Lan Gao is a senior project analyst in Institutional Research, the Office of the Provost at Harvard University.

As China, like many other countries, seeks to improve the quality of education for its citizens and long-term economic sustainability, it is important to have research to inform critical decisions. This study highlights key factors related to college-going, and I am hopeful that it will inform the design of policies aimed to increase both access and opportunity. Although the study examines China specifically, some of the implications can be applied to other cultures and nations worldwide.

• Chapter 1. IntroductionChapter 2. Literature Review and Empirical ResearchChapter 3. Models of Student College ChoiceChapter 4. Social Stratification and Higher Education Opportunities in ChinaChapter 5. Research DesignChapter 6. Introduction of Wuhu and the Two High SchoolsChapter 7. Fuzhong High School StudentsChapter 8. Nancheng High School StudentsChapter 9. Cross Case AnalysisChapter 10. Findings, Limitations, and Implications

Lan Gao is a senior project analyst in Institutional Research, the Office of the Provost at Harvard University.

As China, like many other countries, seeks to improve the quality of education for its citizens and long-term economic sustainability, it is important to have research to inform critical decisions. This study highlights key factors related to college-going, and I am hopeful that it will inform the design of policies aimed to increase both access and opportunity. Although the study examines China specifically, some of the implications can be applied to other cultures and nations worldwide.

• Chapter 1. IntroductionChapter 2. Literature Review and Empirical ResearchChapter 3. Models of Student College ChoiceChapter 4. Social Stratification and Higher Education Opportunities in ChinaChapter 5. Research DesignChapter 6. Introduction of Wuhu and the Two High SchoolsChapter 7. Fuzhong High School StudentsChapter 8. Nancheng High School StudentsChapter 9. Cross Case AnalysisChapter 10. Findings, Limitations, and Implications

Lan Gao is a senior project analyst in Institutional Research, the Office of the Provost at Harvard University.

As China, like many other countries, seeks to improve the quality of education for its citizens and long-term economic sustainability, it is important to have research to inform critical decisions. This study highlights key factors related to college-going, and I am hopeful that it will inform the design of policies aimed to increase both access and opportunity. Although the study examines China specifically, some of the implications can be applied to other cultures and nations worldwide.

• Chapter 1. IntroductionChapter 2. Literature Review and Empirical ResearchChapter 3. Models of Student College ChoiceChapter 4. Social Stratification and Higher Education Opportunities in ChinaChapter 5. Research DesignChapter 6. Introduction of Wuhu and the Two High SchoolsChapter 7. Fuzhong High School StudentsChapter 8. Nancheng High School StudentsChapter 9. Cross Case AnalysisChapter 10. Findings, Limitations, and Implications