Short answers.

When is the English gaokao?

Two consecutive days in early June, with core subjects in the morning and electives after lunch. Dates do not shift for weekends.

Are the practice questions on this site real gaokao questions?

No. Everything here is original, written in the shape of gaokao items but not copied from any actual paper. Weighting, formats and durations mirror the current examination structure.

How is the exam scored?

Core subjects (English, Mathematics, French) are 150 points each. Elective subjects are ~100 points each. Total around 750.

How many people take the exam each year?

Millions of candidates — the largest single-day examination in the country. Exact figures vary year to year.

Can I re-sit the exam?

Yes. A resit year is common; students enrol in dedicated resit classes or return to their old school. There is no cap on the number of times you can sit the exam.

How is the essay graded?

By trained examiners under a double-blind system. Two examiners independently score the same essay; if they diverge beyond a threshold, a third examiner (and if needed a review committee) resolves it.

What happens if I'm ill on exam day?

You sit the exam anyway if at all possible. Test centres accommodate medical needs (dedicated rooms, extended time in specific cases) but non-attendance means waiting a full year — there is no deferred sitting.

How long until results?

Typically 3–4 weeks after the exam. The application window opens within days of results being released.

Do universities look at anything besides the score?

For most students, the score plus subject-track eligibility drives the decision. Some competitive courses add interviews or a supplementary written paper; most read personal statements only at the margins.

Can I appeal my score?

You can request a recount — an administrative check that all questions were tallied and transcribed correctly. Substantive re-grading of subjective answers is not offered.

Do I need a calculator?

No. Calculators are not permitted in the exam room. All arithmetic must be done by hand — this is factored into paper design.

What pens should I bring?

Two 2B pencils for the multiple-choice bubbles, and two black-ink ballpoint pens for the free-response sections. Blue ink and gel pens are typically not permitted.

Can I take a gap year after the exam?

Yes. Most universities will defer your place by one year on request. Two-year deferrals are less common and reviewed case by case.

What if my score is much lower than predicted?

You have three options: accept a lower-ranked offer via the insurance choice, apply through the supplementary round for universities with unfilled places, or take a resit year. All three are common.

Is my score comparable to other regions?

Not directly. Regional quotas mean that the same score entitles you to different universities depending on where you sat. Compare within your own region only.

Can I switch subjects between mock exams?

Formally you commit to your subject track early in the final year; changes after that are difficult and require a subject-eligibility review by your school.

How do universities know my school grades?

Predicted grades from your school are sent with your application. Final marks come from the exam board directly to the university once results are released.

Can I retake individual subjects, or must I retake the whole exam?

You retake the whole exam in a resit year. Individual-subject retakes are not offered.