頭版推薦：這山望著那山高【上海學(xué)生英文報(bào)】

高考人數(shù)的逐年下降和“洋高考”的興起不無關(guān)系。在更多選擇面前，也需對自身有更清晰的認(rèn)識。

In England, university entrance examinations are a thing of the past. Admittance to university is based on an overall grade from A-levels and a personal statement; this has taken the pressure off students as they know that they won’t be judged by universities according to one grade in one exam.

In China however, things are different, the Gaokao is still the deciding factor in gaining a place at a good university. It is a lot of pressure on a student to know that their entire academic career and subsequently working career hinges on the outcome of one big test.

According to the Ministry of Education，the number of students taking the national college entrance exam has fallen by nearly one million since 2009, a substantial amount. One report by China National Radio attributes the dwindling figures to a decrease in population size; others suggest that many high school students are simply skipping the exam and applying to foreign universities.

Many Chinese parents who wish to alleviate the stress of the Gaokao are opting to send their child abroad in the hope that a western education will be the spring board to a good job.

Although a western education has its advantages for foreign students, such as being a perfect opportunity to improve one’s language ability，there are some downsides to consider as well. For example, the students will need to get used to a whole new education system and way of thinking. Also, the pressure of the Gaokao may have been lifted but another kind is being applied—being 18 years old and moving away from everything you know to another country with a different culture can be a very daunting experience.

Parents and students need to think long and hard when deciding if going abroad to study is the right choice. Not all students would benefit from such an experience and it could end up being an expensive mistake.

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