张雪峰是人生路上的收费站

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) application processes in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the psychological impact on students and parents [4][11][39]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for college application consulting services has grown tenfold over the past decade, with significant price increases for services offered [4][10]. - In 2022, a popular service by Zhang Xuefeng sold out in 20 minutes, indicating high demand and willingness to pay among parents [4]. - The number of companies involved in Gaokao application consulting has exceeded 1,300, with nearly 70% located in high-exam provinces like Hebei [34]. Group 2: Changes in Application Mechanisms - The Gaokao application process has evolved from a score-based system to a more complex model that includes dynamic rankings and parallel applications, increasing the difficulty for students [10][14]. - The introduction of "knowing scores" and "parallel applications" aims to reduce the risk of being rejected but has also made the application process more intricate [11][12]. - The number of available application choices has significantly increased, with some provinces allowing students to select up to 270 different major options [14][16]. Group 3: Psychological Impact and Anxiety - The pressure of making the right choice in college applications is immense, as it can significantly affect future career paths and income potential [18][39]. - The article emphasizes that many students and parents are driven by anxiety and uncertainty, leading them to seek external guidance and reassurance [32][40]. - The complexity of the application process has created a lucrative business for consultants, who provide services to help alleviate this anxiety [35][37]. Group 4: Professional and Industry Trends - The choice of major is increasingly important, as the number of university programs has expanded, but the number of prestigious institutions has remained stable [17][26]. - The article notes that industry trends often dictate the popularity and perceived value of certain majors, which can lead to mismatches between student choices and job market demands [25][29]. - The article highlights that successful career outcomes are often influenced more by industry dynamics than by the educational institutions themselves [26][30].