Comparison of Higher Education in China and the U.S

Abstract: With stabilizing societies worldwide, the differences in higher education have been widely discussed. Yet, the fundamental causes remained to be studied. In this paper, influences of history and culture, admission process system, and design of curriculum in different regions have been comparatively analyzed. The paper concluded that China advocates an exam-driven system such as Gaokao as a highly effective tool for meritocracy but limits flexibility, while the U.S. adopts a decentralized and holistic approach and emphasizes diversity. These factors significantly impact students and even the whole society, including social mobility, values of collectivism and individualism, and so on. Ultimately, the paper reveals broader implications of higher education on Chinese and American students respectively, assessing from a few perspectives, including learning efficiency, formation of personality, individual future pathways, and even the nation itself. Yet, there are potential challenges in both higher education in China and the U.S., mental health issues, and a narrow view of the admission process are some examples taken into account for China, while fairness, over-flexibility, and class differentiation occurred in America.