University entrance exam: A big door, but not the only one

THE HANOI TIMES — Every June, Hanoi gets hotter not only from the summer heat, but also from the annual wave of anxiety known as university entrance season.

The streets are filled with Youth Union volunteers in blue shirts who offer water bottles and quiet encouragement outside of exam sites. For many families, this is still the most important moment in their teenager’s life.

And yet, some of the brightest students are not even showing up.

I have two close friends who took different paths. One of them dreamed of getting into Hanoi Law University. Linh Tran fell short by a few points. Instead of reapplying or giving up, he enrolled in a different school. Later, he completed a second degree at the law university he had always admired. He now works at a respected law firm and said it took a bit longer, but he still got where he wanted to be.

Another friend, Khanh Ta, had his heart set on University College London. However, the pandemic disrupted his plans. He pivoted and studied at a private university in Hanoi. Then he went on to earn a master’s degree in the UK. "Not Plan A," he laughed, "but maybe even better."

The university entrance exam still carries enormous emotional weight. It is seen not just as a test of knowledge, but also as a test of identity, of whether you are capable, valuable, and worthy of being taken seriously in this society. For many families, getting into a top university is not only about personal success, but also about family honor. That pressure can be heavy, even crushing.

However, in a world that changes faster than any syllabus can keep up with, the job market is evolving. There will be careers in the next decade that don't even exist yet. Five years ago, few Vietnamese high school students were considering data labeling, green finance, or AI content moderation. Now, these fields are aggressively hiring. In another five years, we may see booming demand for climate risk auditors, digital ethicists, and virtual environment designers.

Employers are looking less at where you studied and more at what you can do. Some students still pursue prestigious schools to earn a respected label, and there is nothing wrong with that. Attending a well-known university can open doors, give parents peace of mind, and provide a sense of pride. For many, getting into a top-tier school still means opportunity. However, the idea that a top-tier degree guarantees success is becoming outdated.

Real-world success today is messy, nonlinear, and unpredictable. Many employers ask, "Can you solve problems? Can you work in a team? Can you think independently?" They don't always care if your diploma is adorned with Latin words.

Vocational training, once viewed as second-rate, is proving its value. Consider Truong The Dieu, who studied precision engineering and won a silver medal at the WorldSkills competition. Then there's Nguyen Van Thiet, who trained in automation and now works in high-tech manufacturing. Then there's Vu Hoang Trinh, a culinary school graduate who runs her pizza shop in Hanoi and mentors young chefs. These are not exceptions. They are evidence that, when cultivated seriously, real skills can compete with degrees in today’s economy.

Many young people also explore hybrid options. Some enroll in private universities that offer international transfer pathways. Others join short-term boot camps or online academies while working part-time. Education is no longer just about passing through four years of lectures. It's about combining learning with experience and creating a personalized path that reflects who you are and what you want.

And let us not forget that higher education is not a one-time shot. If you don't get into your dream school, you can still transfer later, pursue a second degree, or aim for graduate school abroad. Today's university system is more flexible than ever, especially with the rise of international programs, private institutions, and online options. There are many ways to continue your education, and there's no rule that says you must figure it all out by the time you're 18.

University is a big door, and for many, it's still the right one. But it is not the only one. What matters most is not a perfect score or a prestigious name but whether your chosen path provides you with the tools you need to stand on your own two feet.

Not everyone needs to pass through the same gate to get somewhere worthwhile.

To all the students sweating through the summer while chasing goals or quietly choosing a different path: May you walk forward with courage, clarity, and no regrets. Wherever you go, go with your eyes open and your head held high.