The gaokao effect: how Chinaโs rigorous exam influences aspirations and social mobility
In the second and final instalment of a two-part series on Chinaโs pivotal national college entrance examination, or gaokao, the SCMP explores the evolution of the countryโs contemporary examination system and its ongoing influence on societal and familial expectations. This year, Chinaโs gaokao saw 12.9 million candidates, representing the second consecutive year of decline. Despite this trend, the gaokao remains critical โ a demanding competition that profoundly impacts studentsโ university...