Gaokao (高考), Lark vs Owl. Right Surge in Europe.

 #502

I was listening to Economist article on Chinese Entrance Exam for students (Done this week) and so this blog, (Thank god I never took any entrance exam until my MBA Admissions in 2001) as well as Bartleby column on Owl vs Lark. (I am a Lark with 4am start!). 

The Toughest Entrance Exams for College Admissions: A Global Perspective

When it comes to college admissions, students around the world face some of the most grueling and competitive entrance exams. These tests not only challenge their academic prowess but also their endurance, resilience, and determination. One of the most notorious among these is China's Gaokao, but it’s not the only one. Let's explore some of the toughest entrance exams globally, delving into their structure, the number of students taking them, and the qualification rates.

1. China: Gaokao (高考)

The Gaokao, or the National College Entrance Examination, is perhaps the most famous (or infamous) of all college entrance exams due to its sheer intensity and high stakes.

• Duration and Structure: The exam lasts for up to 9 hours over two or three days, covering subjects like Chinese, Mathematics, and a foreign language (typically English), with additional sections depending on the student’s chosen stream (science or humanities).
• Number of Students: Approximately 10 million students take the Gaokao each year.
• Qualification Rate: About 75-80% of test-takers achieve scores that qualify them for some form of higher education. However, only around 10% gain admission to the top-tier universities (Project 985 and Project 211 universities). The # refers to dates in Chinese Format. 

2. India: IIT-JEE (Joint Entrance Examination)

In India, the IIT-JEE is the gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), some of the most esteemed engineering institutions in the world.

• Stages: The exam has two stages – JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Only the top scorers from JEE Main qualify for JEE Advanced.
• Complexity: Known for its extremely challenging questions that test conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Number of Students: Over 1.3 million students appear for the JEE Main annually, with around 150,000 qualifying for JEE Advanced.
• Qualification Rate: Roughly 10-15% of those who take JEE Main qualify for JEE Advanced. Out of those, about 10,000 secure admission to the IITs, translating to less than 1% of the initial applicants.

3. United States: SAT/ACT and College-Specific Tests

While the SAT and ACT are standard tests for college admissions in the U.S., several elite universities have their own stringent admission processes.

• Holistic Review: U.S. colleges consider SAT/ACT scores alongside essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and interviews.
• AP Exams and Subject Tests: Students often take multiple Advanced Placement (AP) exams and SAT Subject Tests to bolster their applications.
• Specific Exams: Institutions like MIT and Caltech have additional testing requirements or subject-specific exams.
• Number of Students: Around 2 million students take the SAT, and another 1.9 million take the ACT each year.
• Qualification Rate: Admission rates vary significantly across universities. For instance, Ivy League schools have acceptance rates ranging from 4% to 10%. Top universities often accept students who are in the top 1-2% of SAT/ACT scores along with other outstanding credentials.

4. United Kingdom: A-Levels and Oxbridge Entrance Exams

In the UK, students typically take A-Levels, but for prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge (Oxbridge), additional entrance exams are required.

• A-Levels: Students take exams in their chosen subjects, which are highly specialized and rigorous.
• Oxbridge: Entrance exams such as the Oxford MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) or the Cambridge STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper) are among the most challenging, designed to test deeper understanding and aptitude.
• Number of Students: Approximately 300,000 students take A-Levels annually.
• Qualification Rate: For Oxbridge, about 70,000 applicants vie for roughly 7,000 places, making the acceptance rate around 10%. Successful candidates typically achieve AAA or higher in their A-Levels. For specific exams, only about 20% of applicants pass the Oxford MAT or Cambridge STEP to reach the interview stage.

5. South Korea: Suneung (CSAT)

The College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), known as Suneung, is a critical exam for South Korean students.

• Structure: A comprehensive test covering Korean, Mathematics, English, Social Studies/Science, and a second foreign language.
• Number of Students: Around 500,000 students take the CSAT each year.
• Qualification Rate: Approximately 70% of students achieve scores that allow them to enter some form of higher education. However, only about 2% get into the top universities like Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University.

6. Japan: National Center Test for University Admissions

The Japanese National Center Test is another significant example of rigorous college entrance exams.

• Format: A standardized test covering a range of subjects including Japanese, foreign languages, mathematics, and sciences.
• Two-Stage Process: After the Center Test, students often face additional university-specific exams that further filter candidates.
• Number of Students: About 550,000 students take the National Center Test annually.
• Qualification Rate: Around 80% qualify for some higher education institutions. Admission to top universities, such as the University of Tokyo or Kyoto University, is extremely competitive, with acceptance rates of approximately 10-20% for those who pass the university-specific secondary exams.

Conclusion

The Gaokao might be the epitome of rigorous college entrance exams, but it is part of a global tapestry of challenging tests that students face. Whether it's the IIT-JEE in India, the SAT/ACT in the United States, A-Levels and Oxbridge exams in the UK, the Suneung in South Korea, or the National Center Test in Japan, each system presents unique challenges and pressures. These exams not only test academic knowledge but also shape the future trajectories of millions of students worldwide.

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The Owl vs. The Lark: Night Owls vs. Early Risers

The debate between night owls and early risers has been ongoing for years. Some people thrive in the quiet hours of the night, while others find their energy peaks with the rising sun. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each lifestyle can help you determine which might be more suitable for your routine. Personally, I find early rising to be the way to go, but let’s explore both perspectives before drawing a conclusion. Dan Pink's book covers this a lot. 

The Night Owl: Thriving in the Moonlight

Advantages:

• Creative Burst: Many night owls experience a surge of creativity and productivity during the late hours. The quiet and solitude can be conducive to deep thinking and uninterrupted work.
• Flexible Hours: Night owls often have the flexibility to engage in activities that don't conform to traditional schedules. This can be beneficial for jobs or hobbies that require late-night attention.
• Modern Lifestyle Compatibility: The current digital age, with its 24/7 connectivity, often caters to night owls. Online businesses, entertainment, and social interactions can occur at any time, supporting those who prefer to stay up late.

Challenges:

• Social and Professional Constraints: Most societies operate on a daytime schedule, which can be challenging for night owls who need to align with standard working hours.
• Health Issues: Research indicates that night owls might be more prone to certain health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, due to disrupted circadian rhythms.
• Limited Morning Time: Starting the day late can sometimes result in a rushed or truncated morning routine, impacting overall productivity.

The Early Riser: Embracing the Dawn

Advantages:

• Peak Productivity: Early risers often find that the morning hours are their most productive. With fewer distractions, they can focus on critical tasks and set a positive tone for the day.
• Mental Freshness: Waking up early aligns with our natural circadian rhythms, often resulting in better mental alertness and cognitive function throughout the day.
• Consistent Routine: Early risers typically establish more consistent routines, which can lead to better sleep quality, improved mental health, and a more balanced lifestyle.

Challenges:

• Social Limitations: Early risers might miss out on late-night social activities or events, which can impact their social life.
• Adjustment Period: Shifting to an early riser schedule requires discipline and an adjustment period, which can be difficult for those naturally inclined to stay up late.
• Evening Fatigue: Early risers might experience fatigue earlier in the evening, which can limit evening activities or interactions.

My Personal Experience as an Early Riser

As someone who wakes up at 4 a.m., I can attest to the benefits of early rising. By the time most people are just starting their day, I've already completed my key tasks. This head start not only boosts my productivity but also leaves me feeling refreshed and energized until the evening.

Conclusion: Finding Your Optimal Routine

While I firmly believe in the benefits of early rising, it's important to acknowledge that individual preferences and lifestyles play a significant role in determining one's optimal routine. Here are some tips for finding what works best for you:

1. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to when you feel most alert and productive. Your natural rhythms can provide clues about whether you're a night owl or an early riser.
2. Experiment: Try adjusting your sleep and wake times gradually to see how it impacts your productivity and well-being.
3. Consistency is Key: Whatever schedule you choose, maintaining a consistent routine is crucial for long-term success.

Ultimately, whether you're an owl or a lark, the goal is to find a balance that enhances your productivity, health, and happiness. Early rising works wonders for me, but the best schedule is the one that aligns with your natural tendencies and life demands.

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Right-Wing Surge in European Parliament: Implications for Climate Policies and Leadership

Context of the Right-Wing Surge

In recent years, Europe has seen a rise in right-wing parties, driven by various factors such as immigration concerns, economic frustrations, and a pushback against supranational governance. These parties often prioritize national sovereignty, economic protectionism, and conservative social values. The European Parliament elections (Brussels) in which 27 countries elect their representatives concluded and results are out. The Right wing parties have surged! 

Impact on Climate Policies and the Green Deal

Right-wing parties generally have a more skeptical stance on climate change initiatives, (My view too, it is overhyped and evidences are not strong) arguing for a balance between environmental concerns and economic growth. Here’s what their increased presence could mean:

1. Halting or Modifying the Green Deal:

   • Skepticism Towards Climate Action: Many right-wing parties question the urgency and methods of current climate policies. They may push to halt or significantly modify the European Green Deal, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.
   • Economic Focus: These parties often prioritize economic growth and job creation over stringent environmental regulations, arguing that such policies could harm industries and lead to job losses.
   • Energy Independence: There might be a stronger focus on energy independence and security, potentially supporting traditional energy sources like coal and nuclear over renewable energies.

2. ESG Initiatives:

   • Regulatory Pushback: Right-wing parties may advocate for reducing regulations related to ESG criteria, viewing them as burdensome for businesses.( My view too ESG Especially S and G is a joke played on Industries, and Industries suck up to it without fighting back, thank god there is Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy and now few Hegde funds are calling out the bluff!) 
   • Corporate Freedom: They might emphasize corporate freedom and market-driven solutions over mandated ESG compliance, arguing that businesses should prioritize profitability and shareholder value.

Potential Impact on Leadership

The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has been a strong advocate for the Green Deal and comprehensive climate policies. A significant right-wing presence in the European Parliament could challenge her leadership:

1. Parliamentary Dynamics:

   • Increased Opposition: With right-wing parties potentially securing 25% of the seats, von der Leyen’s policies could face more robust opposition. This could lead to intense debates and potential gridlocks on climate-related legislation.
   • Legislative Influence: While right-wing parties may not have a majority, their influence could sway center-right parties and lead to compromises or watering down of green policies.

2. Unseating von der Leyen:

   • Confidence Vote: The European Parliament has the power to remove the Commission President through a vote of no confidence. However, achieving this requires a two-thirds majority, making it a challenging feat even with increased right-wing representation.
   • Coalition Building: The dynamics will depend heavily on coalition-building. If right-wing parties can ally with other conservative or centrist groups, they might push for new leadership more aligned with their views.

Conclusion

The rise of right-wing parties in the European Parliament reflects broader societal shifts and presents significant challenges to current climate policies and leadership. While it is unlikely that they will unseat Ursula von der Leyen without broader support, their influence could lead to substantial modifications of the Green Deal and other climate initiatives. The future of Europe’s environmental and governance policies will hinge on the ability of various political factions to negotiate and find common ground amidst these changing dynamics.

Karthik

10th June 2024, 930am.