High grades alone are not enough to get into top universities in the United States — students need a well-rounded profile with a clear, strategic plan from an early stage. TAS supports students from Grade 9 with a personalized academic pathway, outstanding extracurricular opportunities, and comprehensive guidance to prepare an internationally competitive university application.

Choosing a United States–standardized international high school is a strategic step for students aiming to enter international universities. From the curriculum and teaching staff to college counseling, parents need to understand five key criteria to make the right choice for their child in Ho Chi Minh City.

Grade 9 marks the beginning of a crucial phase where students start building a serious academic profile for international universities. At The American School (TAS), parents are guided early on to work alongside the school in mapping out a clear, U.S.-standardized pathway — from GPA planning to extracurricular involvement and future major orientation.