The aptitude test, held on 1/7 at Hanoi Architectural University, quickly became a viral sensation, generating tens of thousands of interactions on social media.

The exam prompt featured an excerpt from Huy Can's poem "Walking Amidst Fragrance", found in the 11th-grade Vietnamese literature textbook. Using lines and shading, students were tasked with creating a composition within an 18 cm x 24 cm rectangle, using black lead and no more than 5 shades of gray, to visually represent the phrase "sun-embroidered earth".

"It felt like a literature exam disguised as an art exam," one user commented.

Nguyen Dang Manh from Phu Tho and Pham Dang Linh from Nam Dinh said they had practiced various exam formats, including this type, but didn't expect to encounter it.

Linh acknowledged the challenge of needing emotional depth and analytical skills to interpret the poem and create a meaningful artwork. Most students choosing the V00 combination (Math, Physics, Fine Arts) typically don't prioritize literature.

After composing themselves and carefully reading the prompt, Manh and Linh identified keywords like bamboo shadows, phoenix shadows, village road, straw, and someone with me.

"From there, I visualized the composition and content, analyzing the main elements to incorporate," Manh explained, adding that his artwork depicted two people holding hands walking down a village road.

Manh expressed satisfaction with his work, believing he effectively conveyed the content with appropriate shading, composition, and stylization. Linh was also pleased, having used the final 10-15 minutes to review and make necessary adjustments.

"I enjoyed this type of prompt because it offers students a fresh experience," Linh commented.

The second Fine Arts exam at Hanoi Architectural University on 1/7. Photo: *Schannel*

A Hanoi-based architect and university lecturer praised the exam's open-ended nature, clear language, and relatable imagery. People often perceive architecture as rigid, involving compasses and rulers, rarely considering its connection to literature. However, architecture is also an art form, with many structures drawing inspiration from literature, art, and history.

A Hanoi Architectural University representative on 2/7 clarified that incorporating poetry into art exams isn't new. In 2022, the exam featured an excerpt from Nguyen Hong Vinh's poem "Revival is Coming." Students were asked to create a colorful decorative composition depicting the beauty of Vietnam and its people recovering from the pandemic.

"This creative approach is unique to Hanoi Architectural University, blending literature, poetry, and art in our exams. We've used similar prompts before, and students have demonstrated excellent conceptualization," he stated.

He believes such prompts stimulate creativity, especially for students pursuing art and architecture.

Candidates taking the aptitude test at Hanoi Architectural University on 1/7. Photo: *HAU*

Hanoi Architectural University aims to enroll 3,200 students this year, a 460-student increase from last year. Eight subject combinations are used for aptitude-based admissions, including V00 (Math, Physics, Fine Arts), V01 (Math, Literature, Fine Arts), V02 (Math, English, Fine Arts), H00 (Literature, Art Drawing, Color Composition), H02 (Math, Art Drawing, Color Composition), A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry), C01 (Math, Literature, Physics), and D01 (Math, Literature, English). Four admission methods are employed: academic transcripts, high school graduation exam scores, a combination of graduation exam scores and aptitude test results, and direct admission or prioritized admission.

For non-aptitude-based programs, the university retains the traditional A00 combination and adds C02 (Math, Literature, Chemistry), THM (Math, Literature, Technology), and THM2 (Math, Literature, Computer Science).

Binh Minh