In 2023, the number of applicants for the master's entrance examination in China will be 4.38 million, a decrease of 360,000 compared to 4.74 million in the previous year. This is the first time since 2016 that the number of graduate students has declined. While some would argue that the drop in the number of graduate students means it's easier to go ashore this year, in reality, this phenomenon may be the result of a combination of factors.
First of all, the expectation of a long-term economic situation is not optimistic that it is an important reason for the decline in the number of graduate students. Many fresh graduates prefer to stabilize their short-term life through employment, rather than choosing to go to graduate school. At the same time, the competition in the job market is becoming increasingly fierce, and many working groups do not dare to give up their jobs to go to graduate school without significant growth in economic income.
Secondly, the popularity of public *** is rising, attracting a large number of candidates. In 2024, the number of applicants for the national public service will be as high as 2.91 million, an increase of 410,000 over the same period last year. This figure is a record high, which shows how fierce the competition is.
Thirdly, with the gradual relaxation of the epidemic, the demand for studying abroad has gradually been released. Some students who would have chosen to go to graduate school are now choosing to study abroad instead, which has also led to a decrease in the number of graduate students.
In addition, the ** of tuition fees is also a factor in the decline in the number of graduate students. For most candidates, tuition fees are a cost that cannot be ignored. Especially for part-time majors, the tuition fee** is more obvious. Taking MBA as an example, the increase in tuition fees is as much as tens of thousands of yuan, coupled with the poor economic situation this year, many candidates may choose to give up the postgraduate entrance examination.
2. "The number of applicants is down, and it will be easier for the class of 2024 to go ashore!."—The significance and impact of the decline in the number of graduate students on candidates.
Although the decline in the number of graduate students means that the number of people competing is reduced, it does not mean that candidates can take it lightly. No matter what major you are in, you must at least meet the minimum threshold of the national line. Although the probability of going ashore this year is relatively high, the stage of sprint learning Xi is still arduous. Every day's effort will have a positive impact on the candidate's path forward.
In addition, the decrease in the number of postgraduate students has also brought certain inspiration and opportunities to candidates in other years. For the candidates of the class of 2025, they can scientifically choose the target universities and majors that suit their basic situation and reduce the pressure of Xi study. No matter how the exam situation changes, you must be prepared for the one-time exam to reduce the consumption of time and energy. By starting your exam early, you can get an advantage at the starting point. No matter how the number of graduate students decreases, the most certain thing is the score. Through early preparation for the exam, you have a solid foundation in Xi, and compared to other candidates, you have already started two or three rounds of Xi. In addition, having concentration and perseverance is also one of the key factors for success in the graduate school entrance examination. Graduate school is a marathon that requires perseverance and the ability to work under pressure.
In short, despite the decrease in the number of graduate students in the class of 2024 and the relatively low threshold for landing, candidates still need to work hard every day to fight for their landing opportunities. Whether it is the class of 2024 or other years, you must strive for your goals and believe that your efforts will definitely be rewarded.
3. Personal summary: In my opinion, whether the number of graduate students is increasing or declining, the most important thing is the preparation and hard work of the candidates. The postgraduate entrance examination itself is a challenging and arduous task that requires candidates to have the spirit of determination and perseverance. The reason for choosing to go to graduate school should be to achieve personal academic pursuit and career development, not to chase a certain trend. Everyone will experience various difficulties and setbacks on the road to graduate school, but as long as we persist in working hard and believing in ourselves, we will definitely be able to succeed. I wish every candidate can achieve their postgraduate entrance examination goals and pave a better path for their future.