Inside the Gaokao: China’s Defining Test with Ruixue Jia episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 30, 2025 · 25 MIN

Inside the Gaokao: China’s Defining Test with Ruixue Jia

from The World of Higher Education · host Higher Education Strategy Associates

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Dr. Ruixue Jia, a professor of economics at UC San Diego and co-author of 'The Highest Exam: How The Gaokao Shapes China.' They discuss the historical and contemporary significance of the Gaokao, China's university entrance exam, and its profound impact on Chinese society. Topics include the exam's origins in the Tang Dynasty, how it influences social mobility, and its role in governance. They also compare the Chinese and American systems of university admissions and explore the future of the Gaokao given China's economic and demographic changes.👉 Episode Links:The Highest Exam: How The Gaokao Shapes China

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Dr. Ruixue Jia, a professor of economics at UC San Diego and co-author of 'The Highest Exam: How The Gaokao Shapes China.' They discuss the historical and contemporary significance of the Gaokao, China's university entrance exam, and its profound impact on Chinese society. Topics include the exam's origins in the Tang Dynasty, how it influences social mobility, and its role in governance. They also compare the Chinese and American systems of university admissions and explore the future of the Gaokao given China's economic and demographic changes.👉 Episode Links:The Highest Exam: How The Gaokao Shapes China

NOW PLAYING

Inside the Gaokao: China’s Defining Test with Ruixue Jia

0:00 25:57

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The World of Higher Education?

This episode is 25 minutes long.

When was this The World of Higher Education episode published?

This episode was published on October 30, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Dr. Ruixue Jia, a professor of economics at UC San Diego and co-author of 'The Highest Exam: How The Gaokao Shapes China.' They discuss the historical and...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this The World of Higher Education episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!