Essential Skills High School Students Need Before Entering University

TAS Admin

June 25, 2025

Many Vietnamese students earn excellent grades throughout high school, but when they begin university—especially in an international environment—they often feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or struggle to adapt.
Why does this happen?
he answer lies in a gap of essential skills. Academic knowledge alone isn’t enough. High school students need to be equipped with life, learning, and communication skills to thrive in global university settings. That’s why more and more families are turning to international programs for thorough college readiness.

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Top Skills Students Need for University Success

International curricula help students develop these key skills early on:

Time Management: Planning study, rest, and activities efficiently
Independent Learning: Researching, reading academic texts, and learning online effectively
Communication & Presentation: Expressing opinions clearly and respectfully
Teamwork: Collaborating, taking responsibility, resolving conflicts
Critical Thinking: Questioning, analyzing, and forming personal perspectives

These are foundational skills that all university students—regardless of major or destination—must possess to succeed in the 21st century.

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Why High-Performing Students Still Struggle at University

Even academically strong students may find university life difficult due to:

Lack of independence: Struggling to manage life and learning on their own
Reluctance to ask for help: Feeling ashamed or unsure about who to turn to
Poor self-direction: Studying to meet expectations but lacking personal motivation

International education helps overcome these challenges by promoting self-awareness and personal development, not just academic achievement.

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How Does TAS Build These Skills into the Learning Journey?

At The American School (TAS), a U.S.-accredited international school in Ho Chi Minh City, soft skills are not “extra”—they’re an integral part of the college preparation strategy.

TAS students grow through:

Cross-subject projects: Requiring planning, teamwork, and public speaking
College Prep programs: Essay writing, college applications, career exploration
Academic mentorship: Individual guidance across all high school years
Workshops on learning strategies & emotional regulation: Helping students understand themselves and connect meaningfully with others

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