Summary of the Key Points
The main argument of this article is that, in an era where college students are no longer in short supply, industries are diversifying (some are thriving while others are declining), and AI is having a significant impact, the importance of choosing a city when applying for the college entrance examination has surpassed that of selecting a university or major. The article outlines five criteria—strong educational institutions, robust economies, prosperous job markets, areas with population inflows, and wealthy cities—to help determine which cities are worth considering, and it provides specific recommendations for applicants.
1. Strong Educational Institutions: Universities and Cities Boost Each Other
A strong educational institution is not defined by the number of universities it has, but rather by its presence of top-tier institutions (ranked in the world's top 500) and the number of graduate students it produces. For example, Beijing boasts seven world-class universities and nearly 500,000 graduate students, ranking first in the country. Cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Wuhan are home to prestigious institutions such as Tsinghua University and the University of Science and Technology of China, which also drive local economic development. For instance, Beijing's strong AI industry is due to the talent output from Tsinghua and Peking Universities, while Hefei's advancements in new energy and semiconductors are supported by the research at the University of Science and Technology of China.
Conversely, a prosperous city can support the growth of its universities. Shenzhen, which once lacked notable educational institutions, has now developed into a strong university hub thanks to its robust economy, with more funding for higher education than many other 211 universities.
2. Robust Economies: A Strong Economy Ensures a Minimum Standard of Living
A strong economy is indicated by a GDP of over one trillion yuan and the presence of a powerful provincial capital. Jiangsu and Guangdong each have several cities with GDPs in this range, offering numerous job opportunities. Even if a city is not part of this group, being the capital of a prosperous province (such as Chengdu or Wuhan) allows access to resources from across the province. For example, Sichuan focuses its best hospitals and businesses in Chengdu, providing students with more career options after graduation.
3. Prosperous Job Markets: More Jobs Mean Greater Career Flexibility
Prosperous cities have a large workforce and offer a variety of high-paying jobs. Shenzhen, with over 13 million employees and an employment rate of over 70%, is known as a paradise for workers. Beijing and Shanghai lead in industries such as internet, finance, and technology, where salaries can be quite high. In smaller cities, job options are limited to government positions and public institutions.
4. Areas with Population Inflows: Where Young People Go, Opportunities Follow
Cities with significant population growth indicate that people see them as desirable places to live. Shenzhen saw a population increase of 259,000 last year, ranking first in the country. Cities like Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Changsha attract many young people due to their strong consumer markets, innovative environments, and valuable assets such as housing and commercial properties. The trend is for people to move to megacities or major provincial capitals; even if a province's overall population declines, its capital may still experience growth.
5. Wealthy Cities: Better Educational Resources
Well-funded universities can offer the best education by investing in equipment and hiring top teachers. National universities (like Tsinghua and Peking) receive support from both the government and local authorities, while local universities rely on city funding. For instance, Shenzhen University receives over 7 billion yuan in annual funding, allowing it to hire internationally renowned professors and build advanced research facilities. Choosing a wealthy city ensures access to quality educational resources.
Final Recommendations for Applicants
- High-scoring candidates: Prioritize choosing a good university, with the city being a secondary consideration (e.g., Tsinghua or Peking University located in Beijing).
- Medium-scoring candidates: Consider both the city and the major; a decent university in a prosperous city may offer better prospects than a less well-known one in a remote area.
- Low-scoring candidates: Focus on choosing a city first, as a strong economic environment can provide better job opportunities and a wider range of career choices.
- **Avoid “underperforming cities”: Those that are not provincial capitals, lack economic strength, are not part of major metropolitan areas, or do not have thriving industries.
- Don’t necessarily aim for Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou: Choose cities within metropolitan areas; you can still benefit from their resources with lower scores.
In summary, your score determines the level of education you can access, but the city you choose will influence your opportunities and career prospects. Making the right choice about where to study can help you avoid unnecessary detours in life.