Do New Gaokao Schemes Increase Students’ Autonomy in Subject Selection: An Empirical Analysis Based on the CatBoost Regression Tree Model

Abstract

In China, the college entrance examination (also known as Gaokao) is an event of paramount importance to the public. In the context of educational reform, the new Gaokao schemes are undergoing adjustments and improvements. The issue of whether the new Gaokao schemes are effective in supporting autonomous subject selection of students is pending further research. This article is an empirical investigation of the issue based on data from 2022’s “Gaokao reform questionnaire survey” of college students who have gone through the whole process of the high-stakes examination.