Gaokao policies remain tough in major cities(2)

Migrant students in Guangdong are already doing a lot better than their peers in the Chinese capital. According to Beijing's newly published "transitional policies", the best migrant students there can do is to take part in the city's college-level vocational school entrance exam, and after that, apply to transfer to a 4 year college.

Dr. Xiong Bingqi, Deputy Director, Shanghai Jiaotong Univ. Press Office, said, "Don't let students study or take Gaokao in big cities where their migrant parents work is irresponsible and unfair."

Doctor Xiong's home city of Shanghai has given the go-ahead for migrant students whose parents meet its requirements, but experts say the "requirements" are likely to be just as tough as before.

China's Hukou or residency permit system and its effect on education have caused grief.

Zhou Lu, Shanghai Middle School Student, said, "If I have to go back to my hometown for school, I won't be able to hang out with my friends here any more. I don't know anybody back home."

Both sides of the argument feel like they are losing.

The country is hoping to get everyone on the same starting line, but it doesn't look to be an easy process.