Summary of Key Points
CCTV has exposed three major pitfalls in the college entrance examination (Gaokao) application process: using “fake experts” to deceive parents, relying on AI to search for answers to handle consultations, and using application guidance as a cover to earn referral commissions. The analysis also discusses why parents are easily deceived (anxiety and information barriers), and provides advice on how to avoid these pitfalls (look for official and authoritative information, and be wary of promises of “shortcuts”).
Detailed Explanation
1. Fake Experts: New Employees Claiming to Be Senior Planners
Many of the so-called “senior college planning experts” advertised by these agencies, who claim to have over a decade of experience and have guided thousands of students, are actually new hires or even sales personnel. Their training focuses not on understanding admission policies or university knowledge but on “packaging” themselves as “teachers” or “experts” to appear more credible to parents. In reality, these individuals often don’t even grasp the basic rules of application processes and still charge parents thousands or even tens of thousands of yuan for their services.
2. AI as a Consultant: Spending Thousands for Free Search Results
Even more absurdly, some agency staff simply use AI tools like ChatGPT or Baidu to search for answers to parents’ questions and then read them out to them. Parents think they are paying for expert advice, but what they get is information that they could have obtained for free at home—essentially, they are paying for an “AI version of a repeat study service.”
3. The Real Business: Application Guidance as a Cover for High Commissions
Many agencies don’t actually make money from application guidance itself; instead, it serves as a means to refer students to affiliated educational institutions (such as private schools or training centers). They earn a substantial commission for each successful referral, so their primary motivation is to push students towards these institutions rather than to help them choose the right colleges.
4. Why Parents Are Deceived: Anxiety and Information Barriers
Parents are easily deceived due to two main factors: anxiety (they have invested years in their children’s education and fear making a wrong choice that could ruin their future) and information barriers (there are numerous universities and majors to choose from, and admission policies change annually, leaving parents feeling lost without expert guidance). Scammers exploit this uncertainty by presenting themselves as authoritative sources.
5. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
To avoid falling for these scams, remember the following:
- Don’t believe claims of “low scores leading to high admissions,” “exclusive channels,” or “100% guaranteed admission”—admissions are based on scores, rankings, and enrollment quotas; there are no shortcuts.
- Seek authoritative information from official sources: education department websites, provincial examination boards, and the official websites and brochures of target universities (all of which are free and reliable).
- Application guidance is a process of collecting and analyzing information; while agencies can help organize it, the final decision should always be made by you.
In Conclusion
The Gaokao application process is a crucial decision for your child’s future. Don’t let anxiety cloud your judgment. Instead of spending money on unreliable agencies, take the time to review official information with your child. After all, it is you who truly care most about their future.