Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of graduate students in China choosing to drop out of their programs, highlighting the pressures and challenges they face in academia and the job market [3][4]. Group 1: Statistics and Trends - In 2025, the number of candidates for the national master's degree entrance exam is projected to reach 3.88 million, with only 872,200 spots available, indicating nearly 3 million will not be admitted [3]. - Approximately 500,000 students drop out of Chinese universities each year, resulting in a dropout rate of nearly 3% among enrolled students [3]. - Among graduate students, the proportion of those who do not graduate on time is as high as 25% [3]. Group 2: Reasons for Dropping Out - Many students report that their decision to drop out is not impulsive but rather a culmination of long-standing feelings of frustration, panic, and repression [4][5]. - The transition from undergraduate studies to graduate research is often challenging, with many students feeling unprepared for the demands of independent research [14][15]. - Students like Eva and Zhou Wang initially viewed graduate school as a pathway to their ideal lives but faced overwhelming pressure and disillusionment, leading them to reconsider their choices [11][18]. Group 3: Personal Experiences - The article shares personal stories of students like Xi Xuan, who felt immense pressure and anxiety while seeking to leave their programs, illustrating the emotional toll of their experiences [9][10]. - Zhou Wang's experience highlights the disconnect between expectations and reality, as he struggled with a new research direction that was not aligned with his background [17]. - The narrative emphasizes the internal conflict students face when contemplating dropping out, often feeling guilt and fear of disappointing their families [13][28]. Group 4: Aftermath of Dropping Out - After leaving their programs, students experience a mix of relief and uncertainty, as they navigate their new paths and the societal perceptions of their decisions [32][34]. - The article notes that some students, like Xi Xuan, find new opportunities and a sense of freedom after dropping out, viewing it as a fresh start rather than a failure [40][41]. - The reactions from peers and potential employers vary, with some expressing understanding while others question their decisions, reflecting the stigma associated with dropping out [36][37].