1. Scholarships and Special Offers
Scholarships and study abroad opportunities are key considerations for many students. Universities typically offer various scholarship programs to encourage academic excellence. Top-performing students can often receive full tuition coverage for their studies. This fosters healthy competition and helps guide students' future paths. Moreover, English is often a mandatory subject, and students with proficiency in English (e.g., TOEIC or IELTS scores) may receive exemptions from English courses and fees. Many universities also offer study abroad or exchange programs with countries like Japan and the UK, which present excellent opportunities for exceptional students. Therefore, it's crucial to research universities to stay informed about scholarship policies, special offers, and study abroad opportunities.
2. Tuition Fees
In addition to the factors mentioned earlier, the economic climate can significantly impact families, making tuition fees a major concern for many. Families and students need to plan and gather information about the tuition fees of different universities and departments. This will allow them to compare options and choose an institution that supports continuous learning. In some cases, students must defer their studies due to financial difficulties. While economic factors may not be the ultimate deciding factor for selecting a program, the costs of a 4-5 year university education are considerable. Depending on the university, tuition fees can vary. If a family's financial situation cannot fully support the student throughout their academic journey, completing the course becomes very challenging. Thus, careful consideration is essential for making a worthwhile investment.

3. Focus on fields rather than specific jobs
A common mistake students make when choosing a university is focusing too much on a specific career. This often leads to negative thoughts like, "I’m not good at anything!"
The solution is simple: give yourself the chance to consider other jobs within the same field. For instance, if you love animals, don’t think you can only be a veterinarian! Jobs such as a pharmacist, dog shelter worker, or pet shop owner could also be great for you.
The key is to think outside the box! Clearly, the skills from one profession can be applied to another. For example, the skills of a language teacher—explaining difficult texts to students and conveying the author’s message—are also perfect for a professional writer.

4. Tìm hiểu các anh chị trong trường
Tham khảo một số anh chị đi trước tại các trường đại học "trong tầm ngắm" là một trong những yếu tố khiến bạn "nhảy vọt" trên con đường tìm hiểu về ngành nghề. Những anh chị hơn 1-2 tuổi sẽ cho bạn biết liệu mình có phù hợp với văn hóa, môi trường, cách thức học tập,… ở ngôi trường đó hay không. Còn đối với các bậc tiền bối hơn 4-5 tuổi, những trải nghiệm về nghề là điều bạn nên khai thác từ họ!
Và hãy nhớ rằng, tạo mạng lưới quan hệ xã hội rộng chưa bao giờ là không tốt trong bất cứ ngành nào.

5. Tìm hiểu kỹ các xu hướng ngành nghề, nhu cầu nhân lực trong tương lai
The demand for labor and industry trends change significantly each year, and in today's technology-driven age, the creation and disappearance of industries happens even more rapidly.
Therefore, students must thoroughly research labor market needs, future industry trends, as well as factors like salary projections, recruitment demands, and forecasts from experts and leading recruitment websites. This will help them choose a career path that aligns with future societal needs.
In addition to exploring labor trends, students should also consider how the industry develops, what qualifications are required, and what knowledge, skills, and abilities workers will need in the future.

6. Create a list of universities that match your academic abilities and interests
Given the current admission and selection processes at universities, students must start working hard from the beginning of high school, rather than waiting until the last minute. Universities place great importance on academic performance throughout high school when evaluating applicants.
To avoid the risk of “unfair rejection” due to misjudging whether their academic capabilities match the universities they choose:
First, list the universities offering the programs you’ve chosen. Write down details about their admission methods, exams, and the acceptance scores from the last three years. Then, check if your grades are within a reasonable range of these past scores.

7. Don't follow the crowd
Everyone has their own future and unique path. Don't follow the crowd just because your friends are all applying to the same university or program. If you choose a path just to fit in or to have companions during school, you may end up on the wrong track. This could lead to quitting halfway due to the field being unsuitable or not helping you unlock your full potential.
When you first start researching universities, check out all reputable rankings and calculate the average score. Some rankings are general, while others categorize based on specific fields. The most crucial data could be the student-to-faculty ratio. A lower ratio is better since smaller classes allow for more questions and a better understanding of the material.

8. Choose based on your abilities
Many people believe in prioritizing dreams, but from personal experience, I think it’s better to choose based on your own abilities. The sad reality is that there is often a big gap between our desires and what is actually achievable. So, when considering your options, ask yourself what fits your abilities.
Understanding your academic strengths is a crucial factor in choosing the right university. The journey to university success is only assured when you ‘know yourself’. Besides checking the required scores for the courses and schools, evaluate your own capabilities to find a school that suits you. Parents should focus more on their children's academic abilities rather than forcing them to apply for a course they don’t like or one that is beyond their capabilities. It’s essential to understand your strengths in specific subjects—whether it’s group A, A1, B, or C subjects. Additionally, use mock exam scores and class grades to assess your potential exam score, which increases your chances of acceptance.

9. Choose based on your interests
As society evolves, more families are allowing their children to choose their own university. This can bring both joy and pressure. So, what do you truly enjoy? While it seems like a simple question, it can be quite overwhelming. Just take a bold step and choose based on your passion. Once you’ve identified your true interests, you can then select a school. With so many universities offering similar courses nowadays, you can rest assured that there’s a suitable option for you.
Passion is the driving force when selecting the right university for yourself. It’s also a key factor for both parents and schools when guiding students toward a successful career. Instead of chasing after ‘trendy’ career predictions, following your passion in education and work is the real key to success. Many graduates face unemployment because they lack passion and enthusiasm for the field they’ve chosen. Therefore, guiding students according to their interests and passions ensures that their university journey will be one step closer to success.
Learning becomes much more enjoyable when you choose a major that excites you. So, make sure to explore and understand your own interests!

10. Research the strengths of universities
Each university has its own unique strengths. Some universities specialize in medical fields, such as Hanoi Medical University, Traditional Medicine, or Military Medicine. Others focus on engineering and technology, like Hanoi University of Industry or University of Danang. Economic institutions such as National Economics University, Foreign Trade University, and Commerce University are known for their excellence in economics, among others. Knowing the strengths of the universities you are interested in is vital in choosing the right institution that aligns with your passion and abilities. This knowledge will provide a solid foundation for your future decisions and ease your university experience.
Understanding the specialized areas of various universities is crucial in the selection process, as it helps you choose both the right school and the right major. When you study at a school with a strong reputation in your chosen field, you will learn from experienced professors with deep expertise in the subject. Additionally, there are often extracurricular activities related to the field, along with free courses that enhance soft skills and life skills. These factors play an essential role in unlocking your potential and advancing your capabilities.

