Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing trend of graduate students in China choosing to drop out of their programs due to overwhelming academic and psychological pressures, despite the expanding enrollment in master's programs [1][2][3]. Group 1: Statistics and Trends - In 2025, the number of applicants for the national master's entrance exam is projected to reach 3.88 million, with only 872,200 spots available, resulting in nearly 3 million candidates not being admitted [1]. - Approximately 500,000 students drop out of Chinese universities each year, with a dropout rate of nearly 3% among enrolled students [1]. - Among graduate students, the proportion of those who do not graduate on time is as high as 25% [1]. Group 2: Psychological and Academic Pressure - Despite the increase in graduate program enrollment, students face intensified academic and psychological pressures, leading to feelings of burnout and internal conflict [2]. - Many students, once seen as high achievers, find themselves unable to complete their research projects or theses, prompting them to consider dropping out [3][4]. Group 3: Personal Experiences and Decisions - Students who have dropped out report that their decision was not impulsive but rather the culmination of prolonged feelings of frustration and anxiety [3][4]. - The process of deciding to leave graduate school often involves significant emotional turmoil, with students feeling the weight of expectations from family and society [16][18]. - The transition from a focus on learning to a focus on research is challenging for many, leading to feelings of inadequacy and pressure [19][20]. Group 4: Social Dynamics and Environment - The laboratory environment is described as a space of interpersonal conflict and power struggles, contributing to the decision to leave [27][28]. - Students often feel isolated and unsupported in their research groups, leading to a sense of being overworked and undervalued [30][40]. Group 5: Aftermath and New Beginnings - After leaving their programs, students experience a mix of relief and uncertainty, as they navigate their new paths outside academia [47][50]. - The decision to drop out is framed as a reclaiming of personal agency and freedom, with students exploring new career opportunities and life choices [59].

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].

Core Points - The article discusses the increasing trend of graduate students in China choosing to withdraw from their programs, highlighting the pressures and challenges they face in academia [1][3][4] - It presents statistics indicating a significant number of students are unable to graduate on time, with one in four graduate students not completing their programs [2][3] - The narrative includes personal stories of students who have withdrawn, illustrating their struggles with academic pressure, mental health, and the expectations placed upon them by family and society [5][6][12] Group 1 - The number of applicants for the national master's degree examination in 2025 is projected to be 3.88 million, with only 872,200 spots available, leading to nearly 3 million students being unsuccessful [2] - Approximately 500,000 students drop out of Chinese universities each year, with a dropout rate of nearly 3% among enrolled students [2] - The pressure faced by graduate students has intensified despite an increase in enrollment opportunities, leading to feelings of burnout and internal conflict [3][4] Group 2 - Students who withdraw often do so after prolonged periods of distress, indicating that the decision is not made lightly but is a culmination of various pressures [5][12] - Personal accounts reveal that students feel trapped in their academic paths, often driven by external expectations rather than personal interests [14][22] - The article emphasizes the emotional toll of academic life, with students experiencing anxiety, insomnia, and a sense of inadequacy [15][49] Group 3 - The transition from undergraduate studies to graduate research is marked by a shift in focus that many students find challenging, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed [18][19] - The article highlights the competitive nature of graduate programs and the lack of support that students often encounter, contributing to their decision to leave [20][27] - The experiences shared by students illustrate a broader issue within the academic system, where the pressure to succeed can lead to mental health struggles and a reevaluation of personal goals [26][49] Group 4 - The withdrawal from graduate programs is framed as a form of liberation for some students, allowing them to pursue paths that align more closely with their personal values and interests [64] - The article discusses the societal stigma surrounding dropping out, contrasting it with the acceptance of pursuing higher education as a norm [63] - Students express a desire to redefine success on their own terms, moving away from traditional academic achievements towards more fulfilling life choices [60][64]