HARD TO GET THROUGH THESE DOORS: THE COLLEGE EXAM SYSTEM IN CHINA

GAOKAO

高考

THE EXAM SYSTEM

IN CHINA TODAY

PEKING UNIVERSITY (BEIDA)

北大

BEIJING, CHINA

The results of the Chinese college entrance examinations (the gaokao) are in; now the match-up of test-takers and universities is being sorted out. The gaokao is supposed to be meritocratic, "allowing students from poorer backgrounds or rural areas to compete for spots in top universities," such as Peking University (Beida; above). But, says the New York Times, "the odds are heavily against those students, since a quota system based on residency means it is much easier for applicants in cities like Beijing and Shanghai to get into universities there, which are generally considered the best in China." And there are not enough slots for everyone who wants to go to college and takes the exam, anyway (more than two million high school leavers will be disappointed).

Meanwhile, reports the Wall Street Journal, there are "Second Thoughts on College in China": "increasing numbers of high school graduates are choosing to go abroad to study."

Apparently, it can be easier to get into Harvard University than into Peking University.