Parents wait outside a gaokao exam venue in Baotou, North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region on June 7 –– the first day of the exam. The gaokao, also known as the National College Entrance Exam, is considered to have the potential to change a person’s life. [Photo/baotounews.com.cn]

A student smiles after finishing the first day of the test on June 7. [Photo/baotounews.com.cn]