研究生艰难上岸后，他们决定退学

Core Points - The article discusses the increasing trend of graduate students in China choosing to withdraw from their programs, highlighting the pressures and challenges they face in academia [1][3][4] - It presents statistics indicating a significant number of students are unable to graduate on time, with one in four graduate students not completing their programs [2][3] - The narrative includes personal stories of students who have withdrawn, illustrating their struggles with academic pressure, mental health, and the expectations placed upon them by family and society [5][6][12] Group 1 - The number of applicants for the national master's degree examination in 2025 is projected to be 3.88 million, with only 872,200 spots available, leading to nearly 3 million students being unsuccessful [2] - Approximately 500,000 students drop out of Chinese universities each year, with a dropout rate of nearly 3% among enrolled students [2] - The pressure faced by graduate students has intensified despite an increase in enrollment opportunities, leading to feelings of burnout and internal conflict [3][4] Group 2 - Students who withdraw often do so after prolonged periods of distress, indicating that the decision is not made lightly but is a culmination of various pressures [5][12] - Personal accounts reveal that students feel trapped in their academic paths, often driven by external expectations rather than personal interests [14][22] - The article emphasizes the emotional toll of academic life, with students experiencing anxiety, insomnia, and a sense of inadequacy [15][49] Group 3 - The transition from undergraduate studies to graduate research is marked by a shift in focus that many students find challenging, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed [18][19] - The article highlights the competitive nature of graduate programs and the lack of support that students often encounter, contributing to their decision to leave [20][27] - The experiences shared by students illustrate a broader issue within the academic system, where the pressure to succeed can lead to mental health struggles and a reevaluation of personal goals [26][49] Group 4 - The withdrawal from graduate programs is framed as a form of liberation for some students, allowing them to pursue paths that align more closely with their personal values and interests [64] - The article discusses the societal stigma surrounding dropping out, contrasting it with the acceptance of pursuing higher education as a norm [63] - Students express a desire to redefine success on their own terms, moving away from traditional academic achievements towards more fulfilling life choices [60][64]