The results of early admissions without the General Scholastic Ability Test (GSAT) have been released. Three students from the Affiliated Senior High School of National Chi Nan University in Nantou County were accepted by National Taiwan University. This is great news, as it shows that junior high-school graduates can continue their schooling locally without feeling pressured to get into prestigious schools in the city.
It shows that community high schools in rural areas are as good as city ones, as it is possible for students of both to be accepted to top-ranking universities.
Three decades ago, it was difficult for students from high schools in Nantou to get into national universities, not to mention National Taiwan University. Thanks to the development of multiple pathways to college admission, students from Nantou do not have to attend high school in the city. They can save time and money by attending community or local high schools.
Moreover, they can develop their interests and expertise.
Students should not be limited by exam scores, as universities these days also select students based on their suitability and talent.
However, some people with political motives have tried to provoke public anger against the government by spreading rumors that the multiple pathways to college admission is a scheme to boost profits. They say that to be admitted by a good university, students have to spend a lot of money.
This is not the case. The mechanism allows students to attend universities that are the most suited to their learning style and background. It also offers a range of application methods for students to choose from.
Three years ago, my son chose to attend a community high school. He studied like a self-starter. Although his grades were not the best in class, he remained in the top 7 percent in the school’s social sciences track. Eventually, through the Stars Program — which considers students’ GSAT scores and high-school point average — he was accepted by National Chengchi University, the leading university in the field of liberal arts, law and business.
Throughout the process, my son did not ask for a penny from us.
However, he had to study hard all the time and keep his spirits up for three years. Unlike some students who could give up on some subjects, those in the Stars Program must maintain good grades in every class, not only GSAT subjects, but also others such as music and physical education.
There are many who criticize the “learning portfolio.” Some say that students are exhausted in compiling it, while others say that well-off students can pay for stronger, professionally designed portfolios from cram schools.
All admission methods have flaws, but some students are extremely good at organizing documents and information. The kind of students who are skillful in pulling together a solid report are highly favored by such an application method.
Over the past two to three decades, reforms of college entrance exams have been on the right track. The mechanism of multiple pathways to college admissions encourages students to develop their specialties based on their own interests. With different admission methods, the gap between students in cities and those in rural areas is decreased, and students’ motivation to study is improved.
Marginalized groups have more opportunities to compete and achieve upward social mobility.
This would not have been possible if the government had not made an effort to reform the Joint College Entrance Examination.
Chen Chi-nung is principal of a junior high school.
Translated by Emma Liu
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