Vietnamese math-specialized student scores perfect 1600 SAT on 1st attempt

Spending 60-70% of his free time preparing for the SAT, a 12th-grade student scored a perfect 1600 on his first attempt, placing him among the top 1% of test takers worldwide.

Nguyen Hong Quan, a math-specialized student at Hung Vuong High School for the Gifted in the central province of Gia Lai, received his SAT results in mid-September.

The result took him completely by surprise. He repeatedly hit F5 to refresh the page and even logged out and back into his account two or three times, thinking there had been a system error. It took him nearly 10 minutes to believe the score was actually his.

"I was overwhelmed and incredibly excited because, honestly, this result was unimaginable for me," Quan said, acknowledging that he had been somewhat lucky.

Nguyen Hong Quan in a photo he provided.

With a strong background in mathematics, he found the Math section relatively easy and completed it in about half the allotted time. The Reading and Writing section was more challenging.

Near the end of the test, Quan still had three lengthy and difficult reading-comprehension questions left. He eliminated the least plausible options and then chose from the remaining answers, estimating that he would score around 1,570-1,580.

The SAT is an English-language standardized test consisting of two sections: Reading and Writing, with 54 questions, and Math, with 44 questions. It is widely used for university admissions in the U.S. In recent years, many Vietnamese universities have also accepted SAT scores for admission or awarded bonus points to applicants holding the certificate.

According to the College Board, the test's administrator, students scoring 1,520 or higher out of 1,600 are in the top 1% worldwide.

Quan decided to take the SAT and prepared from 10th grade because the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, where he hopes to study after high school, awards additional admission points for the certificate.

He familiarized himself with the test structure, content and question types through online materials and several preparation books.

Starting in 11th grade, he developed a more systematic study plan. He divided his free time on a 40-60 basis between school assignments and SAT preparation. During the final intensive stage, he increased the share of SAT preparation to 70%, leaving 30% for schoolwork.

In addition to studying independently, he took courses in general English and the SAT's Reading and Writing section.

He said that besides knowledge, the ability to allocate and manage time is crucial to performing well on the SAT. With only about a minute available for each question, he spent the first 20 seconds reading and determining whether a question was easy or difficult, then deciding whether to answer it immediately or return to it later.

He practiced solving individual questions using this strategy, timing himself to develop faster reflexes. Once he became proficient, he began working through complete practice tests.

Between study sessions, he went for walks and played sports to relieve stress.

Nguyen Thi Thanh, his homeroom teacher, said she was impressed from their first meeting by the student's energetic personality and frequent smile. She said Quan has consistently ranked among the top students in his grade and is highly diligent and proactive in planning his studies.

Quan plans to take the IELTS test in the near future to assess his English proficiency and use the certificate for university applications if necessary.