Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights that Baidu's services for the college entrance examination (Gaokao) are projected to reach nearly 80 million users by 2025, with over 30 million utilizing AI-based tools for filling out their applications and analyzing data [1] Group 2 - Baidu's AI volunteer assistant and big data for Gaokao are expected to significantly enhance the application process for students, indicating a growing reliance on technology in education [1] - The increasing number of users reflects a trend towards digital solutions in the education sector, particularly in high-stakes scenarios like college admissions [1]

Core Insights - The high school entrance examination (Gaokao) volunteer application market is significant, with a paid scale expected to reach 1.02 billion yuan in 2024 and surpass 1.2 billion yuan by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 26.8% from 2016 to now [1][2][9] Market Overview - The market for Gaokao volunteer application services has grown from 130 million yuan in 2016 to over 1 billion yuan today, indicating a strong demand for these services [1][9] - 88.1% of high school students are willing to choose volunteer application services, highlighting the anxiety surrounding the importance of making the right choices [9] Key Players - Zhang Xuefeng, a prominent education influencer, has a significant market share in this sector, with estimates suggesting it may exceed 50% [9] - His educational institution, Fengxue Future, continues to provide high-priced volunteer application services, with packages priced at 12,999 yuan and 18,999 yuan, which are in high demand [4][9] Industry Dynamics - Major tech companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent have launched AI volunteer application products, emphasizing free, intelligent, and convenient services [1][10] - These products are designed to integrate into existing apps, providing a competitive edge in the market [12] User Experience and Challenges - Users have reported varying results from different AI volunteer application products, raising questions about the reliability of the algorithms and data used [14][16] - The AI products are perceived as somewhat "template-based," and users often need to refine their queries to obtain satisfactory results [16][17] Future Outlook - The competition among tech giants and educational institutions in the volunteer application market is expected to intensify, with a focus on capturing the digital education entry point and developing future AI applications [15][17] - Despite current limitations, the potential for innovation in AI volunteer application products remains promising, as they are intended to serve as powerful tools for users rather than replacements for human guidance [17]

Core Viewpoint - The high school entrance examination (Gaokao) volunteer application market is experiencing significant transformation driven by AI technology, with major internet companies entering the space to provide AI-based services, reshaping the industry landscape and creating new opportunities and challenges for students and parents [2][6][14]. Group 1: Market Overview - In 2025, the number of Gaokao applicants is expected to reach 13.35 million, making it the second highest in the last decade, with an estimated undergraduate enrollment plan of around 4.9 million [2]. - The paid scale of the Gaokao volunteer application market is projected to reach 1.09 billion yuan in 2025, with over 90% of candidates willing to use professional services for planning [2][4]. - The market for volunteer applications has grown tenfold over the past decade, reaching 1.09 billion yuan this year [4][6]. Group 2: AI Technology in Volunteer Applications - Major internet companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance are launching AI tools for Gaokao volunteer applications, competing for market share under the banner of "technology for the public" [2][14][18]. - AI tools are being used to simplify the complex decision-making process involved in volunteer applications, which has become increasingly intricate due to reforms in the Gaokao system [4][9]. - The introduction of AI in the volunteer application process is seen as a way to democratize access to information and reduce reliance on expensive consulting services [2][6][24]. Group 3: Industry Challenges and Concerns - The rapid influx of personnel into the volunteer application industry has led to a market characterized by varying quality, with many practitioners lacking the necessary expertise [7][22]. - There are concerns about the accuracy of AI tools, with reports of data inaccuracies and errors in recommendations, highlighting the need for reliable and updated information [10][22]. - The industry lacks standardized practices, leading to issues such as false advertising and unqualified consultants providing misleading advice [7][22]. Group 4: Future Trends and Insights - The future of the Gaokao volunteer application market may shift towards personalized consulting services, focusing on comprehensive career planning from subject selection to employment [25]. - AI is expected to play a supportive role in the decision-making process, helping students and parents clarify their options rather than replacing human expertise [24][25]. - The competition among AI tools will increasingly depend on the quality of algorithms and the ability to provide accurate, actionable insights based on real-time data [22][25].

Core Viewpoint - The competition in the college entrance examination (Gaokao) application process is intensifying as major tech companies launch AI tools aimed at assisting students and parents in filling out their applications, challenging traditional services like those offered by Zhang Xuefeng [1][3][12]. Group 1: AI Tools and Features - Major tech companies such as Quark, QQ Browser, Baidu, and ByteDance have introduced AI-driven tools for Gaokao application assistance, each claiming to provide expert-level guidance [1][3][12]. - Baidu's "AI志愿助手" utilizes a large model to analyze historical admissions data and simulate application outcomes based on user input, such as estimated scores [5][6]. - ByteDance's various apps, including Doubao and AI Douyin, employ a shared "志愿预测助手" feature, which is developed by a third-party platform, offering similar functionalities to Baidu's tool [6][8]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Competition - Despite the rise of AI tools, Zhang Xuefeng's services remain in high demand, with his courses selling out quickly and his live streams attracting significant viewership [12][17]. - The pricing for Zhang's services has increased, with offerings like the "梦想卡" and "圆梦卡" selling out shortly after launch, indicating a strong market presence [12][18]. - Parents express a preference for human guidance over AI, valuing the emotional and experiential insights that teachers provide, which AI currently cannot replicate [17][19]. Group 3: User Perspectives and Adoption - Some students and parents are adopting a hybrid approach, using AI tools for initial guidance while also seeking advice from experienced educators to refine their application strategies [18][19]. - AI tools are seen as beneficial for quickly generating application options and providing comprehensive data, but many still rely on human expertise for personalized advice [18][19]. - The emotional connection and trust established by educators like Zhang Xuefeng create a unique competitive advantage that AI tools have yet to overcome [17][19].

Core Insights - The difficulty of filling out college entrance examination applications in China has become comparable to the exam itself, leading to significant business opportunities for consultants like Zhang Xuefeng [1][3] - Zhang Xuefeng announced a temporary hiatus from live streaming but quickly returned to promote his services, which have seen price increases and high demand [1][3] - The paid market for college application services is projected to grow from 1.02 billion yuan in 2024 to 1.09 billion yuan in 2025 [5] Group 1: Zhang Xuefeng's Business Model - Zhang Xuefeng's services have become expensive, with prices for one-on-one consultations in Beijing reaching between 25,800 yuan and 29,800 yuan [5][12] - His previous offerings sold out quickly, generating significant revenue, such as 200 million yuan in just three hours last year [1][3] - Despite the rise of AI tools, Zhang's approach remains popular due to his ability to address parental anxiety regarding college admissions [12][13] Group 2: AI Tools in College Application - Major tech companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent have launched free AI tools for college application assistance, aiming to democratize access to information [3][11] - AI tools provide recommendations based on input data, but their effectiveness varies significantly, with discrepancies in admission probability calculations [6][10] - The introduction of personality tests and multi-turn dialogues in AI tools aims to enhance user experience, but the tools still struggle with providing personalized advice [11][12] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Future Trends - The college application consulting industry is expected to differentiate between low-end services and high-quality, personalized consulting [12][13] - AI tools are seen as a supplement to traditional consulting rather than a complete replacement, as they often lack the nuanced understanding of individual circumstances [12][13] - The competitive landscape suggests that while AI can streamline basic services, the demand for expert consultants who can provide in-depth analysis and personalized guidance will continue to grow [12][13]