Introduction

Growing up in the United States, I often heard the stereotype that "Chinese students are better at math." As I got older, I started wondering: where does this idea come from? And what does it really mean to be "good at math" in different parts of the world?

In this project, I explore two major college entrance exams: China’s Gaokao and the U.S. SAT.  I aim to see how the math questions on these exams reveal deeper educational values.

You don't need any background in mathematics to follow along. I'll walk through examples clearly and focus on the bigger picture:

What kinds of skills and mindsets do these exams reward, and what visions of education and society do they reflect? 

Education systems don't just transmit knowledge from teacher to student, they produce the next generation of a country's citizens. So by understanding the different motivations behind the Gaokao and the SAT, we can better reflect on what we prioritize in our own educational goals.

How to Navigate This Site

• Background: Quick overview of the Gaokao and SAT.

• Inside the Math: Concrete examples and comparisons, both from textbooks and the real exams.

• Reflection:  My reflections on this project.

• Bibliography: References I've used for this project.