Studying in China requires a prerequisite exam known as the Gaokao. Every Chinese student applying to study at institutions of higher learning must write the exam and present the Gaokao result. In this piece, we have carefully put together all the information you need about the Chinese National College Entrance Examination: Gaokao, the exam system, and answers to questions that plague your mind.
This is the only exam that can get you into Chinese universities as a Chinese. Welcome aboard as we explore this together.
See Also: Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World| Helpful Tips on How to Scale Through
What is Gaokao?
The Gaokao is a unified national college entrance examination (NCEE) held annually in China. It’s often referred to as China’s version of the American SAT and British A-level tests. We know Gaokao to be a standardized entrance examination for all students applying for higher studies in China. This includes universities, colleges, and intuitions of higher learning.
The National College Entrance Examination, established in 1952, reformed the newly established People’s Republic of China’s National Matriculation Testing Policies (NMTP). Following its establishment in 1977, about 5.7 million students registered.
With the influx of international students into China, the acceptance rate for NCEE was raised to 79.53%. This means you can get into any Chinese university, such as Wuhan, Tsinghua, ECNU, University of Hong Kong, Peking, Central South University, Nanjing, and so on if you pass the NCEE.
The NCEE is essentially the only criterion for tertiary education admissions in China. Poor performance on the test almost always means giving up on that goal. This calls for adequate preparation to ace it.
Who Should Write the NCEE?
Of course, the National College Entrance Exam is not for everyone. The NCEE is an exam for Chinese students. As part of the regulation, you must not write the exam if;
- You’re a student currently studying higher education.
- You have an incomplete file, such as no school status.
- If you’re serving a prison sentence or are being prosecuted for violating Criminal Law.
In order words, if you do not fall under the above category, you can write the entrance exam. There is no age limit as to who writes the exams or not. Fit into the category, and you can register for the exam.
Note: The National College Entrance Examination is for Chinese Students Only.
How Does the Exam Work?
Gaokao has rules, regulations, and systems like any other entrance exam. However, understanding how it works will aid you in obeying its rules.
The exam adopts the 3+X system. You must take three compulsory subjects: Chinese, Mathematics, and a foreign language (usually English). You can substitute English for Russian, Japanese, German, French, or Spanish, depending on your foreign language.
And “X” means you can either add three other subjects, which could be three sciences (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) or three humanities (History, Geography, and Political Science) or mix depending on your course of study.
In summary, you need to write.
- Chinese
- Foreign language (English, Japanese, Russian or French)
- Mathematics
- Science (chemistry, biology, physics) or arts (history, geography, and political education).
- Optional test (Depending on the province)
Note: Some regions require you to take an optional test. This does not apply in all regions. Currently, the actual requirement varies from province to province. We recommend you inquire about your province’s requirements when registering. This will help you prepare well.
How do I Ace the Gaokao Exam?
To ace the Gaokao exam, you need to know that, though it’s just like any other examination, it requires some extra preparation. Many students do not ace the Gaokao exam because they take it as just another exam.
To ace your Gaokao exam,
- Prepare (Nothing beats adequate preparation)
- Gain the past questions or sample questions of the exam.
- Study in groups or get a tutor to aid you.
- Practice the questions daily, scoring yourself without bias.
- Prepare with online courses
What’s the Duration of the Gaokao Entrance Exam?
Depending on the province you’re scheduled to write your exam, Gaokao lasts for nine hours. This covers two to three days. Each subject lasts for 150 minutes. Most times, the exam can extend to a day or two.
What’s the Accepted Score for Gaokao?
The overall mark received by the student is a weighted sum of their subject marks. The maximum mark differs from year to year and also varies from province to province.
The Gaokao exam is over 750; the acceptable score depends on your university.
How is the NCEE Exam Scored? In
The 3 compulsory subjects have a score of “150” each. They score the other additions “100” each. This totals “750.” That should be your aim. If you don’t land at a 750, you’ll most likely land in the 650-700 range. And that’s a suitable spot to be considered for admission.
However, cut-off scores are given for each province’s Gaokao–for the first and second-tier universities. Students failing to achieve the cut-off score for first-tier universities will not be admitted.
When is the Chinese National College Entrance Examination Written?
They often write the National College Entrance Examination in China from 7th to 8th of June every year. Because of some unforeseen circumstances, it can extend an extra day.
Does an International Student Need to Write the Gaokao?
No, you don’t need to write the Gaokao as an international student. Chinese universities require other requirements such as the TOEFL score, IELTS, motivation letter, SAT score, and ACT score. And most times, you must go through a virtual interview with Adcom.
You must focus on getting the above requirements right as an international student. Gaokao is for Chinese students spying on Chinese higher institutions.
Can one Retake the Gaokao Exam?
Yes, you can retake the Gaokao exam again and again until you pass it. There is no limit to how many times you can take the exam. All it takes is constant re-registration, and that costs MONEY.
How Hard is the NCEE Exam?
Many say that the National College Entrance Examination is the hardest exam in the world. I couldn’t agree less. But we firmly believe that there’s nothing expert advice can’t fix with proper preparation.
To ace your Gaokao, you need to be well-equipped and prepared. Start by getting the sample questions for the previous exams.
Conclusion
The NCEE exam is your only way to gain admission into Chinese universities as a Chinese. Failure to do so results in rejection. We wish you luck as you prepare to follow the guidelines stated in this piece.
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