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) volunteer filling in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the emotional and financial stakes involved for families [3][5][29]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for volunteer filling services has grown tenfold over the past decade, reflecting the rising importance of strategic choices in education [3][5]. - The price of volunteer filling services has increased, with notable examples such as Zhang Xuefeng's services selling out quickly after price hikes [3][5]. - The number of companies involved in Gaokao volunteer filling has surged, with over 1,300 operating in China, predominantly in high-stakes provinces like Hebei [23]. Group 2: Changes in Filling Mechanisms - The transition from gradient to parallel volunteer systems has made the filling process more complex, with the introduction of real-time ranking systems in regions like Inner Mongolia [6][9]. - The new Gaokao system allows for a significantly larger number of choices, with some provinces enabling students to fill out up to 270 professional preferences [9][10]. - The importance of specific majors has increased due to the limited number of prestigious universities, which has remained constant while the number of available majors has expanded dramatically [10][11]. Group 3: Emotional and Financial Stakes - The pressure on students and families is immense, as the choice of major and university can significantly impact future career prospects and income [13][19]. - The article emphasizes that the decision-making process for students is often fraught with uncertainty, leading to a reliance on external advice and services [26][27]. - The financial implications of these choices are profound, with high margins reported for volunteer filling consultation services, indicating a lucrative market for providers [24][25].