Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the complexities and challenges faced by students in filling out college entrance examination (Gaokao) applications, highlighting the increasing number of choices and the associated anxiety that comes with it [1][2][3]. Historical Context - The Gaokao system has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1952, with various changes in the application process over the decades [4][5]. - Initially, students filled out their applications before taking the exam, relying on estimated scores, which often led to mismatches between scores and admissions [4]. - The introduction of post-exam application filling aimed to alleviate some of the pressure but did not completely resolve issues like "high scores but low admissions" [5][6]. Current Application Process - The current system includes "parallel application" methods, allowing students to apply to multiple institutions simultaneously, which reduces the risk of being denied admission despite high scores [10][11]. - The number of application choices has increased dramatically, with some provinces allowing up to 112 choices compared to only 36 in the past [14][11]. Information Gathering and Decision-Making - Students often prioritize understanding their own ranking and the admission rules over detailed knowledge of specific institutions [17][20]. - A significant portion of students report feeling confused and lacking career planning, which contributes to their anxiety during the application process [22][24]. Market for Application Services - The market for paid application services has grown significantly, expanding from 130 million yuan in 2016 to an estimated 950 million yuan by 2026 [27]. - The proliferation of companies in this space, many of which are newly established, has led to concerns about misinformation and market saturation [27]. Trends in University and Major Selection - Students increasingly value the social recognition of universities over geographical location or specific majors, with a focus on comprehensive rankings and professional strength [30][31]. - The job market's demands are influencing students' choices, with a notable preference for majors in engineering and technology fields, while traditional liberal arts majors are declining in popularity [39][40]. Changes in University Programs - There has been a significant increase in the number of programs being discontinued, with 1,670 programs cut in 2023 alone, reflecting the need for universities to adapt to changing job market demands [36][37]. - Despite the changes, popular majors like computer science remain consistently in demand, indicating a stable interest in certain fields [38][39]. Conclusion - The article emphasizes the ongoing challenges and evolving landscape of college admissions in China, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making and the impact of external factors on students' choices [46][47].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by liberal arts students in choosing their majors and the increasing anxiety surrounding their career prospects due to a shrinking number of available options and rising admission scores for humanities programs [4][10][11]. Group 1: Current Educational Landscape - The new college entrance examination reform in China has led to a reduction in the number of majors available to liberal arts students compared to their science counterparts, with coverage rates for physics-related combinations exceeding 95%, while history-related combinations fall below 50% [4][10]. - Recent trends show a wave of universities eliminating liberal arts programs, with Fudan University reducing its liberal arts enrollment ratio from 30%-40% to 20%, and Sichuan University discontinuing 31 liberal arts majors in 2024 [9][10]. - The rising admission scores for history majors in Hunan province have increased significantly over three years, with the undergraduate line rising from 428 to 446, a total increase of 18 points [10][11]. Group 2: Information Overload and Decision-Making - The importance of information filtering before filling out college applications is likened to a "second college entrance examination," as students seek to find suitable majors amidst limited options [5][12]. - Students are increasingly relying on online forums and social media for advice on major selection, leading to confusion due to mixed opinions and subjective experiences shared by others [12][14]. - Parents often seek authoritative guidance, but may fall into anxiety traps set by high-cost consulting services, leading to conflicts with their children's aspirations [18][19]. Group 3: Generational Conflicts - There is a notable generational divide in career expectations, with parents favoring stable professions like finance or public service, while students express a desire for more creative and fulfilling paths [19][21]. - Students like Shen Jia face pressure to choose majors that align with their parents' experiences, despite their own interests lying elsewhere, such as in law or social sciences [20][21]. - The article highlights the struggle of students to balance personal interests with parental expectations, leading to significant emotional stress during the decision-making process [19][20]. Group 4: Aspirations and Future Outlook - Despite the challenges, students maintain their aspirations for meaningful careers in liberal arts, with a focus on societal contributions and personal fulfillment [22][25]. - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the evolving job market and the value of liberal arts education in addressing societal needs [24][25]. - Students are encouraged to actively seek information and engage in deeper analysis of their options rather than succumbing to external pressures and fears [14][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by the 13.35 million candidates in the 2025 national college entrance examination (Gaokao) regarding school and major selection, highlighting the increasing reliance on AI tools and high-priced consulting services for assistance in the decision-making process [1][2][19]. Group 1: AI Tools in College Application - Over 10 million users utilized AI admission assistants on June 25 last year, indicating a significant trend towards AI in college application processes [5]. - AI tools can generate comprehensive recommendation reports for candidates based on their exam scores and preferences, providing options for nearly 600 universities and over 4,000 majors [9][11]. - Major internet companies like Quark, Baidu, and Douyin have launched AI admission assistance features, making these tools widely accessible [9][11]. Group 2: Traditional Consulting Services - Traditional consulting services, exemplified by figures like Zhang Xuefeng, charge high fees (up to 17,999 yuan) for personalized guidance, with significant demand evidenced by rapid sell-outs of service slots [14][15]. - The industry is characterized by a mix of experienced and inexperienced consultants, raising concerns about the quality of advice provided [16]. - Established companies like New Oriental also offer admission services at varying price points, indicating a competitive market for college application assistance [15]. Group 3: Complexity of New Gaokao Reform - The new Gaokao reform has introduced a more complex selection process, with candidates facing up to 80 options for applications, significantly increasing the difficulty of making informed choices [19][22]. - The reform allows for a more diverse range of subjects and combinations, complicating the admission landscape further [20]. Group 4: Considerations for Candidates - Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools as supplementary resources rather than sole decision-makers, as discrepancies in AI-generated admission probabilities can be significant [31][33]. - A balanced approach involving multiple AI tools and personal research is recommended to ensure a well-rounded decision-making process [35]. - The article emphasizes the importance of personal interests, employment trends, and long-term career planning in making final choices regarding schools and majors [40][41].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the changes in the college entrance examination (Gaokao) application process in China, particularly the implementation of the new examination reform in various provinces, which allows for greater flexibility and choice for students in selecting their preferred universities and majors [2][8]. Group 1: New Examination Reform - The new Gaokao reform has been implemented in 29 provinces, with 8 provinces adopting it in 2025, introducing a parallel application model that significantly increases the number of choices for students [2][8]. - The parallel application model allows students to apply for both universities and specific majors, enhancing the alignment between students' interests and their chosen fields of study [2][8]. Group 2: Application Models - There are two main application models: parallel application and sequential application. The parallel model follows a "score priority, following the application" principle, while the sequential model emphasizes "application priority, following the score" [4][5]. - The parallel application model reduces the risk of "sliding" (not being admitted to any university), as students have multiple opportunities to be accepted based on their scores [6][8]. Group 3: Application Strategies - Experts suggest that students should prioritize applying to universities over specific majors, as employers often value the institution more than the major itself [14]. - The article highlights the importance of balancing the choice of university and major, with recommendations for students to consider their career prospects and the relevance of their chosen fields to emerging industries [15][16].

Group 1 - The new college entrance examination reform has been implemented in 8 provinces, increasing the total to 29 provinces nationwide [1] - The new examination system adopts a parallel volunteer model, allowing for a significant increase in the number of choices for candidates, with some provinces allowing up to 112 choices [1][7] - The parallel volunteer model enhances the alignment between candidates' interests and their chosen majors, as it combines institutions with specific programs [1] Group 2 - The parallel volunteer admission model reduces the risk of candidates being left without a placement, known as "sliding," but does not eliminate it entirely [5] - Candidates must understand the differences between the two volunteer models: parallel volunteers and sequential volunteers, as the former allows for simultaneous consideration of multiple choices [2][3] - In the traditional sequential model, the first choice is critical, while the parallel model allows for multiple opportunities, reducing the pressure on candidates [3][5] Group 3 - The new examination reform allows candidates to choose their subjects, breaking the traditional division between arts and sciences, and changing the way they fill out their applications [6] - Different provinces have varying maximum numbers of choices, with some allowing over 80, and others like Liaoning allowing up to 112 [7][9] - The reform emphasizes the importance of professional choices while also allowing for flexible major adjustments, reflecting the dual focus on both professional and institutional selection [12][13] Group 4 - There is a debate on whether candidates should prioritize universities or majors when filling out their applications, with some experts suggesting that securing a place in a good university is more important than the specific major [11] - The reform encourages a balance between professional priorities and institutional reputation, with many universities offering flexible major changes [12][13] - The admission process has been streamlined, merging previous undergraduate batches into fewer categories, which requires candidates to strategically plan their applications [13]