China’s evolving political economy, as seen through gaokao scramble (opens original article in a new tab)

China's gaokao system influences university admissions and major choices, with state-driven adjustments to programs based on employment data and industrial policy, leading to a high prevalence of STEM degrees among graduates.

• Gaokao results determine university and major choices with uncertain employment outcomes
• State adjusts university programs based on employment data and industrial policy
• STEM degrees dominate Chinese university graduates compared to other industrialized nations