Jilin province is looking at reforms in the national college entrance exams, or 'Gaokao’, for 2016 to reflect personal development, according to the provincial education examination authorities.

The State Council already came up with a Gaokao plan, Sept 2014, Increasing Reforms in the Examination and Enrollment System, for a new round of reforms.

The current admissions system, which calls for a high Gaokao score to get into university, has long been accused of stifling student’s creativity and personal development.

Li Zhen, head of Jilin education examination authorities, taking questions from an interviewer.[Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

With that in mind, Jilin’s reform will focus on individual development, according to Li Zhen, head of the education authorities who have a large say in the reforms.

Li went on to say, "We’ll add tests for music, physical education, the arts and information science to the assessment. This will encourage students to develop their own personal interests and better prepare them for university."

Li added that newer tests will be part of the university admission process along with Gaokao scores and overall performance, helping students to set clearer goals for future study at an earlier stage. The provincial reform is expected to be active in 2016 after consultation with Education Ministry officials and the general public.