The History of the National College Entrance Examination Reform and its Impact on Social Mobility

Abstract

The National College Entrance Examination is an indispensable part of Chinas education system. There is also a lot of discussion about the college entrance examination. However, the summary of the reform process of the college entrance examination and the analysis of the impact of policies on social mobility in different periods often ignore the first 17 years and the stage of the Cultural Revolution. Therefore, this paper makes a complete policy summary of the college entrance examination, and analyzes the different attributes of social mobility under different policies. These analyses are based on a detailed dissection of the policy and relevant data as supporting material. Finally, the following conclusions are drawn. The dual-track system of education and district-based college entrance examinations from 1949 to 1967 contributed to low social mobility during this time period. During the Cultural Revolution, more rural students went to the cities. However, they often return to their hometowns after finishing their university studies, forming a special phenomenon of mobility. The subsequent single-track system, university enrollment expansion, and the new college entrance examination reform all took equity as the reform goal. However, these reforms often have the opposite effect due to the huge disparity between urban and rural areas. It is worth noting that these deficiencies have been noticed and relevant measures have been implemented.