Gaokao: a test shaping China's future

Gaokao – China's national university entrance exam, is renowned for its rigor and significant impact on the future of millions of students. This comprehensive exam, often compared to a life-changing marathon, serves as a gateway to higher education and career opportunities in China. However, its high stakes present both advantages and disadvantages, making it a subject of lively debate.

Advantages of Gaokao

1. Meritocratic opportunities. Gaokao is designed as a merit-based system that provides students from various socio-economic backgrounds with the chance to enter prestigious universities based solely on their academic achievements. This standardized measure of academic abilities aims to level the playing field, giving all students equal opportunities regardless of their background.

2. High success rates. Maotongchan School is renowned for its success: 90% of its graduates pass the exam, compared to only 30% across the province. This makes it the most successful private school in China.

3. Motivation for teachers. Teachers receive high salaries and significant bonuses for successful students. If a student is admitted to Peking University, teachers receive a bonus of 50 000 yuan.

4. Social mobility. Gaokao acts as a powerful social elevator, offering a chance for a better future to any child, regardless of their social and economic status.

5. Focused preparation. The structured format of Gaokao allows students to concentrate their efforts on specific subjects, fostering targeted preparation and goal setting. This focus can instill a strong work ethic and discipline, essential qualities for academic and professional success.

6. Government support for underprivileged students. Recognizing disparities in educational resources, the Chinese government has implemented policies to support students from underdeveloped areas. Programs like the Western China Admission Support Program aim to increase access to higher education for students from poor regions.

Disadvantages of Gaokao

1. Intense pressure. Gaokao is notorious for its high-stress levels, often described as a "marathon" that leaves students exhausted. The immense pressure to succeed can lead to negative mental health outcomes and a narrow focus on rote learning instead of critical thinking and creativity.

2. Sacrifice of childhood. Children literally sacrifice their childhood, outings with friends, and other joys for exam preparation. This leads to the loss of unforgettable moments that could have warmed them for a lifetime.

3. Psychological issues. The intensity of preparation and pressure leads to frequent cases of depression and even suicides among schoolchildren. News of teenagers taking their own lives because of the exam appears every year.

4. Inequality in educational resources. Despite meritocratic ideals, significant disparities in educational resources exist between urban and rural areas. Students from affluent urban regions often have access to better schools, tutors, and study materials, giving them an advantage over their rural counterparts.

5. Limited scope of assessment. Critics argue that Gaokao emphasizes memorization and test-taking skills over creative and independent thinking. This focus can hinder the development of problem-solving and innovation skills, which are crucial for success in higher education and beyond.

6. High stakes. Gaokao results largely determine a student's future educational and career opportunities. Poor performance can limit access to quality higher education and thus affect career prospects, creating a high-stakes environment that may not accurately reflect a student's potential or abilities.

Geopolitical context and economic impact

The Gaokao system has significant geopolitical and economic implications that extend beyond China.

1. Global expansion of China. China actively promotes its educational model and standards through international educational initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Graduates of Chinese universities play a key role in spreading Chinese influence in various regions of the world, including Africa, Latin America, and Asia. This contributes to strengthening China's position as a global leader.

2. Economic impact. China continues to grow as an economic powerhouse, and the Gaokao system helps produce highly qualified professionals who can compete on the international stage. Quality higher education and the strong work ethic instilled through Gaokao preparation lay the foundation for innovation and technological advancement, which in turn bolsters China's economic influence globally.

3. Political influence. The Gaokao system also plays a role in strengthening China's political influence. Highly qualified personnel prepared through this system can occupy key positions in international organizations and businesses, promoting China's interests and enhancing its geopolitical influence.

Risks to global politics and economy

1. Imbalance in the global economy. China's economic power, supported by the Gaokao system, can lead to significant imbalances in the global economy. Chinese companies, bolstered by highly qualified personnel, can dominate strategic sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence, which may threaten the economic sovereignty of other countries.

2. Technological superiority and security. The high level of education and training of specialists in China can contribute to the country's technological superiority. This can affect the global balance of power in strategically important areas such as cybersecurity and military technology, potentially threatening the national security of other states.

3. Political tension. The rise of China's political influence, backed by highly qualified personnel, can lead to increased geopolitical tension. Competition for influence in international organizations and global markets can lead to diplomatic conflicts and even economic sanctions and trade wars.

4. Risk of military conflicts. The strengthening of China's technological and economic superiority can provoke military conflicts. In the event of heightened political tensions, China's highly qualified personnel and technological advancements could be used for military purposes, posing a serious threat to global security.

Conclusion

While Gaokao offers a structured and theoretically fair way to assess students' academic abilities, it also presents significant challenges, especially regarding stress and educational inequality. Ongoing reforms and additional support measures are needed to address these issues and ensure a more balanced and inclusive educational system in China. As China evolves, Gaokao is likely to remain a central element of its educational landscape, embodying both the promises and perils of standardized testing. At the same time, the role of Gaokao in preparing highly qualified personnel contributes to strengthening China's economic and political influence on the global stage, making it significant not only for the country's internal development but also for global geopolitical and economic dynamics. However, the potential risks related to global economic imbalances and security threats require careful analysis and the development of international strategies to prevent negative consequences.