gaokao

China's National Higher Education Entrance Examination (gaokao) saw 12.9 million participants, down for the second consecutive year, as birth rates fall to a record low. With fewer domestic students, China's universities face intensified competition and a need to attract international talent to remain competitive in a knowledge-driven global economy.

An 18-year-old Shanghai student, Wu Yulun, lied to his parents about a holiday to secretly travel to flood-affected Guangxi and assist in relief efforts after completing the gaokao. He joined a volunteer group responding to the disaster instead of taking a planned graduation trip.

A blind Chinese teen, Guo Bin, who lost his sight in an attack at age six, achieved top scores in the national college entrance examination for students with disabilities and plans to study medicine to help others.

China’s National Higher Education Entrance Examination (gaokao) results are being released, with candidates selecting universities and majors based on their scores. Families face high-stakes decisions with limited information as the process acts as a sorting mechanism for educational opportunities.

Female candidates in China's gaokao face challenges during their exams, leading many to use contraceptives to delay periods. The exam, held from June 7 to 10, has female students comprising about half of participants, with around 30% potentially affected.

12.9 million students in China took the gaokao, the world's largest standardized test, while 90% of ranked US colleges no longer require exams, highlighting differing approaches to higher education and AI's role.

Chinese students are using oxygen therapy before the gaokao, believing it boosts memory and reduces anxiety. The gaokao is a pivotal university entrance exam that significantly impacts students' future academic and career paths.