Core Insights - The 2025 Gaokao has concluded, leaving 13.35 million candidates at a critical juncture in their lives, where filling out college applications becomes a significant challenge due to complex new policies and a rapidly changing job market [1][2] - The implementation of the new Gaokao system has expanded to 29 provinces, affecting 98% of candidates nationwide, creating substantial challenges in understanding and adapting to the new rules [2] - There is a notable disparity in information access, particularly in rural areas, where students often lack expert guidance and data support, leading to anxiety and reliance on anecdotal advice [1][2] Industry Challenges - The transition to the new Gaokao system has resulted in confusion among families, as many are encountering the application process for the first time, compounded by significant differences in rules and application methods across provinces [2] - The job market is experiencing dynamic changes, with traditional popular majors facing volatility while emerging fields like artificial intelligence and renewable energy are rapidly growing, complicating students' decision-making [2] - Students often lack clarity on the specific career paths associated with their chosen majors, as well as the differences in training focus among various institutions, which directly impacts their future employability [2][3] Emotional Impact - A significant portion of candidates and their families express anxiety regarding the application process, with nearly 30% of respondents unaware of how to fill out their applications, and 86.3% feeling troubled by the process [4] - The time pressure is intense, as candidates typically have less than a week to make critical decisions regarding their future, which involves policy interpretation, data collection, and risk assessment [3]

Core Points - The article discusses the changes in the college entrance examination (Gaokao) system in China, particularly the implementation of the "New Gaokao" model across various provinces, which allows students to choose subjects and affects the way they fill out their college applications [1][5][6] Group 1: New Gaokao Model - The New Gaokao model breaks the traditional division of subjects into arts and sciences, allowing students to select three additional subjects beyond the mandatory Chinese, Mathematics, and English exams [1][5] - Most provinces have adopted a "college major group" application model, where universities group similar majors together based on subject requirements, providing students with more options [1][2] - In provinces like Shandong and Zhejiang, the application model is based on a specific major or major category, which helps protect students' preferences and reduces the risk of being assigned to an undesired major [3][5] Group 2: Application Process and Considerations - Each major group has specific subject requirements, and only students who meet these requirements can apply, ensuring a better match between students' backgrounds and their chosen majors [2][5] - Students are advised to participate in online simulation exercises for filling out applications and to be cautious about the option of not accepting adjustments within major groups, as this could lead to being rejected from the application process [2][6] - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the admission scores and rankings from previous years as a reference for filling out applications, especially in the context of the new examination model [5][6] Group 3: Preparation for Application - Before the exam results are released, students should review the admission requirements and restrictions for their desired majors to avoid potential disqualifications [8][9] - It is recommended that students create a broad application plan that considers their interests and abilities, as well as potential major changes after enrollment [8][10] - Communication between students and parents is crucial to identify interests and career aspirations, which should guide the selection of a major direction [9][10]

Group 1 - The article discusses the online simulation exercise for college entrance examination candidates in Henan Province, which will take place from June 12 to June 13, 2025, to help students familiarize themselves with the online application system [2] - The simulation will allow candidates to log into the Henan Provincial College Admissions Service Platform and practice filling out their applications, specifically for the regular undergraduate batch, art undergraduate batch, and sports undergraduate batch [2] - It is emphasized that the data used in this simulation, including college admission plans and qualifying scores, are all simulated and not related to the official application process [2] Group 2 - The article outlines the differences in the college application process before and after the "New Gaokao" reform, highlighting that previously, candidates applied by selecting individual colleges, while now they can apply by college major groups or "major + college" combinations [3] - The number of application choices has increased significantly, with the new system allowing for 48 college major group applications for regular undergraduate and vocational batches, and up to 64 for specialized batches, enhancing candidates' chances of admission [3] - The reform also requires candidates to fill out their applications based on their selected examination subjects, aligning with the specific subject requirements of the colleges, which is expected to improve the match between candidates' interests and the programs offered [4] Group 3 - The advantages of the "college major group" application system include better alignment of candidates' interests with their chosen majors, which is intended to enhance the quality of talent selection and training in higher education institutions [4] - This new approach aims to ensure that candidates with relevant subject strengths and interests are admitted, thereby benefiting both the students and the colleges in terms of educational outcomes and institutional development [4]