<p>Is it true you have to “battle it out” with everyone in your own city and country before joining the applicant pool and being considered further?</p>
<p>In mainland China? My understand is that, if your HSE level is high enough for the particular course, then you can pretty much get in, although certain subjects like art will have practical exams to pass as well. So, if you could go to college in your home country and have good Mandarin (the tricky part), and you can pay then you’re in. </p>
<p>I’m not aware of international students taking the GaoKao or any sane person wanting to try when its optional…</p>
<p>very hard test</p>