Image credit- CGTN
The bell rings, and the gates shut. The doors close. The classrooms fall into dead silence. Not another student can step foot onto campus. You begin the final exam with the same 50 classmates you’ve had since you started secondary school (high school). Thus begins the transitory process of secondary school students in China.
With a mandatory schooling of nine years, education in China is quite different from America. What the main difference? The final exam of secondary grade students: the GaoKao.
What is the Gaokao (NCEE)?
Image by CNN: Students walk out after first Gaokao subject of the Hebei exam
The Gaokao, also known as the National College Entrance Exam, is infamous for its difficulty. When students prepare for this exam, they must remember everything they have learned over the years; students are tested on Chinese literature, math, a foreign language, and additional topics. During this grueling process, students in China study everyday to get the best possible outcome.
Although the Gaokao may be similar to the SAT (US's college entrance exams), some key differences make the Gaokao significantly more challenging. SAT is only one of many aspects considered for college admissions in the US (others include grades, leadership, and extracurriculars), while the Gaokao is the main deciding factor for college admissions in China. In addition, the Gaokao exam only takes place once a year, making it hard to retake. On the other hand, students residing in America can take the SAT multiple times a year, with no penalty for retaking.
Beginning of High School
High school students in China first decide on the pathway they want to take: general secondary education or vocational school. Most decide to follow the traditional route of secondary school and are required to take an entrance exam. These students prepare for 3 years of schooling, with their first year the equivalent of 10th grade in America, before deciding on post-secondary education (equivalent to undergraduate education in the U.S.).
Starting from an early age, elementary school students are sent to education centers for further tutoring. This takes up much of students’ schedules, and they are left with little free time. This practice continues into high school, up until the final exam.
High School Experience
Image by Radii.co: Students studying
Public schools in China use a two-semester schedule, which is identical to some schools in the US. However, each semester starts in later months (September and February), which leaves July and August for summer break. Since skills other than exam performance are not considered for college admissions, many students replace sports practice with more exam preparation. Only students with exceptional talent may transfer to a specialized school to pursue arts and sports. As a result, students have no time for anything other than studying during the entire week, not even spending time with friends.
In the US, colleges prefer applicants who have demonstrated their prowess in certain subjects and use of available resources. This promotes a more diverse student body, with less emphasis placed on academics.
Main Differences
China and the US place emphasis on contrasting student qualities. For US students, competition is present in every day activities such as clubs, tests, volunteering, and more. For Chinese students, competition is centered around the Gaokao. Which country's school system would you choose?
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