information technology, while many of his peers had begun preparing much earlier. That experience has shaped a different perspective on university life. For Đạt, university is not a place to compare how much each person knows at the outset, but a place where everyone learns to become better than they were the day before.

‘I hope to learn from my lecturers, not only about knowledge, but also about ways of thinking, the spirit of research, and a passion for science. I also hope to share the university journey with my friends through classes, assignments, projects, competitions, and the many experiences of student life,’ Đạt said.

Drawing on his own experience, Đạt hopes to share with the 2026 incoming cohort a message about how to view setbacks. The road ahead may bring difficult examinations, failures, or moments of doubt about personal choices. For Đạt, however, difficulties do not necessarily mean that someone has chosen the wrong path.

‘If there are times when we do not know where we want to go, we should give ourselves time to find the answer. If there are times when we are not good enough yet, we should keep learning. If there are times when we fail, we should have the courage to stand up and try again,’ Đạt said.

For Đạt, one setback need not mark the end; sometimes, a setback can become a turning point that helps someone understand themselves better and find a more suitable direction. By the end of his years at VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS), Đạt hopes to gain more than a degree: he also hopes to develop greater knowledge, resilience, responsibility, and the capacity to contribute to the community.

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