The ACT is one of the leading college admission tests in the U.S., with more than 60% of high school graduates registering to take it each year.
It is also the only college entrance exam that features a STEM score, giving students a competitive advantage when applying to today’s most in-demand fields.
STEM Education – A Launchpad to Global Learning
In today’s world, terms like “the Fourth Industrial Revolution” and “STEM education” are heard everywhere. These concepts have become defining trends in education across the U.S. and many other countries. In Vietnam, although STEM education was only introduced a few years ago, it has been expanding rapidly. Two years ago, STEM officially became part of the annual education mandate for provincial and city Departments of Education and Training nationwide.
So why is it such a “hot topic”? Because STEM education is truly the key to success in the era of Industry 4.0.
STEM education integrates knowledge with real-world applications across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, emphasizing learning by doing rather than rote memorization. Instead of solving equations for their own sake, students learn how math applies to real-life problems and phenomena. This approach develops both critical thinking and practical skills.
The “STEM style” is prevalent in countries with advanced education systems, where graduates are equipped not only to think creatively but also to turn their ideas into tangible results. In the digital age, those who innovate and create will lead the way. For Vietnamese students aspiring to compete globally, embracing STEM learning means adopting the mindset and approach that drives progress around the world.
A STEM practical session for ninth-grade students at a high school
In October 2018, a large-scale U.S. education exhibition held in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi focused on universities offering programs in Business and STEM. The event attracted nearly 1,000 parents, students, and educators—showcasing the growing interest in these disciplines. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment demand in STEM-related fields is projected to rise by up to 62% (for engineering) by 2020.
At the same exhibition, the ACT was highlighted as the leading U.S. college admission test—and notably, the only one that includes a Science section and a STEM scoring system.
Ninth-grade students at Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted practice designing houses and installing electrical systems
ACT: The Only College Admission Test with a STEM Component
Each year, more than 60% of U.S. high school graduates take the ACT, which is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States and by many prestigious institutions around the world.
What sets the ACT apart from other international standardized tests is its Science section and integrated STEM score, which offer a distinct advantage for students pursuing STEM-related majors. For Vietnamese students, taking the ACT is an excellent choice to enhance their academic profile and increase their chances of impressing admissions committees at top universities in the U.S. and beyond.
The ACT’s STEM score provides a precise measure of a student’s academic ability, reasoning skills, and capacity to apply classroom knowledge. With its advanced score analysis and reporting system, the ACT helps students identify their strengths and areas for improvement—empowering them to plan their future and choose the most suitable fields of study and careers.
For more information about the ACT, please visit: emg.vn/act or act.org.
