‘Gaokao’ University Entrance Exams Are On!
The world’s biggest and toughest national college entrance exams are afoot in China. More than than 9 million aspirants will vie for some 6.85 million university spots. Those who fail can take it again, opt for vocational training, go abroad for college, toil in factories or on the farms, or try their hand at small business. While meritocratic, critics say the exams limit the channels through which students can further their studies. Universities are experimenting with their own (non-national) exams combined with alternative recruitment criteria.
Here is a photo essay: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/photo/2012-06/07/content_15482668.htm