The Difference in education between America and China

There are many differences between America and China in education system. First, students in two countries have different ways to go to university. In China, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China holds Gaokao only once a year, which is the only way to go to college for all high school students. Gaokao is the largest and the most difficult academic exam in the world. Mathematics, Chinese and English are mandatory subjects for both scientific and art examinees, and students who major in science need to take physics, chemistry and biology, which are called “science comprehensive exam”. Art subjects include history, geography and politics. All these exams are held on 7,8,9 June every year. On the contrary, American students have many ways to go to college. For example, they can take SAT or ACT test many times a year, and the highest grade can be selected to show their aptitudes. SAT test includes mathematics, writing and critical reading; however, other subjects like history or physics are in SAT Subject test, which is not mandatory for all students. Second, students in China and America apply for universities differently. Chinese universities only ask for Gaokao grades. If you take 690 out of 750 in the exam, you can go to any university you prefer. Tsinghua University or Peking University? It is your choice. However, in America, students need to submit their high school GPA, SAT or ACT grades, personal statement, essay, letters of recommendation and other materials that are required. Or, in other words, grades do not represent everything. Third, universities in China and America are totally different. Chinese college students have to take some mandatory courses like Marxist philosophy. Nonetheless, American universities will not force students to take some specific classes. Also, Chinese universities' managements are not as strict as high schools', so some students may relax themselves during undergraduate courses. In contrast, American universities are more competitive and professors will put more pressure on students: limitless reading, exams and quizzes are proof. In conclusion, American and Chinese have vast difference in education.







Citation: China Education Online. "Harbin Normal University High School Exam Site." Photograph. gaokao.eol.cn. eol. 6 June 2015. Web. 13 November 2015.


Caption: One of Gaokao exam sites.





Citation: Seth Rollins. "The Beginning of Gaokao." Photograph. bbs.hupu.com/bxj. hupu. 6 June 2015. Web. 13 November 2015.


Caption: The ruthelessness of Gaokao.





Citation: Doug Curran. "Still of Chris Evans in The Perfect Score (2004)." Photograph. www.imdb.com/media. imdb. 29 January 2004. Web. 13 November 2015.


Caption: One of SAT exam sites.





Citation: Yan Li. "Sun Yat-sen University Dormitory." Photograph. www.cbda.cn. cbda. 3 September 2012. Web. 13 November 2015.


Caption：The classic dorm of universities in China.








Citation: Sam Kirschner. "Which dorm at UC Berkeley is the best." Photograph. conferenceservices.berkeley.edu. berkeley.edu. 15 November 2014. Web. 13 November 2015.


Caption: Unit 2 2650 Haste Street





Citation: Xianda Chen. "Principles of Marxist Philosophy." Photograph. book.douban.com. douban.com. 1 July 2004. Web. 13 November 2015.


Caption: A required course of universities in China.