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The Highest Exam - How the Gaokao Shapes China

Claire Cousineau, Hongbin Li, Ruixue Jia
Not Started Unrated Non-Fiction Added December 28, 2025
This book explores the profound impact of the Gaokao, China's national college entrance examination, on students, families, and the educational landscape. It delves into the immense pressure placed on students to succeed, the sacrifices made by families, and the societal implications of a system that values exam results above all else. Through personal stories and cultural analysis, the book illustrates how the Gaokao shapes aspirations, influences social mobility, and reflects broader themes of ambition and competition in modern Chinese society.