Core Viewpoint - The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is negotiating the sale of its Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) businesses due to declining test-taker numbers, increased market competition, and changes in U.S. policies affecting international students [1][4]. Financial Pressure - ETS has faced financial difficulties, leading to multiple layoffs and the removal of smaller testing products from its portfolio. The organization has seen a significant decline in the number of GRE test-takers, dropping from 510,000 in 2017 to approximately 200,000 in 2024 [2][4]. - In the fiscal year ending September 2024, ETS reported revenues of $1.09 billion, with over 80% coming from core examination products and assessment services [3]. Market Challenges - The pandemic and changes in admissions policies at prestigious universities have weakened the dominance of GRE and TOEFL. Notably, many U.S. universities no longer require GRE scores for certain graduate programs [4]. - The number of international students enrolled in U.S. higher education is projected to decline by 1% in the fall of 2025, with a 12% drop in graduate-level international students [5]. Competitive Landscape - The language testing market is undergoing transformation, with competitors like Duolingo English Test (DET) gaining traction due to the convenience of at-home testing. The market is seeing a shift in demand, with a significant increase in IELTS test-takers compared to TOEFL [7][8]. - ETS is implementing changes to its testing formats, including reducing test durations and improving scoring speed, to remain competitive [8]. Potential Buyers - ETS is in discussions with several potential investors, including Hillhouse Capital and Nexus Capital Management, to expand its influence in markets like the Middle East and India [9]. - Private equity firms are increasingly entering the education sector, as evidenced by Nexus Capital's recent acquisition of the ACT organization for $240 million [10].

Core Insights - ETS's flagship businesses, GRE and TOEFL, are facing unprecedented challenges due to declining test-taker numbers, increased market competition, and changes in U.S. policies [1][4][3] - ETS is negotiating to sell its GRE and TOEFL businesses or seek investment to address these challenges [1][11] Financial Pressure - ETS has experienced financial difficulties, leading to multiple layoffs and the elimination of smaller testing products from its portfolio [2][6] - For the fiscal year ending September 2024, ETS reported annual revenue of $1.09 billion, with over 80% coming from core exam products and assessment services [3] Market Dynamics - The number of GRE test-takers has halved from 510,000 in 2017 to approximately 200,000 in 2024, influenced by changes in admission policies at major universities [4] - The U.S. College Board has signed a new contract with ETS, which will no longer manage the SAT, resulting in a loss of approximately $300 million in annual revenue [4] International Student Trends - A report from the Institute of International Education indicates a 1% decline in international student enrollment in U.S. colleges for the fall of 2025, with a notable 12% drop in graduate-level international students [5] - Chinese students, a significant demographic, numbered 265,919 in the 2024/2025 academic year, reflecting a 4.5% decrease from the previous year [7] Competitive Landscape - The language testing market is undergoing transformation due to slow global economic recovery and tightening visa policies in major study destinations [8] - Competitors like IELTS are also facing challenges, with IDP Education projecting a 28%-30% drop in student placements due to policy uncertainties [9] Strategic Moves - ETS is exploring potential investors, including Hillhouse Capital and Nexus Capital Management, to expand its influence in the Middle East and India [11][12] - Recent adjustments to the TOEFL exam format aim to enhance its appeal, including reducing test duration and improving score reporting times [10]

Group 1 - The 2026 higher education self-study examination in Shaanxi Province will be held twice, with the first exam scheduled for April 11-12 and the second for October 24-25 [1] - Registration for the first exam will be open from March 5, 8 AM to March 11, 6 PM, while the payment period is from March 5, 8 AM to March 12, 6 PM [1] - The second exam registration will take place from September 5, 8 AM to September 11, 6 PM, with payment from September 5, 8 AM to September 12, 6 PM [1] Group 2 - First-time examinees must register online during the specified period, and upon successful registration, a pre-registration number will be generated [1] - Examination institutions will review the information of first-time examinees, and upon successful confirmation, a test admission number will be generated [1] - The examination fee is set at 40 yuan per subject, and candidates must complete the payment within the designated timeframe for successful registration [1] Group 3 - Candidates are required to fill in their basic information accurately and must upload a compliant photo, prohibiting the use of selfies [2] - All candidates must read the examination rules, legal regulations regarding violations, and the integrity examination commitment before applying [2] - The Shaanxi Provincial Education Examination Institute emphasizes that candidates must print their admission tickets online within the specified time [2]

Core Viewpoint - The 2022 National Master's Graduate Entrance Examination will take place on December 25-26, with a significant increase in the number of applicants compared to the previous year [1] Group 1: Examination Statistics - The number of online registration confirmations for the graduate entrance examination in the province reached 254,000, an increase of 45,000 from last year [1] - A total of 62 examination sites have been established across 21 cities (prefectures) in the province, including 48 regular university sites and 14 city (prefecture) sites [1] Group 2: Response to Demand - In response to the rapid growth in registration numbers, the province has added over 50,000 examination seats and three new examination sites to better meet the strong demand for "nearby examination" options from candidates [1]