The gaokao effect: how China’s rigorous exam influences aspirations and social mobility
China's gaokao, the national college entrance examination, continues to exert significant influence on students' futures, despite a slight decrease in the number of candidates this year to 12.9 million. This rigorous exam profoundly impacts university choices, career paths, and social mobility, echoing the historical importance of the imperial examination system. The enduring cultural belief that education is a key to altering one's destiny underscores the emphasis placed on this examination by families and the state. AI
