Core Viewpoint - The new college entrance examination policy in Henan province introduces the "college major group" system, allowing students to fill in parallel volunteer applications for their preferred colleges and majors, enhancing their chances of admission and aligning their interests with their chosen fields of study [2][3][4]. Group 1: Understanding the "College Major Group" - The "college major group" is a new system that allows students to select a college and a corresponding group of majors based on their chosen subjects, differing from the previous model where students selected a college first and then a major [2]. - Each college can set up multiple "college major groups," each containing various majors that share the same subject requirements, which aims to improve students' satisfaction with their chosen majors [2][3]. Group 2: Filling in the "College Major Group" Applications - Students should carefully analyze the subject requirements of their target colleges to ensure compatibility with their chosen subjects, as different colleges may have varying requirements for the same major [3][4]. - It is recommended that students adopt a "reach, stable, and safety" strategy when selecting their college major groups to maximize their chances of admission while minimizing the risk of being rejected [4]. Group 3: New Opportunities and Challenges - The new policy allows each student to fill in 48 college major group applications, with the ability to select 6 majors within each group, significantly increasing their options [5]. - The Ministry of Education has introduced 29 new undergraduate majors, including fields like artificial intelligence and digital governance, providing students with more contemporary and interdisciplinary choices [5][6]. Group 4: Parental Guidance and Student Autonomy - Experts emphasize the importance of students choosing majors based on their interests and abilities rather than following trends, advising parents to support their children's decisions without imposing their preferences [6]. - The decision-making process regarding college applications should primarily rest with the students, as their interests are crucial for their academic success and future career prospects [6]. Group 5: Utilizing Historical Admission Data - Historical admission data can provide insights into the competitiveness of colleges and majors, helping students make informed decisions about their applications [8]. - Students are advised to analyze past admission trends to gauge the potential admission cut-off lines for their chosen college major groups, ensuring they select options that align with their scores [8]. Group 6: Practical Steps for Application Preparation - Students should familiarize themselves with the new examination policies and the specific admission guidelines of their target colleges to ensure a well-informed application process [9][10]. - A structured approach to selecting colleges and majors, including understanding the relationship between majors and career paths, is essential for making effective choices [10][11].

Group 1 - The article discusses the importance of understanding the college admission process and the specific policies related to filling out college application forms in Beijing [1][2] - It highlights the "expert guidance in campus" initiative organized by the Beijing Education Examination Institute to train teachers and parents on the college application process [1][7] - The article emphasizes the significance of filling out multiple choices within the same college major group to increase the chances of admission [2][4] Group 2 - The article explains the structure of college applications in Beijing, which uses college major groups as the basic unit for application and admission [2][3] - It outlines the timeline for the college application process, including key dates for score release and application submission [1][2] - The article advises students to understand their scores and rankings, and to consider historical admission data when selecting colleges and majors [3][4] Group 3 - The article introduces the concept of "two bases and one reference" for students to effectively fill out their applications, which includes understanding their scores and historical admission statistics [4][5] - It stresses the need for students to have a clear understanding of their interests and future career plans when choosing majors [5][6] - The article mentions that the expert guidance initiative will expand to more schools, providing comprehensive support for teachers and students [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that a single exam does not determine a person's potential or future success, highlighting the importance of perseverance and lifelong learning in achieving one's goals [1][5]. Group 1: Personal Journey - The story recounts the challenging journey of a young man, Shen Zhengchang, who studied hard for the college entrance examination (Gaokao) under difficult conditions, showcasing his determination and resilience [1][2]. - Despite initially failing the exam in 1977, Shen maintained a positive attitude, believing in the possibility of retaking the exam and improving his situation [2][3]. - In 1978, with a more systematic approach to studying and support from a teacher, Shen successfully passed the exam and was admitted to a university, albeit in a different major than he initially desired [4][5]. Group 2: Educational Insights - The article highlights the low pass rate of the initial test organized by local education authorities, with only about 20% of candidates passing, reflecting the competitive nature of the examination process [2]. - Shen's experience illustrates the importance of adaptability, as he found success in a major that was not his first choice, ultimately leading to a fulfilling career in the field of flotation equipment [5]. - The narrative encourages students to embrace opportunities for learning and growth, regardless of the specific path taken, reinforcing the idea that success can be achieved through various avenues [5].