Global Times - Exams fairest way to decide admissions

Exams fairest way to decide admissions

Source: Global Times
[21:27 November 10 2009]
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Recently, Peking University released a new program for enrolling new students.

With a recommendation letter from the headmaster of the middle school where the students has studied, students will get the opportunity of a face-to-face interview with the university to help the university decide whether to accept them or not. But we should think twice about this.

The original purpose of implementing this system is to change the status quo of the students'future being decided by the National College Entrance Exam (gaokao), which is good.

But there is a reason for the thousands-year-old system. Although there are some drawbacks with the gaokao system, it provides all the students with a relatively fair environment for competition.

Admittedly, this system will inevitably stifle some real talent, but considering the current conditions of China, this might be the most feasible system to select talent at the moment.

As a matter of fact, in 1977, a boy called Wang Xiaoping from Shanxi Province was admitted to Peking University.

It was revealed later that his father was on the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee in Shanxi Province and he used family connections to secure the ad-mission.

After this was exposed by the media, Wang was finally expelled from the university.

So it is not difficult to imagine what it would be like for some students who have strong connections once Peking University implements such a policy.

Without having to worry about where the recommendation letter comes from, they will be able to easily enter one of China’s most famous universities. As a graduate of Peking University, I am proud of the fact that Peking University expelled Wang Xiaoping. Even though the current gaokao system has its own shortcomings, it still provides a level playing field for students to compete.

However, if Peking University implements such policy, it is hard to imagine how many more Wang Xiaopings there will be.

Shanghai Morning Post