The Influence of Ethnic Minority Demographics on Provincial Preferential Policy Making in the Chinese College Admission System

Abstract

This study focuses on the various provinces’ preferential policies towards ethnic minorities in the Chinese college admission system, specifically in term of bonus points awarded in the National College Entrance Examination. It explores how demographics of ethnic minorities in provinces influence provincial governments’ preferential policy-making. By examining 31 Chinese provinces’ population, education, economic data, and bonus point policies, this study finds that a higher percentage of minority population likely prompts provincial governments to make more generous and detailed policies. However, whether autonomous counties are significantly disadvantaged educationally (lower student enrollment rates in regular secondary school) and financially (lower GDP per capita) compared to regular counties does not seem to affect preferential policy making. Two noticeable outliers in the study are Sichuan province and Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region.