大类招生，取消

Core Viewpoint - The recent changes in undergraduate admissions at Chinese universities indicate a trend towards the cancellation of "big category" admissions, with specific majors being directly recruited instead, reflecting a shift in educational policy and student preferences [1][11][23]. Summary by Relevant Sections Changes in Admissions - China University of Petroleum (Beijing) has announced the cancellation of "big category" admissions for certain majors, specifically eliminating "Chemical and Pharmaceutical Category" and "Environmental Science and Engineering Category," and introducing direct admissions for specific majors like "Chemical Engineering and Technology" and "Environmental Engineering" [1]. - Other universities, such as Shandong University of Technology and Hubei Minzu University, have also moved to cancel big category admissions, opting for direct major recruitment [5][7]. Background and Rationale - The concept of big category admissions allows students to choose a broad category during college entrance exams, with specialization occurring in the first or second year based on performance and interest [4]. - The Ministry of Education has emphasized the need to regulate big category admissions, citing issues with mismatched training programs and student concerns about being assigned to undesired majors during the specialization process [11][12]. Issues with Big Category Admissions - The big category model has faced criticism for grouping vastly different majors together, leading to student anxiety about being placed in a major they did not intend to pursue [13][14]. - The practice of bundling popular and less popular majors has resulted in a situation where high-performing students may end up in less desirable fields, exacerbating the divide between hot and cold majors [14][15]. Adjustments and Alternatives - In response to the cancellation of big category admissions, some universities are implementing measures to provide students with more flexibility, such as allowing multiple opportunities to change majors [18][19]. - Institutions like Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics have introduced policies to facilitate major changes, while Xi'an Jiaotong University has refined its approach by creating smaller categories within colleges to offer clearer choices [18][19]. Future Directions - Despite the tightening of regulations around big category admissions, some universities continue to explore this model, indicating a mixed approach to admissions strategies across institutions [19][20]. - The ongoing debate highlights the need for universities to balance general education with specialized training, ensuring that students have adequate options and support in their academic journeys [22][23].