Analysis of Differences Between China’s Gaokao System and the U.S. College Admissions System and Suggestions for Improvement

Differences in higher education admission systems are due to differences in national context. Globally, there are two types of systems: merit-based and holistic admissions. Countries such as the UK, South Korea and China tend to place greater emphasis on the score of an exam when making admissions decisions whereas other countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Germany prioritize non-cognitive skills, like Japan and the US, some countries emphasize a balanced assessment using different methods such as exam score, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and interview for university admission. China and the US have the greatest differences and, therefore, represent this type of circumstance most completely. In order to facilitate better comprehension, this paper first outlines the reasons behind the different circumstances and methods utilized for admissions in China and the US; secondly, analyzes drawbacks within each side; finally, offering localized solutions through absorption of respective strengths from each approach to that end.