@cobrat and @Canuckguy , thank you for your knowledgable input to this thread. And cobrat, I think all you have described about the cultural legacy left behind from Maoist policies is really interesting. It not only explains how the current higher education system has become what it is, but also helps explain much about current Chinese culture in general. In some ways it isn’t so different here, or anywhere else in the world. The haves will always be trying to get ahead even more, and the have-nots will always be trying to get a foot on the ladder to have-dom.
I have nothing to add, other than I am completely fascinated with China and I can’t wait to visit again.