Core Viewpoint - The new college entrance examination policy in Henan province introduces the "college major group" system, allowing students to fill in parallel volunteer applications for their preferred colleges and majors, enhancing their chances of admission and aligning their interests with their chosen fields of study [2][3][4]. Group 1: Understanding the "College Major Group" - The "college major group" is a new system that allows students to select a college and a corresponding group of majors based on their chosen subjects, differing from the previous model where students selected a college first and then a major [2]. - Each college can set up multiple "college major groups," each containing various majors that share the same subject requirements, which aims to improve students' satisfaction with their chosen majors [2][3]. Group 2: Filling in the "College Major Group" Applications - Students should carefully analyze the subject requirements of their target colleges to ensure compatibility with their chosen subjects, as different colleges may have varying requirements for the same major [3][4]. - It is recommended that students adopt a "reach, stable, and safety" strategy when selecting their college major groups to maximize their chances of admission while minimizing the risk of being rejected [4]. Group 3: New Opportunities and Challenges - The new policy allows each student to fill in 48 college major group applications, with the ability to select 6 majors within each group, significantly increasing their options [5]. - The Ministry of Education has introduced 29 new undergraduate majors, including fields like artificial intelligence and digital governance, providing students with more contemporary and interdisciplinary choices [5][6]. Group 4: Parental Guidance and Student Autonomy - Experts emphasize the importance of students choosing majors based on their interests and abilities rather than following trends, advising parents to support their children's decisions without imposing their preferences [6]. - The decision-making process regarding college applications should primarily rest with the students, as their interests are crucial for their academic success and future career prospects [6]. Group 5: Utilizing Historical Admission Data - Historical admission data can provide insights into the competitiveness of colleges and majors, helping students make informed decisions about their applications [8]. - Students are advised to analyze past admission trends to gauge the potential admission cut-off lines for their chosen college major groups, ensuring they select options that align with their scores [8]. Group 6: Practical Steps for Application Preparation - Students should familiarize themselves with the new examination policies and the specific admission guidelines of their target colleges to ensure a well-informed application process [9][10]. - A structured approach to selecting colleges and majors, including understanding the relationship between majors and career paths, is essential for making effective choices [10][11].

Group 1 - The article discusses the importance of understanding the college admission process and the specific policies related to filling out college application forms in Beijing [1][2] - It highlights the "expert guidance in campus" initiative organized by the Beijing Education Examination Institute to train teachers and parents on the college application process [1][7] - The article emphasizes the significance of filling out multiple choices within the same college major group to increase the chances of admission [2][4] Group 2 - The article explains the structure of college applications in Beijing, which uses college major groups as the basic unit for application and admission [2][3] - It outlines the timeline for the college application process, including key dates for score release and application submission [1][2] - The article advises students to understand their scores and rankings, and to consider historical admission data when selecting colleges and majors [3][4] Group 3 - The article introduces the concept of "two bases and one reference" for students to effectively fill out their applications, which includes understanding their scores and historical admission statistics [4][5] - It stresses the need for students to have a clear understanding of their interests and future career plans when choosing majors [5][6] - The article mentions that the expert guidance initiative will expand to more schools, providing comprehensive support for teachers and students [6][7]

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]

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]