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Gaokao (高考)

The National College Entrance Examination in China, known for its high stakes and intensity, which serves as the primary determinant for university admission.

A large university lecture hall, symbolizing higher education in China, the goal of the Gaokao.

Structure and Subjects

The Gaokao is not a single national test but varies by province. However, a common format is the "3+X" model.

  • The "3": Three compulsory subjects for all students: Chinese, Mathematics, and a Foreign Language (typically English, but sometimes Japanese or Russian).
  • The "X" (or "+"): This component varies. In the traditional model, students choose between:
    • Science Stream (理科 - lǐkē): Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
    • Liberal Arts Stream (文科 - wénkē): History, Geography, and Political Science.
  • New Gaokao Reforms: Many provinces have adopted reforms where students have more flexibility, choosing 3 subjects from a list of 6 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Politics).