Core Viewpoint - The idea of reducing the difficulty of the college entrance examination (Gaokao) to alleviate academic pressure is overly optimistic and may not achieve the intended results, potentially exacerbating the issue of excessive exam preparation [3][4]. Group 1: Current Situation of Gaokao - Many parents attribute the heavy academic burden on students to the high difficulty of the Gaokao, leading to a disconnect between daily teaching and exam standards, prompting the need for additional tutoring [3]. - The current Gaokao structure allows for high scores, with many students achieving over 700 out of 750, indicating limited room for further reduction in exam difficulty without clustering high scorers [3][4]. Group 2: Proposed Changes to Gaokao - Experts suggest shifting the focus of Gaokao from a selection mechanism to an evaluation system, where universities use Gaokao scores as one of several criteria for admission, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of students [4][6]. - The current system creates a competitive environment where students must navigate a complex web of rankings and admission criteria, leading to anxiety and dissatisfaction with their choices [5]. Group 3: Multi-dimensional Evaluation - Transitioning to a multi-dimensional evaluation system could enhance fairness and transparency, addressing concerns about subjective factors in admissions [6]. - By allowing students to apply to multiple universities based on their preferences and qualifications, the system could improve student satisfaction and foster competition among universities [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - The suggestion to lower the difficulty of the college entrance examination (Gaokao) to alleviate student pressure may not effectively reduce academic burdens and could potentially exacerbate the issue of excessive test preparation [1][2]. Group 1: Current Challenges in Gaokao - Many parents attribute the heavy academic burden on students to the high difficulty of the Gaokao, leading to a disconnect between daily teaching and exam difficulty, resulting in the need for additional tutoring [1]. - The current Gaokao system has limited room for lowering difficulty, as high scores are still achievable, and reducing question difficulty may lead to an oversaturation of high scorers [2]. - The nature of Gaokao as a selection exam necessitates a continued reliance on test preparation strategies, making it challenging to shift towards a more evaluative approach [2]. Group 2: Admission Process and Student Choices - The process of filling out college applications involves strategic decision-making, as students must consider their rankings and historical admission data, leading to anxiety and potential rejection of offers [3]. - Fluctuations in admission scores for top universities can create uncertainty for students, as they may abandon offers due to limited choices or dissatisfaction with their options [3]. - Allowing students to receive multiple admission offers could enhance their satisfaction with their chosen university and major, fostering competition among institutions [3]. Group 3: Reforming the Admission System - Transitioning from a selection-based to an evaluation-based admission system could be implemented gradually, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of students [4]. - The proposed model would enable students to apply to multiple universities based on their performance, with institutions conducting a holistic evaluation of candidates [4]. - Concerns about fairness in a multi-faceted evaluation system should not hinder reform efforts, as transparency and public oversight can mitigate potential biases [4].