China Footprint: Is China's college entrance exam fair enough?

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Gaokao, a prerequisite for entrance to higher education institutions in China, is an annual cause of anguish for most students. Held once a year, the exam is virtually the best chance for students’ futures, with many questioning whether or not this single opportunity is fair.

Terry Qian, governor and independent scholar at Wellington College, argues that Gaokao can’t be the only way to measure a student’s aptitude.

“It is one shot. Nobody can take that to evaluate their twelve years’ hard work in one shot that is not fair for me. Also it is not necessarily the best way to evaluate a child; they can have different talents,” Qian explained.

Parents pray for good luck of their children in Gaokao./VCG Photo‍‍

Qian points to the variety of factors used in Western countries to evaluate students. In addition to test scores, students are measured by their personal statements, letters of recommendation from others and their GPA, a grade-point average of the last four years of high school.

Recognizing the need of second chances, China has started to roll out measures changing the way students are educated and tested in China.

In 2003, 22 Chinese colleges created independent exams to accept students according to their own criteria. These programs have allowed the school to set their own standards for admitting students, including the option for a lower test score.

Allowing colleges to set their own threshold means they get to admit students with more diverse talent rather than just academic achievement.

Students are under great pressure ahead of the Gaokao. /VCG Photo

In 2014, a pilot program was started in east China's Shanghai and Zhejiang, where students were allowed to choose three school courses for which they will be tested. These test scores are then counted towards their overall Gaokao grades, giving the students a way to represent their strengths.

This set of reforms attempts to give students more autonomy, and of course second chances.

In terms of the quality of good student, Matt Rosenbaum, Admission Counselor Manager at Ivygate International said they are looking for "someone could do the work in the classroom required by professors as well as add value to the community that they have been invited to, not only the intellectual and academic value, but also the social and community value."