Migrating college candidates could be left out in cold
By Raymond Zhou (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-08-03 05:45

Solutions

Hong hinted that media exposure for exam migration is a double-edged sword. "It will propel more relocation, but the government will feel the pressure as well and pay more attention to the issue."

But Hong does not think the government has much room to manoeuvre.

"Most of the educational resources are at the disposal of local governments," he said.

"Look at Shandong and Zhejiang, two of the high-scoring provinces, and then look at Guangdong, which does not have as severe a problem in college attendance for local students. Why? Guangdong has set the goal of building itself into an education powerhouse and has been investing in it accordingly.

"The difficulty will be most acute in those provinces where the economy is not as vibrant, but education is even weaker," he warned. "But make no mistake. There'll never be absolute equality when it comes to a specific student."

Students like Li Yang may feel the full force of the struggle for equal opportunities. Hainan has recently modified its regulations so that property buyers no longer automatically get residency and national college entrance exam candidates must spend at least three years at a local high school, which means Li will again be disqualified next year.

Li could move back home, but if the Hubei government instigates a similar crackdown on exam immigrants he will find himself in limbo. To add insult to injury, the cut-off score for elite science schools this year in Hubei turned out to be lower than in Hainan - 524 compared to 542.

Unlike two-thirds of online survey respondents, Hong has little sympathy for Li Yang. "What kind of influence would it have on him if he had got through by exploiting a loophole in the system? He would think that he could always cut corners later in life, and that is bad for a teenager."

But should the future of a bright young man be ruined because his parents made an unwise decision two years ago?

Hong was philosophical: "If this young man is really as brilliant and multi-talented as those who know him have claimed, then he does not even need to worry about the exam system.

"Top American schools like Princeton offer scholarships to this kind of student every year. Top-rated schools in Hong Kong and Singapore would also want to sign them up. He should broaden his horizons."

However, all that most migrant students and their parents can do is to take financial or legal risks to get ahead in the scramble for university places.

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