Every June, millions of students in China face the gaokao, the nation’s rigorous college entrance examination. This pivotal event often shapes the future of countless young individuals, with families placing immense importance on the results.
But how does China’s gaokao stack up against similar examinations around the world? To explore this, we spoke with international students currently studying at Tsinghua University.
Türkiye’s YKS: A Gateway to Higher Education
Mustafa Umut Ozbek, a Turkish student at Tsinghua, shared insights about Türkiye’s college entrance exam, the Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı (YKS). Similar to China’s gaokao, the YKS is a highly competitive exam that determines university admissions across Türkiye. Mustafa emphasized the pressure faced by students and the exam’s role in shaping academic and professional futures.
Colombia’s Saber 11: Assessing Academic Readiness
Andres Ospina, a Colombian student at Tsinghua, discussed Colombia’s Saber 11 exam. This standardized test evaluates students’ readiness for higher education and is crucial for university placements in Colombia. Andres highlighted the similarities in stress and national significance between Saber 11 and gaokao, noting that both exams are seen as critical stepping stones for young scholars.
Sending Best Wishes
As gaokao candidates embark on their examinations this year, Mustafa and Andres extend their heartfelt wishes. They understand the dedication and hard work required to succeed and hope for the best outcomes for all taking part in this monumental academic challenge.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
