The Infamous Gaokao: What Do Students Really Experience?

In Mainland China, the Gaokao is pretty much the only way to enroll in a university. Spanning 2 to 3 days and totaling around 9 hours of exam time, it feels like the final boss level in a video game, with the quest being to achieve a perfect score. Students believe it determines their entire lives, impacting everything from job opportunities to even marriage. But what do they really experience? Is it as stressful as shown in the news? As a Chinese student, I can offer a fair answer: it depends.

 

(Above video: students receiving high grade reactions. Please note the full marks is 750 points)

The Daily Grind

Preparation for the Gaokao starts long before the   exam itself. Students engage in extra tutorial classes arranged by parents and complete additional homework from teachers. The daily routine is grueling: students wake up at 6 AM and face a packed schedule of lessons. After school, they are required to stay late to study without distractions, focusing solely on Gaokao preparation. By the time they finish, it’s already 9 PM. Some students pack up and leave, while others push on until 10 PM, exhausted but knowing they must do it all over again the next day.

During interviews, many students break down in tears as they describe the immense pressure to excel in every subject. They fall asleep weighed down by the stress of the Gaokao, a truly overwhelming experience.

Family Pressure

The pressure to excel comes not just from themselves but also from family. While gaining admission to any university may be feasible, the chance of enrolling in a top-tier "985"(Term for top universities) university, like Peking or Tsinghua, is less than 1%. With around 13.42 million students taking the Gaokao each year and top universities accepting only about 4,000 applicants, the odds are daunting—less than 1 in 3,355.

Parents believe that entering a prestigious university is the best way to ensure their children have sustainable jobs later in life. Consequently, the Gaokao becomes a focal point of family conversations. Some parents even quit their jobs to move closer to schools, preparing their child's favorite meals that won’t go cold before they get delivered. They offer encouragement during meals and while at home, they try to create the best study environment filled with stacks of exercise books and mock tests. Unfortunately, this can lead to even greater pressure to excel in the Gaokao, as students feel the weight of their parents’ hopes.

Coping with Stress

While the previous sections highlight the immense stress surrounding the Gaokao, many students actually find effective ways to cope. A student who took the Gaokao told the reporter, “It wasn't that bad. I always fall asleep quickly, unlike my classmates, who worry to the point they can't sleep.” He also shared that his friend, who achieved high grades, managed stress well and was never bothered by the pressure. Of course, he studied a lot and was also tired. By sleeping early rather than studying until 4 or 5 AM, he was able to focus better during lessons and the Gaokao and obtaining the highest grade in his form.

After the Gaokao

Some students receive amazing results, while others not as great. But their parents are never the stereotypical "Asian parents" and are very understanding about their children's grades. For example, a student received low grades in the Gaokao. Her mother, instead of scolding her, gave her many gifts, like a new AirPod and others. She said she prepared them before the exam, no matter if her daughter did well or not, she would gift them to her.

Even for those who do well, the reality of university life can be challenging. The unemployment rate for graduates aged 20-24 is surprisingly high at 16%, with many struggling to find jobs, partly due to students choosing majors with little career opportunities.

Conclusion

Life before and after the Gaokao is undeniably stressful, but it’s possible to manage that pressure effectively. Prioritizing sleep over late-night study sessions can significantly improve focus and performance. Understanding and managing the pressure can make huge differences for students. So if your exams aren’t as stressful as the Gaokao, be grateful!