Gaokao Scandal: Controversy Surrounds Allegedly Falsified High Politics Score at Chinese Institute, Sparking Debate on Education System Integrity and Value of High Scores
A controversy surrounding a student's remarkably high political science score on the Chinese National Postgraduate Entrance Examination (Gaokao) has erupted on Chinese social media, with netizens questioning the validity of the score and the school's response. The controversy began when a post from the New Xiang Engineering Institute's WeChat account celebrated a student's politics exam score of 97, praising them as a "campus superstar." The post quickly gained traction on Weibo, with users expressing disbelief at the sky-high score.
18 May 2024
"How can someone score 97 on a politics exam? Even if it's all multiple-choice, and you only lost 3 points on the essay section, it's not possible," one user wrote. Another user pointed out irregularities in the student's score sheet, which was provided by the Tianjiao Education Institute, the student's test preparation institution.
"The score sheet has clear signs of being altered. The three-digit code for the student's major doesn't match the total score, which is a dead giveaway," the user noted. On May 18th, the New Xiang Engineering Institute admitted to the score being falsified, stating that they were investigating the matter. However, the Tianjiao Education Institute has maintained that the student's score is genuine, claiming that they have proof of the student's high score and that they awarded them a scholarship based on their performance. When reached for comment by the Beijing Youth Daily, the Tianjiao Education Institute stated, "We have proof that the student scored 97 on the politics exam, and we gave them a scholarship based on that score.
We wouldn't make such a claim without evidence. However, we understand that the situation has attracted a lot of attention, so we may have deleted our posts to avoid any negative impact." The student in question, referred to as "Li" in local media, has not publicly commented on the controversy. However, their scores have been a topic of conversation in previous news stories, with some commentators praising their academic prowess. This is not the first time that Gaokao stripped of its validity has made headlines in China.
In 2018, a high school student in Hubei province was exposed for cheating on the exam, resulting in their score being invalidated. The incident sparked a national debate on the pressures and ethics surrounding the Gaokao. The New Xiang Engineering Institute and the Tianjiao Education Institute have not released any further statements on the matter. However, the controversy has sparked a heated debate on Weibo, with users calling for transparency and accountability in the education system. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the education system in China. One thing is certain, however: the controversy has shed light on the high stakes and intense competition surrounding the Gaokao, as well as the need for greater transparency and integrity in the evaluation process. It is worth noting that the Gaokao is a critical examination in China, as it determines whether students can attend university and which institution they can attend.
The pressure to excel on the exam is immense, leading some students to cheat or seek external help to boost their scores. The incident at the New Xiang Engineering Institute highlights the need for stricter measures to prevent cheating and ensure the validity of students' scores. It also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the education system, as well as the need for a more holistic evaluation of students' abilities and potential. The incident has also sparked a conversation on social media about the value of a high score versus a well-rounded education. Some users have pointed out that a high score does not necessarily equate to success in life or in one's career. Others have argued that the focus on high scores perpetuates a culture of competition and stress, rather than a love of learning and personal growth. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the incident at the New Xiang Engineering Institute has struck a nerve with the Chinese public, raising questions about the education system and the value of a high score.
Only time will tell how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the education system in China. However, one thing is certain: the conversation on social media has shown that the public is hungry for change and willing to demand greater transparency and accountability in the education system.