From the Readers

What's the buzz

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-06-13 08:54

Some prestigious Chinese universities have signaled they will reduce the size of their freshman classes despite easier access to college admission in general. Many universities have also announced a downsizing in graduate school admissions after a boom in the last few years. How do people feel about such downsizing? Some readers of China Daily mobile news share their views.

Enrollment expansion served as an emergency measure in order to allow more high school graduates to enter universities as the number of examinees increased. However, the true problems are a shortage in university teaching resources and insufficient fundamental facilities. Recent years have witnessed a drop in the number of candidates, resulting in an opportunity to reduce enrollment, which will be more beneficial for utilizing resources to train talent.

Zijun, Xi'an, Shaanxi province

It is more difficult to enter a prestigious university than it is to find a job, even the ideal job. Therefore, it is better to adjust one's attitude toward universities at the age of 19 or 20 than adjust oneself to the harsh realities of life after graduation. It will help develop a healthier personality. I am totally for this idea.

Qiuyu, Baoji, Shaanxi province

Although entering a university is not the only way to success, it is a faster and more effective way to train talent. Since university resources are limited, it is more favorable to develop elite education by cutting the scale of enrollment and concentrating superior resources on the minority.

The majority can learn how to become a better self by entering common universities. It is not correct to say that national quality can only be promoted if everyone pursues a doctor's degree at a prestigious university, because society needs talents of all kinds at different levels. That's why I support top universities cutting their enrollment.

Shengxia, Beijing

There is nothing wrong with elite education, but universities should think twice before cutting their enrollment.

Why can't the universities improve the quality of higher education by making the entrance easy and exit hard? Higher education should help the non-elite to become elite through education, rather than only give chances to a few.

Hua'er, Chongqing

Will a reduction in enrollment ensure the success of the elite? The elite should be judged on their intelligence and morality instead of the overall number. If only a small number of people have access to higher education, they will become the elite as others will be stripped of their right to be educated at the same universities.

Ansu, Xuzhou, Jiangsu province

I can only see selfishness in this move by renowned universities. The nation invests a huge amount of public funds in these universities so as to produce more talent for the country's development. Downsizing in enrollment means an unequal distribution of education resources.

A China Daily mobile news reader, Beijing

(China Daily 06/13/2011 page9)