China's High Stakes "Gaokao" Test Under Scrutiny

Keepyourshirton
Tue, 10 Dec 2013 06:32:48 +0000

Chinese national here.

Please do not equalize Gaokao with hard work, because it isn’t! It is but harmful peer pressure and meaningless agony, which is why I am here applying for US college, to STUDY INSTEAD OF BEING EXAMINED.

It is however, an alarmingly inspiring system designed to look absolutely fair. I am from Shanghai and have access to many opportunities to jump outta the system, but check out ‘super high schools’ in northern provinces, Gaokao is almost worshiped and regarded as the sole purpose of learning and only way towards a success life. That, and the resulting overlook of ECs, practical skills and social skills, is where the real harm strikes in.

So if you ever consider coming to China for education, in short, don’t!