The rate of acceptance increased from 1 out of 19 students historically, to 1 out of 2 today, because of greater opportunities, fewer students, and more universities. The exam questions are progressively harder in order to differentiate students for varying levels of higher education. If students attend an art or physics institute, their entrance score can be a 100-200 points lower than others. They must also take another exam in their major subject area. Minority students can add approximately 20 points to their entrance scores.
Chinese schools emphasize comprehensive learning in all subjects.
If students are gifted in one subject but poor in others, it is very hard for them to receive a higher total score. Exam scores effect students' opportunities to receive better training. Junior high school classes are divided into arts or sciences simply because the entrance exam is divided in this way. In China, the main method of gifted identification is through testing. From elementary school grades to the high school exam, these scores decide each student's future.