In 2024, the number of applicants for postgraduate entrance examinations will reach 4.38 million, a decrease of 360,000 from last year. This trend reflects changes in a number of areas, including but not limited to the following:
1. The decline in the number of graduate students reflects the severity of the current employment situation
With the adjustment of economic structure and the increasing pressure of social employment, more and more graduates choose direct employment rather than further study. At the same time, some students also believe that the postgraduate entrance examination is not necessary for their future career development, so they abandon this route. On the other hand, the requirements for work experience and practical skills are also increasing. These factors have led to a relative decline in the number of graduate students.
Second, the decline in the number of graduate students is also related to the decline in the quality of graduate education
At present, in order to expand the scale of the school and increase the number of students, some colleges and universities continue to lower the admission standards and requirements for graduate students, resulting in a decline in the quality of graduate education, and students have difficulty finding employment and low income after graduation. These problems also make some students no longer choose the route of graduate school.
3. The decline in the number of graduate students is related to the current examination system
Graduate school entrance examination not only requires students to have a certain academic foundation and ability, but also needs to go through a long period of preparation and Xi, which is a challenge for some students. At the same time, the admission standards for postgraduate entrance examinations are also relatively high, requiring students to have comprehensive abilities and qualities, which also discourages some students.
Fourth, it is also closely related to the current job market and economic environment
With the adjustment of economic structure and the transformation and upgrading of industries, there is an increasing demand for high-skilled talents. This has led some students to focus more on their own vocational skills and practical experience, rather than just pursuing a high degree of education. Therefore, they are more inclined to go directly to the workplace or participate in vocational skills training, rather than choosing to go to graduate school.
Fifth, people's re-evaluation of the value of postgraduate examinations
The cost and time investment of graduate school entrance examination is high, and the actual return is not immediate. In contrast, work experience can lead to immediate income and a sense of practical fulfillment, attracting more students to choose employment rather than graduate school. In addition, changes in the postgraduate entrance examination policy and the job market also affect the choice of candidates.
6. Changes in students' expectations and values for graduate education
With the progress of society and economic development, students have more diversified choices for their future careers and lifestyles. They are no longer just looking for high education and high salaries, but are more focused on their own interests and personal development. This has led some students to seek other career paths instead of going to graduate school.
7. The impact of the epidemic cannot be ignored
Since last year, the global outbreak of the new crown epidemic has had a huge impact on the entire society, and the education industry is no exception. The decline in the number of applicants for postgraduate entrance examination may be the result of the impact of the pandemic on the form of education and the format of examinations. The restrictions on offline educational activities and the change in online examination methods have had a certain impact on the registration for postgraduate examinations.
Finally, we also need to realize that the decline in the number of graduate students does not mean the decline and death of graduate education, but we need to pay more attention to the quality of graduate education and the employment prospects of students, so as to better serve social and economic development.