张雪峰“撤回一个停播”，高考志愿填报该不该报班？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend and controversies surrounding the college entrance examination (Gaokao) application service industry, particularly highlighted by the actions of popular online educator Zhang Xuefeng, who temporarily halted his broadcasts before resuming them during the peak application period [1][5]. Industry Overview - The Gaokao application service industry has seen a surge in demand, with various service packages available ranging from a few hundred yuan for basic information to over 20,000 yuan for comprehensive services [1][3]. - The industry is estimated to exceed 10 billion yuan, based on the assumption that 3% of the 13.35 million Gaokao candidates seek application support, with an average order value of 3,000 yuan [2][3]. Service Offerings - Different service providers offer a range of packages, with prices varying significantly. For example, one medium-sized institution charges 6,800 yuan pre-results and 7,800 yuan post-results for one-on-one services [3]. - Independent consultants tend to charge lower fees, with some offering services for around 2,999 yuan, emphasizing personalized support [4]. Controversies and Criticisms - The industry faces criticism for high fees, perceived information asymmetry, and the quality of service provided. Many parents question the value of the services, especially if the outcomes do not meet expectations [5][6]. - Concerns have been raised about the adequacy of post-service support, with many institutions only guaranteeing that students will have a place in college, rather than ensuring satisfactory placements [7][8]. Recommendations for Families - Experts suggest that families should focus on understanding the student's interests and abilities, and utilize official resources for information rather than relying solely on popular figures [2][9]. - The importance of aligning students' interests with their chosen fields of study is emphasized, as blindly following trends can lead to poor outcomes [9].