Some turtles found a stable fan base among Vietnam's college hopefuls

Imagine pitching yourself against 700,000 people, all eager for what you seek! This number reflects Vietnam's annual college entrance examination participants for 2025.

With 700,000 college hopefuls competing for spots at 115 universities nationwide, only 1 in 5 will gain admission, on average. Others may have to try again or explore alternative pathways, which can sometimes be seen as the "lower path" in the eyes of many Vietnamese. Now, consider the immense pressure this creates!

Vietnamese colleges are prestigious and have stringent admission requirements. Not everyone gets in, and for those who do gain acceptance, the doors to a brighter future swing wide open, or so it's believed. High school seniors and repeat examinees alike dream of attending college lecture halls, and some even turn to unconventional methods in hopes of achieving their ambitions.

Welcome to Van Mieu - the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university! Located in the capital city of Hanoi, this historical site originally served as a haven for royal scholars. Renowned for its "great turtles," the Temple attracts not only foreign tourists but also maintains a dedicated following among local students. These stone turtles bear the names of distinguished scholars from history, including valedictorians. Having one's name immortalized on the turtles is considered a significant honor.

Every year, at the onset of the examination period, Van Mieu draws an exceptionally large crowd of youngsters who come to rub the turtles' heads. This gesture, believed to bring good luck, also serves to boost students' confidence. However, this tradition has caught the attention of government officials.

The relics, which date back thousands of years, have been recognized among UNESCO's Memory of the World. Unfortunately, frequent touching and rubbing have polished the turtles' heads to an extreme shine, and some officials argue that this practice is damaging the artifacts.

While measures have been implemented to address the situation, the allure of the ancient turtles remains strong. Regardless of legality, students continue to flock to this historic site for that proverbial good fortune. Whether or not the charm translates into academic success, the confidence gained from this ritual may itself represent a significant advantage. As the ancient guardians enjoy their new-found reverence, statistics on how many turtle-head worshipers actually fulfill their educational dreams remain elusive.