Summary of the Key Points
This article discusses the growth and choices of young people after the college entrance examination, noting a decrease in the热度 of discussions surrounding this exam this year. It offers several key recommendations: reconsidering retaking the exam should be done with caution (only in three specific situations); making use of elective courses in university to address weaknesses; learning to make independent decisions and take the initiative in learning at the age of 18; and recognizing that the value of a degree may be replaced by practical skills in the future. The main message is that life choices are more important than simply attending a “good school” or studying a “good major.” Young people need to develop judgment and self-motivation to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
1. Retaking the Exam Is Not Always the Best Option
The author states that retaking the exam is generally not the right choice, but there are three exceptions:
1. Special Circumstances Leading to Poor Performance: If you fall ill or experience a psychological breakdown before the exam, or encounter unexpected events (such as being late or feeling unwell on test day), and your scores are significantly lower than usual, retaking the exam for a year to regain your form is reasonable.
2. Using Retaking the Exam as a Way to Earn a Scholarship: Some top students can earn substantial scholarships by retaking the exam each year, which can be a viable option, especially for financially struggling families since it provides an opportunity to try again while earning income.
3. For Gifted Teenagers: Children who skip high school and take the exam at an earlier age may need to retake it to solidify their knowledge before entering university.
In other cases (such as simply wanting to get into a better school), retaking the exam is not worth it. It wastes a year with limited improvement in scores and may cause you to miss out on other opportunities for growth, such as gaining experience through internships.
2. Don’t Focus Only on Major Courses in University
University is different from high school; there are many elective courses available. The author suggests combining arts and sciences:
- Science and Engineering Students Should Study Arts: Subjects like economics (e.g., the book by N. Gregory Mankiw) can help you understand business logic, which is useful for both job hunting and entrepreneurship. Psychology can improve interpersonal skills, while learning a foreign language or studying Western history can broaden your perspectives.
- Art Students Should Learn Basic Programming: Even if you don’t become programmers, it can enhance logical thinking, which is beneficial for using AI in tasks like writing copywriting or data analysis.
Of course, top students pursuing a purely academic career can ignore these suggestions and focus on their major.
3. Become Independent at 18
The author emphasizes that the goal at 18 should not be to choose a university but to become an adult who can make decisions on their own:
- Don’t Let Parents Control Your University Choices: Many parents still control their children’s university choices, which hinders independence. University is a time for learning to be independent; otherwise, you’ll struggle when you enter the workforce.
- Proactively Seek Knowledge: Many university courses and teachers are outdated. Students should use search engines, learn AI tools, and take free online courses from world-renowned institutions (e.g., Coursera) to stay up-to-date.
The author shares his own experience: in 1996, his school provided 10 hours of free internet time, which helped him gain a better understanding of the internet. Today’s young people have more resources and should be even more proactive in exploring knowledge.
4. Degrees May No Longer Be the Key to Success
Companies are increasingly valuing practical skills over academic qualifications:
- Examples: Tech giants in Silicon Valley are hiring outstanding high school students without requiring a bachelor’s degree, and South Korean companies like Hynix have eliminated degree requirements. This is not about lowering the bar but about using more advanced methods to assess abilities. AI can quickly evaluate practical skills, making degrees less important.
- Conclusion: In the future, those with strong self-motivation and a willingness to learn will have a better chance of finding good jobs. Regardless of your major or school, being able to acquire knowledge and improve your skills will ensure you remain relevant in a changing world.
The author concludes that the decrease in the popularity of the college entrance exam is a positive development, as there’s no need to pursue the “one correct answer” when choosing a school or major. The more important thing is to teach young people how to think and make decisions independently, as life offers countless choices, and the ability to make independent judgments is a lifelong asset.