Authorities request peace and quiet for gaokao

The Ministry of Education issued a circular on Wednesday asking authorities at all levels to create a sound environment for the national college entrance exam, the gaokao, scheduled to run from Friday to Sunday.

According to the ministry, more than 10.3 million students will sit for this year's gaokao, which will coincide with the three-day Dragon Boat Festival.

The gaokao is a pivotal moment for high school students because their scores will largely determine their future - whether they can attend university, which institutions will accept them and consequently what careers await them.