With the variety of new educational pathways emerging, parents must be more discerning.
Can “international programs” really provide a way to “sneak into top universities with low scores”?
Today marks the start of the 2025 college enrollment process in Beijing, and with it comes a flurry of recommendations through social media platforms advocating for alternative pathways beyond the traditional college entrance examination. Options like international bachelor’s programs and Sino-foreign cooperative education initiatives are growing rapidly, leaving many parents feeling overwhelmed by the choices, especially as social media influencers suddenly claim expertise in educational planning. Amidst this excitement, it’s crucial for parents to focus on gathering and verifying information.
Is it possible to attend a 985 university with just undergraduate scores?
Many articles suggest, “With a Sino-foreign cooperative international bachelor’s program, you won’t need to go abroad, and the costs are manageable for typical families.” One parent, Ms. Lin, found herself drawn to these claims while researching educational options for her high school senior. The messaging presented these programs as shortcuts to prestigious universities with high-value diplomas. “My child’s grades are average. Is it possible to use a Sino-foreign cooperative program to fulfill our dream of attending a top university?” she pondered.
Investigations reveal that reputable institutions like Beijing Institute of Technology do indeed have 4+0 and 3+0 cooperative programs. For instance, the 4+0 program with Utah State University allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree while studying entirely in China for four years, which seems appealing given the more relaxed admission criteria. Enrollment for the 2024 batch requires students to meet the local undergraduate admission score and achieve at least 60% in English and Math. However, while the overall cost of approximately 390,000 RMB over four years is more affordable than studying abroad, there’s less clarity regarding the degree awarded. Graduates receive a diploma from Utah State University, although Beijing Institute of Technology does not issue its own certificates, raising questions about their distinct advantages.
Similar offerings, such as the 3+0 program at Beijing Institute of Technology and the accounting program at Central University of Finance and Economics, also abide by different admission standards pre- and post-examination, ultimately granting degrees from foreign institutions that are considered less prestigious.
Are there genuinely cooperative programs providing dual degrees without leaving the country?
Yes, such options do exist, but they often require significant qualifications. For example, China Agricultural University offers a 4+0 program in partnership with the University of Colorado Denver, where students can obtain diplomas from both institutions depending on the category of admission they fall under.
Shanghai New York University is another popular choice for parents, as graduates receive diplomas from both its own institution and New York University. The process for applying for enrollment for 2025 has just been announced, requiring potential students to submit grades and test scores before being invited for a campus day, followed by passing the national exam—a competitive process that narrows candidates significantly.
Is it feasible for students to bypass high school entirely and jump directly into an undergraduate program?
Some narratives are significantly exaggerated, implying that poor-performing students can easily enter esteemed foreign universities. One video claimed that families with annual incomes of 200,000 RMB needn’t worry about entrance exams, suggesting it’s as easy as paying 800,000 RMB to enter institutions like Nanyang Technological University in Singapore right after middle school. However, the reality is quite different.
A resident, Ms. Bai, who graduated from middle school in China and subsequently moved to Singapore, noted, “You definitely need a high school diploma; no one gets into university with just a middle school certificate.” Admission to Singaporean junior colleges—akin to pre-university programs—requires passing O-Level exams. Ms. Bai emphasized that one must achieve high grades to gain entry even to these junior colleges, and she highlighted how entry requirements for public universities in Singapore remain stringent.
Claims that students can enroll in junior colleges without sufficient academic credentials overlook the reality that both junior colleges and universities have their own entrance criteria, delineating a confusing narrative. Ms. Bai pointed out that simply having some qualifications doesn’t guarantee entry into reputable universities.
Calls claiming that anyone can enter a public university with just 300 points lack credibility and serve to mislead prospective students and parents. Many of the paths marketed as “easy bypasses” frequently obscure factual details, enticing families based on wishful thinking rather than reality.
Currently, as educational models diversify, they present students with numerous options, yet there remains a lack of reliable information sources evaluating these various programs objectively. It falls to parents and students to seek out accurate details from official institutional websites or direct inquiries.
In the end, while various pathways exist, a critical examination is necessary when navigating the increasingly complex landscape of education and admissions processes.
