Core Insights - The 2025 Gaokao has concluded, leaving 13.35 million candidates at a critical juncture in their lives, where filling out college applications becomes a significant challenge due to complex new policies and a rapidly changing job market [1][2] - The implementation of the new Gaokao system has expanded to 29 provinces, affecting 98% of candidates nationwide, creating substantial challenges in understanding and adapting to the new rules [2] - There is a notable disparity in information access, particularly in rural areas, where students often lack expert guidance and data support, leading to anxiety and reliance on anecdotal advice [1][2] Industry Challenges - The transition to the new Gaokao system has resulted in confusion among families, as many are encountering the application process for the first time, compounded by significant differences in rules and application methods across provinces [2] - The job market is experiencing dynamic changes, with traditional popular majors facing volatility while emerging fields like artificial intelligence and renewable energy are rapidly growing, complicating students' decision-making [2] - Students often lack clarity on the specific career paths associated with their chosen majors, as well as the differences in training focus among various institutions, which directly impacts their future employability [2][3] Emotional Impact - A significant portion of candidates and their families express anxiety regarding the application process, with nearly 30% of respondents unaware of how to fill out their applications, and 86.3% feeling troubled by the process [4] - The time pressure is intense, as candidates typically have less than a week to make critical decisions regarding their future, which involves policy interpretation, data collection, and risk assessment [3]

Core Viewpoint - The increase in adjustment quotas for 985 universities in 2025 is attributed to the higher difficulty of public subjects in the entrance exams and the declining cost-effectiveness of non-full-time master's programs, leading to a mismatch in enrollment and a more rational choice among candidates [1][7][11]. Group 1: Adjustment Quotas - A significant number of 985 universities, including Xiamen University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, have opened adjustment quotas for various programs, with Xiamen University planning to accept over 270 candidates across 30 departments [2][3]. - Notably, some programs, such as artificial intelligence and biomedical fields, have high demand for adjustment candidates, indicating a shift in student preferences towards more popular fields [2][3]. - The adjustment quota for non-full-time master's programs remains high, with Wuhan University and Xiamen University planning to accept a substantial number of candidates in their MBA and EMBA programs [10][11]. Group 2: Reasons for Increased Adjustment Quotas - The primary reason for the increase in adjustment quotas is the heightened difficulty of the entrance exams, which has resulted in some programs, including those at prestigious institutions like Tsinghua University, having zero candidates qualifying for the next round [7][8]. - Additionally, certain professional fields, particularly civil engineering, are experiencing a decline in candidate interest due to changing labor market demands, leading to fewer applicants and more adjustment opportunities [8][9]. - The non-full-time master's programs are facing challenges as their cost-effectiveness diminishes, with high tuition fees deterring potential candidates, especially in the current economic climate [11][12]. Group 3: Candidate Dynamics - The number of candidates participating in adjustments has reached hundreds of thousands annually, but the available adjustment spots remain limited compared to the demand, making successful adjustments increasingly competitive [4][6]. - Many candidates are now more strategic in their choices, with a noticeable increase in high-scoring candidates applying for adjustments, particularly from non-985 institutions [1][6]. - The adjustment process has become more stringent, with some universities requiring rapid confirmation from candidates regarding their adjustment offers, reflecting the competitive nature of the admissions landscape [4].