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]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) volunteer filling services in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the emotional and financial stakes involved for families [2][20][39]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for volunteer filling services has expanded tenfold over the past decade, reflecting the growing importance of this process in students' lives [2]. - Zhang Xuefeng's services, priced at 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan, sold out quickly, indicating high demand and the potential for substantial revenue generation [1]. - The complexity of the volunteer filling process has led to a proliferation of over 1,300 companies in this sector, with a significant concentration in high-exam provinces like Hebei [39]. Group 2: Changes in Volunteer Filling Mechanisms - The transition from estimated scores to known scores for volunteer filling has made the process more intricate, with the introduction of parallel volunteer systems further complicating decision-making [8][14]. - The shift from gradient to parallel volunteer systems has increased the number of choices available to students, but also heightened uncertainty regarding admission outcomes [11][14]. - The introduction of dynamic ranking systems in regions like Inner Mongolia has added layers of competition and anxiety, although such systems are being phased out in favor of simpler models [6][7]. Group 3: Emotional and Financial Stakes - The pressure on students and families is immense, as the choice of college and major can significantly impact future career prospects and earnings [20][47]. - The emotional weight of these decisions often leads families to seek external guidance, creating a lucrative market for volunteer filling consultants [38][44]. - The article emphasizes that the stakes are not just about college education but about long-term career trajectories, making the decision process feel like a high-stakes investment [20][30]. Group 4: Industry Insights - Companies in the volunteer filling sector, such as Xude Education, report high profit margins, with some consulting services achieving gross margins above 78% [41]. - The article notes that the effectiveness of these services is often difficult to measure until years later, creating a unique business dynamic where immediate feedback is lacking [45]. - The industry thrives on the anxiety surrounding uncertain futures, positioning itself as a necessary support system for families navigating the complexities of the education system [50].