More Chinese students sit SAT test

According to new data from Chinese educational training institutions, fifty percent more Chinese students chose to sit the standardized admissions test or 'SAT,' to get to colleges in the United States...

Than China's own gruelling college entrance exam... Despite the high cost and great distance of doing so.

We caught up with some of these students in Shanghai, who are about to sit the test in Hong Kong...

PKG

In Shanghai Pudong Airport, an "Exam Group" of more than 30 candidates is about to set off to Hong Kong, to attend the last SAT test of the year.

Most of the students come from Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai area, and many are accepted by education institutions through the group.

According to the group's head teacher, Sheng Jialei from New Oriental training school, when the American University application deadline approaches, applications through New Oriental grow.

SOUNDBITE(CHINESE) SHENG JIALEI, U.S. HQ Consultant of Shanghai New Oriental:

"In the last two years, no matter in May, June or in October, November and December, the number of applicants is rising every month. For example, the number of SAT candidates in December is relatively small, but the applications through New Oriental are up to 220 this month."

Estimates from training institutions show the total number of mainland students taking the SAT this year is about 50,000 - more than double last year, and six times more than five years ago...

Even though many fail, the first time round:

SOUNDBITE(CHINESE) SU, Candidate:

"This is my third time taking the exam. I've spent lots of money. The registration fee is about 4.8 dollars each time. For the travelling group, it's about 642 dollars each time."

But regardless of the money and distance, the SAT is increasingly Chinese students' test of choice.

The SAT only tests English and mathematics, instead of the many subjects in the highly challenging and decisive Chinese college entrance examination: the 'gaokao.'

Meaning less pressure, to perform...

SOUNDBITE(CHINESE) MS. TANG, Parent:

"I think the opportunity given to children should not be just once. Because there are many reasons that may lead to a failure in exams. The child may be too stressed, if it's an exam of lifetime or he does not feel well during the exams, something like that. Stress may lead to bad performance in the exams, even if the student used to get good grades. However, as to SAT, students can attend it more than one time and choose an ideal grade. This gives children more opportunities."

But the SAT is still only the first step, for the many students who want to study abroad...

Language exams and other application materials are also needed.

As well as being ready for a completely new environment - something many say, will broaden the minds of China's next generation.

And that's all for this edition of China Report. Thank you for joining us.More news on our website--www.cncworld.tv...Bye for now.

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