The Intensity of Gao Kao: A Life-Altering Examination

The Gao Kao is a pivotal examination in China that immensely influences a student's future, as it determines university admissions and course selections. Lasting up to nine hours over several days, this exam creates an atmosphere of overwhelming pressure, where students often sacrifice their social lives and personal well-being for success. Personal accounts reveal an intense regime of early mornings, late nights filled with homework, and additional tutoring sessions that dominate their lives. This significant focus on the Gao Kao reflects not only academic rigor but also a societal culture that equates educational achievement with future opportunities.