China's High Stakes "Gaokao" Test Under Scrutiny

ateiska
Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:30:31 +0000

I’ve got to say that this kind of education system is surely intensive, but also very beneficial. I was once under that system before I transferred to my high school’s international education section to study AP, etc., and I found that my “intelligence” level declined greatly after forgoing the intense learning of gaokao for the more casual, more practical ability based AP. And now I find it difficult to debate on academic subjects, solve tricky problems, and apply knowledge fluently to real life, while these were almost natural for me when I was in gaokao system. Really, gaokao is a FANTASTIC way to push your potential beyond limits! However, this sentiment is just for those attracted to intense academic learning, and enthusiastic about freaky challenges. I, for one, found my grades much higher, ec much more colorful before I came from gaokao to AP, and I LOVED it there.