Why China's National College Entrance Exam is Always Held on June 7th and 8th

The Gaokao was first introduced in 1952, and after a decade-long hiatus from 1966 to 1977, it was reinstated in 1977. Initially, the exam was held in December of that year, marking the only winter Gaokao in Chinese history. Subsequently, from 1979 to 2003, the Gaokao was consistently held on July 7th and 9th. The decision to later adjust the dates to June 7th and 8th was influenced by several factors, including climate considerations, educational scheduling, and the desire to create a supportive environment for students.

One of the primary reasons for the change was to avoid the sweltering heat of July, which often led to discomfort and health issues for students and staff alike. Data from the Chinese Weather Service shows that the average high temperature from June 7-9 is generally between 25-30°C, with only about 30% of provincial capital cities experiencing temperatures above 30°C. In contrast, from July 7-9, the temperature rise is more pronounced, with over 60% of provincial capital cities experiencing average high temperatures above 30°C. This significant difference in temperature highlights the importance of scheduling the exam in June to provide a more comfortable testing environment.

Additionally, the adjustment allowed for a more streamlined educational calendar, giving universities ample time to process admissions before the new academic year commenced. The selection of June 7th and 8th also holds a positive connotation, with the numbers "678" sounding similar to "录取吧" (lu4 qu3 ba), which means "be admitted," reflecting the nation's wish for students' success.

In terms of precipitation, the data reveals a distinct regional pattern. In southern cities, the probability of rain decreases significantly from June to July, while northern cities experience an increase in rain probability from June to July. The probability of encountering heavy rain also varies by region, with southern cities seeing a decrease in the probability of heavy rain from June to July, and northern cities experiencing an increase in the probability of heavy rain during the same period.

The determination of the Gaokao date as June 7th and 8th is the result of a comprehensive consideration of climatic conditions, examination arrangements, and humanistic implications. The homophonic phrase "luqu ba" (meaning "get admitted") associated with the dates 6-7 and 8 has also become a societal blessing for the students, conveying wishes for their success. Ultimately, we wish all examinees the best of luck in achieving their dreams and securing excellent results in the Gaokao. By choosing these dates, the authorities have successfully balanced the need for a conducive examination environment with the aspirations of the students and the broader societal expectations, ensuring that the Gaokao process is both fair and memorable.