After-school challenge another test for youth

The scores of the national college entrance exams were released on the weekend. About 1.29 million of the exam-takers, around 10 percent, who didn't get a good enough score to get into university face the choice of spending another year studying so they can sit the exams again next year or trying to elbow their way into the already cutthroat job market, where their middle school education background does not give them any advantage over their counterparts graduating from vocational schools.

But they, along with those belonging to the 90 percent, should realize that the day when a college diploma was a ticket for a stable job and comfortable life is long gone.

The downward pressure on the economy and the tremendous employment pressure the 11.58 million college graduates face this year mean that even entering university only delays the competition to find a job, it doesn't guarantee those who are leaving university will get the one they want.

Especially as the courses and subjects many higher learning institutions offer today still lag behind the fast evolution of technology and industries.

With employers focusing on specific skills and experience, young people should think rationally about their future. With the remarkable advancement of information technology, there are more ways to access new information and learn useful skills and technologies than before. Although the higher scorers in the national college entrance exams will be feted and have many choices, there is no need for those who got lower scores to feel pessimistic about their future if they find the right path to take.

It is suggested the education authorities provide some career and vocational planning and skills training for the latter, particularly those in the rural regions, so they can continue to strive for a better future.