Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of preparatory programs and services aimed at incoming college students, highlighting the anxiety and pressure faced by students and parents in navigating the transition from high school to university [1][4][7]. Group 1: Services Offered - Various summer camps and "university running" services are being marketed to help students enhance their skills and prepare for university life, with a focus on self-improvement and competitive advantage [1][5]. - A specific summer camp offers courses on emotional intelligence, career planning, and practical experiences, aiming to equip students with essential skills for university [5][6]. - Institutions are also providing ongoing support through online groups, offering resources such as internship opportunities and exam preparation materials, with fees exceeding ten thousand yuan [6][8]. Group 2: Parental Perspectives - Parents express mixed feelings about investing in these preparatory services, balancing the desire for their children to succeed with concerns about the necessity and effectiveness of such programs [7][8]. - Some parents question whether spending money on external services is necessary when many universities offer similar resources for free [9][10]. Group 3: Institutional Offerings - Many universities provide free career planning and guidance services, including specialized courses and one-on-one counseling, which are often overlooked by parents seeking external help [9][10]. - Institutions emphasize the importance of focusing on academic foundations and self-exploration rather than relying solely on external services for career planning [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of preparatory programs and services aimed at incoming college students, highlighting the anxiety and pressure faced by students and parents in navigating the transition from high school to university [1][4][5]. Group 1: Services Offered - Various organizations are offering summer camps and "university running" services, which promise to help students enhance their skills and prepare for university life [1][3]. - A summer camp includes courses on emotional intelligence, career planning, and practical experiences, aiming to equip students with tools to navigate university challenges [3][7]. - Some services are priced over ten thousand yuan, indicating a lucrative market for these preparatory programs [2][3]. Group 2: Parental Perspectives - Parents express mixed feelings about investing in these services, with some believing that proactive engagement can lead to better outcomes for their children [4][5]. - There is a concern that these services may create dependency rather than fostering independence in students [5][7]. - Parents are often drawn to success stories presented by these organizations, which can create a sense of urgency to enroll their children in such programs [4][5]. Group 3: Institutional Offerings - Many universities already provide free career planning and guidance services, which may overlap with the offerings of private organizations [6][8]. - Institutions like Beijing Wuzi University offer structured courses and one-on-one guidance to help students navigate their academic and career paths [6][7]. - The article suggests that students should prioritize utilizing their university's resources over seeking external services [6][8]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The article highlights a growing market for "anxiety-driven" services that capitalize on the uncertainties faced by students transitioning to university [4][5]. - There is a suggestion that these services may exploit information asymmetry, as many parents lack the knowledge or time to guide their children effectively [7][8]. - The effectiveness of these services remains uncertain, with a need for parents to critically assess the value offered by such programs [8].

Core Insights - The rise of online services for college entrance exam application guidance has led to a proliferation of both legitimate and dubious service providers, resulting in a chaotic market where many students and parents are dissatisfied with the services received [1][2] - The lack of long-term vision in some services promotes short-term, utilitarian choices, which can detract from students' deeper reflections on life values and career significance [1] - There is a pressing need for a more open data service platform to bridge the information gap between students, majors, industries, and employment opportunities, as current paid consulting services are often unreliable [2] Market Dynamics - The market for college application consulting services is characterized by a lack of regulation and industry standards, leading to a situation where low-quality services are prevalent and high-quality services are scarce and expensive [2] - The focus on employment outcomes has made information about schools, majors, and industry trends increasingly important, creating a natural market demand for consulting services [1] Proposed Solutions - The establishment of a comprehensive database that consolidates publicly available data on college admissions, employment rates, and research findings could significantly enhance the reliability of information available to families [2] - Utilizing AI tools to facilitate the gathering and integration of data on a new platform could provide a more reliable, professional, and user-friendly service at a lower cost compared to existing chaotic offerings [3]

Core Insights - The decision-making process regarding the college entrance examination (Gaokao) is undergoing significant changes, with a shift towards rational subject selection based on employment prospects and the rising appeal of interdisciplinary fields like AI [1][2] - There is a substantial market potential for post-Gaokao consumption, particularly in tourism and electronic products, as students prepare for their summer activities [1][12] - The channels for information acquisition are diversifying, with a notable reliance on school teachers and official platforms, while the willingness to pay for volunteer filling services is high, indicating a new market opportunity [1][14][19] Group 1: Subject Selection - Current high school graduates prioritize employment prospects (39.33%) over personal interest (29.67%) when choosing subjects, with engineering (16.67%), economics (14%), and management (12%) being the most popular fields [4][11] - Among former students, 90.33% would consider different subjects if given another chance, with a strong interest in interdisciplinary fields like AI and big data [7][8] - The shift in focus from interest to employment prospects reflects a maturation in decision-making and the pressures of reality [11] Group 2: Post-Gaokao Consumption - After the Gaokao, 68% of students plan to travel, 66.33% wish to relax, and 66% intend to learn new skills, indicating a diverse range of activities [12] - The budget for these activities shows that 40.33% of students plan to spend between 1,001 and 3,000 yuan, while 32.67% plan to spend between 3,001 and 5,000 yuan, with major expenditures on tourism (77.82%), entertainment (63.82%), and electronics (62.46%) [12] Group 3: Information Acquisition - The main sources of information for filling out college applications are school teachers (45.67%) and official platforms (45.33%), with significant input from short video/live streaming platforms and consulting agencies [14][18] - There is a demand for personalized and data-driven information, with 55.5% of respondents preferring real evaluations from current students or graduates [14] Group 4: Willingness to Pay for Services - There is a notable willingness to pay for college application services, with 24.5% of respondents "very willing" to pay and 56.17% "willing depending on the situation," indicating a strong market potential [19][22] - The willingness to pay differs significantly between current and former students, with 38% of current students willing to pay compared to only 11% of former students [19] Group 5: AI Tools for Application Filling - AI tools for college application filling are gaining attention, with 28.17% of respondents supporting their use as efficient information integration tools, though 58.67% remain cautious [23] - The acceptance of AI tools is higher among current students (40%) compared to former students (16%), highlighting a generational divide in trust and usage [23] Group 6: Recognition of Gaokao's Importance - The Gaokao is still viewed as a critical life milestone, with 90.84% of respondents considering it "very important" or "important," and 86% believing it to be "fair" or "relatively fair" [26][27] - The primary support for exam preparation comes from school teachers (66.17%) and parents (49.33%), emphasizing the role of family and educational institutions in this process [27]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) application services in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the psychological factors driving demand for these services [5][11][19]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for college application services has grown tenfold over the past decade, reflecting the heightened importance of strategic decision-making in the application process [5]. - The pricing of application services has increased, with notable examples such as Zhang Xuefeng's services, which saw a price hike of 1,000 yuan this year, selling out quickly [3][4]. - The number of companies providing Gaokao application services exceeds 1,300, with a significant concentration in high-exam provinces like Hebei [30]. Group 2: Application Complexity - The transition from traditional application methods to more complex systems, such as dynamic ranking and parallel application models, has made the application process more intricate [8][11]. - The introduction of new examination systems has increased the number of application choices significantly, with some provinces allowing up to 270 different options for students [14][15]. - The shift in focus from university prestige to specific majors reflects the changing landscape of higher education, where the number of available majors has increased from 309 to 845 over the past decade [17]. Group 3: Psychological Factors - The anxiety surrounding college applications is amplified by the perception that choices made at this stage can significantly impact future career paths and earnings [19][28]. - The article suggests that many families view the application process as a critical juncture for changing their destinies, leading to a willingness to invest in professional guidance [32][33]. - The uncertainty inherent in the application process drives demand for consultation services, as families seek to mitigate risks associated with their choices [29][32]. Group 4: Industry Insights - Companies like Xude Education have reported high profit margins in the application consulting business, with gross margins reaching 78.30% for one-on-one consulting services [31]. - The article emphasizes that the true value of application consulting lies in filtering and organizing complex information, which is increasingly necessary as the application landscape becomes more convoluted [32]. - The industry's growth is not only driven by potential profits but also by the relatively low technical barriers to entry, making it accessible for many new players [30][31].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) application services in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the psychological factors driving parents and students to seek professional guidance in this critical decision-making process [3][4][6]. Group 1: Market Growth and Dynamics - The market for college application services has grown tenfold over the past decade, reflecting the heightened importance of making the right choices in education [4]. - The pricing for application services has increased, with notable examples such as Zhang Xuefeng's services rising by 1,000 yuan this year, indicating a strong demand [3][4]. - The number of companies providing Gaokao application services has reached over 1,300, with a significant concentration in high-stakes provinces like Hebei [24]. Group 2: Complexity of Application Process - The Gaokao application process has evolved from a simpler model to a more complex one, with the introduction of dynamic ranking and parallel application systems, which have increased the stakes for students [7][11]. - The shift from a gradient application model to a parallel application model has made the process more intricate, allowing students to apply to multiple programs simultaneously, thus increasing uncertainty [9][11]. - The number of available application choices has expanded significantly, with some provinces allowing students to fill out up to 270 preferences, complicating the decision-making process [11][12]. Group 3: Psychological Factors and Consumer Behavior - The anxiety surrounding college applications has been amplified by the competitive environment, leading families to invest in professional consultation services to mitigate uncertainty [6][27]. - The article suggests that the decision-making process for students and their families resembles an investment strategy, where the perceived value of guidance is seen as a way to reduce risk [27][28]. - The emotional weight of choosing a career path is emphasized, as it can significantly impact a student's future, making the stakes of the application process feel even higher [14][30]. Group 4: Industry Insights and Profitability - Companies in the college application consulting space are experiencing high profit margins, with some reporting gross margins as high as 89.34% for their services [25][26]. - The article highlights the relatively low technical barriers to entry in this industry, suggesting that the primary value lies in filtering and organizing complex information for clients [26]. - The long-term effectiveness of these services is uncertain, as the true impact of the guidance may not be realized until years later when students enter the job market [26].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) application processes in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the psychological impact on students and parents [4][11][39]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for college application consulting services has grown tenfold over the past decade, with significant price increases for services offered [4][10]. - In 2022, a popular service by Zhang Xuefeng sold out in 20 minutes, indicating high demand and willingness to pay among parents [4]. - The number of companies involved in Gaokao application consulting has exceeded 1,300, with nearly 70% located in high-exam provinces like Hebei [34]. Group 2: Changes in Application Mechanisms - The Gaokao application process has evolved from a score-based system to a more complex model that includes dynamic rankings and parallel applications, increasing the difficulty for students [10][14]. - The introduction of "knowing scores" and "parallel applications" aims to reduce the risk of being rejected but has also made the application process more intricate [11][12]. - The number of available application choices has significantly increased, with some provinces allowing students to select up to 270 different major options [14][16]. Group 3: Psychological Impact and Anxiety - The pressure of making the right choice in college applications is immense, as it can significantly affect future career paths and income potential [18][39]. - The article emphasizes that many students and parents are driven by anxiety and uncertainty, leading them to seek external guidance and reassurance [32][40]. - The complexity of the application process has created a lucrative business for consultants, who provide services to help alleviate this anxiety [35][37]. Group 4: Professional and Industry Trends - The choice of major is increasingly important, as the number of university programs has expanded, but the number of prestigious institutions has remained stable [17][26]. - The article notes that industry trends often dictate the popularity and perceived value of certain majors, which can lead to mismatches between student choices and job market demands [25][29]. - The article highlights that successful career outcomes are often influenced more by industry dynamics than by the educational institutions themselves [26][30].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) application processes in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the psychological impact on students and parents [3][6][28]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for college application consulting services has grown tenfold over the past decade, with significant demand evidenced by the rapid sell-out of services priced at 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan [3][6]. - The complexity of the application process has led to a proliferation of consulting firms, with over 1,300 companies operating in this space, primarily in high-stakes provinces like Hebei [24][25]. - The average gross profit margins for consulting services are notably high, with companies like Xude Education reporting margins of 78.30% and 89.34% for different service offerings [25][27]. Group 2: Changes in Application Mechanisms - The transition from a gradient application model to a parallel application model has increased the complexity of the application process, allowing students to apply to multiple programs simultaneously [6][7]. - The introduction of new Gaokao systems has expanded the number of application options significantly, with some provinces allowing students to fill out up to 270 different program choices [10][11]. - The shift in focus from school prestige to program quality reflects the growing importance of specific fields of study, as the number of undergraduate programs has increased from 309 to 845 over the past decade [12][21]. Group 3: Psychological Impact and Consumer Behavior - The anxiety surrounding college applications is exacerbated by the lack of clear expectations and the overwhelming number of choices, leading families to seek external guidance [22][28]. - The article suggests that the desire for certainty in an uncertain environment drives families to invest in application consulting services, viewing them as a means to mitigate risk [27][28]. - The narrative emphasizes that the choice of major and institution can significantly impact long-term career trajectories, making the stakes of the application process feel particularly high [13][20].

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving landscape of college entrance examination (Gaokao) volunteer filling services in China, highlighting the increasing complexity and commercialization of this process. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for college volunteer filling services has grown tenfold over the past decade, indicating a significant increase in demand and competition [3] - Zhang Xuefeng's services, priced at 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan, sold out within 20 minutes this year, reflecting the high demand despite a price increase of 1,000 yuan from the previous year [2][3] - The number of companies involved in Gaokao volunteer filling services has reached over 1,300, with nearly 70% located in high-exam provinces like Hebei [39] Group 2: Complexity of Volunteer Filling - The transition from traditional volunteer filling methods to more complex systems, such as dynamic ranking and parallel volunteer models, has made the process increasingly intricate [10][15] - The introduction of new systems has led to a significant increase in the number of choices available to students, with some provinces allowing up to 270 different professional choices [15][16] - The complexity of the volunteer filling process has created a lucrative market for consultation services, with companies reporting high profit margins, such as 78.30% for one-on-one consulting [40] Group 3: Psychological Factors - The anxiety surrounding volunteer filling is amplified by the perception that choices made at this stage can significantly impact future career paths, leading families to seek external guidance [21][47] - The article suggests that the fear of making the wrong choice drives many families to invest in consultation services, viewing it as a way to mitigate uncertainty [42][51] - The emotional weight of these decisions is underscored by the notion that this may be the last opportunity for students to exert control over their future [47] Group 4: Industry Trends - The article notes a shift in focus from university prestige to the importance of specific majors, as the number of available majors has increased significantly while the number of top-tier universities has remained relatively stable [18] - The rapid evolution of industries and job markets often leads to a mismatch between popular majors and actual employment opportunities, complicating the decision-making process for students [28][31] - The article highlights the role of external factors, such as industry trends and economic cycles, in shaping the landscape of higher education and career prospects [53]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) volunteer filling services in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the emotional and financial stakes involved for families [2][20][39]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for volunteer filling services has expanded tenfold over the past decade, reflecting the growing importance of this process in students' lives [2]. - Zhang Xuefeng's services, priced at 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan, sold out quickly, indicating high demand and the potential for substantial revenue generation [1]. - The complexity of the volunteer filling process has led to a proliferation of over 1,300 companies in this sector, with a significant concentration in high-exam provinces like Hebei [39]. Group 2: Changes in Volunteer Filling Mechanisms - The transition from estimated scores to known scores for volunteer filling has made the process more intricate, with the introduction of parallel volunteer systems further complicating decision-making [8][14]. - The shift from gradient to parallel volunteer systems has increased the number of choices available to students, but also heightened uncertainty regarding admission outcomes [11][14]. - The introduction of dynamic ranking systems in regions like Inner Mongolia has added layers of competition and anxiety, although such systems are being phased out in favor of simpler models [6][7]. Group 3: Emotional and Financial Stakes - The pressure on students and families is immense, as the choice of college and major can significantly impact future career prospects and earnings [20][47]. - The emotional weight of these decisions often leads families to seek external guidance, creating a lucrative market for volunteer filling consultants [38][44]. - The article emphasizes that the stakes are not just about college education but about long-term career trajectories, making the decision process feel like a high-stakes investment [20][30]. Group 4: Industry Insights - Companies in the volunteer filling sector, such as Xude Education, report high profit margins, with some consulting services achieving gross margins above 78% [41]. - The article notes that the effectiveness of these services is often difficult to measure until years later, creating a unique business dynamic where immediate feedback is lacking [45]. - The industry thrives on the anxiety surrounding uncertain futures, positioning itself as a necessary support system for families navigating the complexities of the education system [50].