Group 1 - The changing score lines reflect the market and employment trends, indicating a shift in focus from prestigious universities to professional prospects and job security among students and parents [1][3][4] - High-scoring students are increasingly opting for universities like Fuyao University, which has surpassed several 985 and 211 universities in admission scores, demonstrating a preference for institutions with strong employment outcomes [1][2] - New research-oriented universities are emerging successfully, with their admission scores matching or exceeding those of established 985 and 211 universities, indicating a shift in the higher education landscape [1][4] Group 2 - There is a growing trend among students to prioritize universities and majors that offer job security over traditional prestigious institutions, as seen in the case of Shanghai Customs College in Jiangsu, where its admission score surpassed many 985 universities [2][3] - The perception of top-tier universities like Tsinghua and Peking University is changing, with some students choosing to apply to other top universities for more popular majors, reflecting a more pragmatic approach to education [2][3] - The emergence of new universities with clear positioning and alignment with economic needs is fostering healthy competition among higher education institutions [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing enrollment process for vocational colleges in China, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right major based on industry demand and personal interests [1][3]. Group 1: Enrollment Process - The enrollment for vocational colleges has begun, with most provinces focusing on the application process in late July [1]. - There are 1,554 vocational colleges in China, and students are advised to verify the legitimacy of these institutions to avoid unrecognized schools [1]. Group 2: Choosing a Major - The latest directory from the Ministry of Education lists 19 major categories, 97 subcategories, and 771 specific majors for vocational education, with plans to expand to 67,898 programs by 2025 [1]. - Experts recommend that students consider the future development prospects of industries related to their chosen majors, such as chips, artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles, and high-end CNC machine tools [3]. - It is suggested that students look for vocational colleges that also offer undergraduate programs, as these institutions may have stronger teaching systems and shared resources [3]. Group 3: Regional Industry Considerations - Students should take into account the local industry landscape when selecting a major; for instance, areas with a strong automotive industry may favor majors in new energy vehicle technology [4]. - The article emphasizes the importance of personal interest and strengths in the decision-making process, advising against a one-size-fits-all approach to major selection [4].

Group 1 - The article reflects on the transformative experience of the college entrance examination (Gaokao) and its significance in shaping one's destiny [2][11] - It emphasizes that the journey of self-discovery and finding one's passion is equally important as the exam itself, highlighting the importance of personal interests and motivations [4][12] - The narrative illustrates the author's transition from a state of confusion and lack of direction to discovering a passion for international politics, which became a guiding force in their academic and personal life [5][6][10] Group 2 - The author discusses the challenges faced during high school, including academic pressures and the struggle to balance interests with required subjects, particularly in mathematics [7][9] - The importance of choosing a major that aligns with personal interests over the reputation of the institution is emphasized, suggesting that passion can lead to greater fulfillment and success [12] - The article concludes with a reflection on the ongoing journey of academic and personal growth, reinforcing the idea that the right path is one that resonates with individual aspirations [10][11]

Group 1 - The article discusses the challenges faced by individuals in the public sector, highlighting issues such as formalism, inefficiency, and a rigid hierarchical structure that leads to feelings of frustration and stagnation [1][2][3] - There is a growing trend among young people to pursue public sector jobs, particularly in police academies, which reflects a societal imbalance and increased public expenditure [2][3] - The article emphasizes that while public sector jobs may offer temporary stability, they may not provide long-term fulfillment or growth opportunities, especially as competition increases and the system becomes more crowded [2][3][4] Group 2 - The discussion includes the limitations of career guidance in higher education, where a focus on immediate job security can lead to a lack of foresight regarding future job market trends [4][5] - The impact of AI on job markets is addressed, suggesting that a narrow focus on job security may overlook the importance of creativity and individuality, which are essential in an AI-driven future [6][7] - The article argues that a passion-driven approach to career choices is crucial for long-term success and adaptability in a rapidly changing economic landscape [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) application services in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the psychological factors driving demand for these services [5][11][19]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for college application services has grown tenfold over the past decade, reflecting the heightened importance of strategic decision-making in the application process [5]. - The pricing of application services has increased, with notable examples such as Zhang Xuefeng's services, which saw a price hike of 1,000 yuan this year, selling out quickly [3][4]. - The number of companies providing Gaokao application services exceeds 1,300, with a significant concentration in high-exam provinces like Hebei [30]. Group 2: Application Complexity - The transition from traditional application methods to more complex systems, such as dynamic ranking and parallel application models, has made the application process more intricate [8][11]. - The introduction of new examination systems has increased the number of application choices significantly, with some provinces allowing up to 270 different options for students [14][15]. - The shift in focus from university prestige to specific majors reflects the changing landscape of higher education, where the number of available majors has increased from 309 to 845 over the past decade [17]. Group 3: Psychological Factors - The anxiety surrounding college applications is amplified by the perception that choices made at this stage can significantly impact future career paths and earnings [19][28]. - The article suggests that many families view the application process as a critical juncture for changing their destinies, leading to a willingness to invest in professional guidance [32][33]. - The uncertainty inherent in the application process drives demand for consultation services, as families seek to mitigate risks associated with their choices [29][32]. Group 4: Industry Insights - Companies like Xude Education have reported high profit margins in the application consulting business, with gross margins reaching 78.30% for one-on-one consulting services [31]. - The article emphasizes that the true value of application consulting lies in filtering and organizing complex information, which is increasingly necessary as the application landscape becomes more convoluted [32]. - The industry's growth is not only driven by potential profits but also by the relatively low technical barriers to entry, making it accessible for many new players [30][31].

Core Viewpoint - The wine major, while appearing romantic and niche, requires a realistic understanding of the industry and self-awareness before choosing it as a career path [4][6][13]. Group 1: Nature of the Wine Major - The wine industry is not as glamorous as it seems; it demands hard work and dedication rather than a carefree lifestyle [4]. - Students should first understand their personal aspirations and how they align with their career choices, rather than solely focusing on the industry's appeal [4][6]. Group 2: Educational Insights - Beijing Agricultural University offers a brewing engineering program, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with an emphasis on sensory recognition of wine [9]. - Graduates often engage in hands-on roles within the industry, demonstrating a shift in the younger generation's approach to their careers [11]. Group 3: Industry Landscape - The Chinese wine industry is characterized by "import high-end, domestic quality, and daily consumption," indicating a growing consumer preference [13]. - Despite the industry's relatively weak scale compared to established wine-producing countries, there is optimism for future growth and opportunities for newcomers [15]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The expectation is for Chinese wine to become more accessible to consumers, with improved quality and pricing in local markets [15]. - There is a significant need for technical talent in vineyard management, which is currently a weak link in the Chinese wine industry [17].

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].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) application services in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the psychological factors driving parents and students to seek professional guidance in this critical decision-making process [3][4][6]. Group 1: Market Growth and Dynamics - The market for college application services has grown tenfold over the past decade, reflecting the heightened importance of making the right choices in education [4]. - The pricing for application services has increased, with notable examples such as Zhang Xuefeng's services rising by 1,000 yuan this year, indicating a strong demand [3][4]. - The number of companies providing Gaokao application services has reached over 1,300, with a significant concentration in high-stakes provinces like Hebei [24]. Group 2: Complexity of Application Process - The Gaokao application process has evolved from a simpler model to a more complex one, with the introduction of dynamic ranking and parallel application systems, which have increased the stakes for students [7][11]. - The shift from a gradient application model to a parallel application model has made the process more intricate, allowing students to apply to multiple programs simultaneously, thus increasing uncertainty [9][11]. - The number of available application choices has expanded significantly, with some provinces allowing students to fill out up to 270 preferences, complicating the decision-making process [11][12]. Group 3: Psychological Factors and Consumer Behavior - The anxiety surrounding college applications has been amplified by the competitive environment, leading families to invest in professional consultation services to mitigate uncertainty [6][27]. - The article suggests that the decision-making process for students and their families resembles an investment strategy, where the perceived value of guidance is seen as a way to reduce risk [27][28]. - The emotional weight of choosing a career path is emphasized, as it can significantly impact a student's future, making the stakes of the application process feel even higher [14][30]. Group 4: Industry Insights and Profitability - Companies in the college application consulting space are experiencing high profit margins, with some reporting gross margins as high as 89.34% for their services [25][26]. - The article highlights the relatively low technical barriers to entry in this industry, suggesting that the primary value lies in filtering and organizing complex information for clients [26]. - The long-term effectiveness of these services is uncertain, as the true impact of the guidance may not be realized until years later when students enter the job market [26].

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].

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving landscape of college entrance examination (Gaokao) volunteer filling services in China, highlighting the increasing complexity and commercialization of this process. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for college volunteer filling services has grown tenfold over the past decade, indicating a significant increase in demand and competition [3] - Zhang Xuefeng's services, priced at 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan, sold out within 20 minutes this year, reflecting the high demand despite a price increase of 1,000 yuan from the previous year [2][3] - The number of companies involved in Gaokao volunteer filling services has reached over 1,300, with nearly 70% located in high-exam provinces like Hebei [39] Group 2: Complexity of Volunteer Filling - The transition from traditional volunteer filling methods to more complex systems, such as dynamic ranking and parallel volunteer models, has made the process increasingly intricate [10][15] - The introduction of new systems has led to a significant increase in the number of choices available to students, with some provinces allowing up to 270 different professional choices [15][16] - The complexity of the volunteer filling process has created a lucrative market for consultation services, with companies reporting high profit margins, such as 78.30% for one-on-one consulting [40] Group 3: Psychological Factors - The anxiety surrounding volunteer filling is amplified by the perception that choices made at this stage can significantly impact future career paths, leading families to seek external guidance [21][47] - The article suggests that the fear of making the wrong choice drives many families to invest in consultation services, viewing it as a way to mitigate uncertainty [42][51] - The emotional weight of these decisions is underscored by the notion that this may be the last opportunity for students to exert control over their future [47] Group 4: Industry Trends - The article notes a shift in focus from university prestige to the importance of specific majors, as the number of available majors has increased significantly while the number of top-tier universities has remained relatively stable [18] - The rapid evolution of industries and job markets often leads to a mismatch between popular majors and actual employment opportunities, complicating the decision-making process for students [28][31] - The article highlights the role of external factors, such as industry trends and economic cycles, in shaping the landscape of higher education and career prospects [53]