Tests are important but they shouldn't change or determine your success. In the article “ Chinese cram schools” the Gaokao test can determine the rest of the students lives. This is very different from the American standardized tests. The test such as SAT and ACT put stress on students but not as much as the Gaokao.

          The article, “Chinese cram schools”, states that the Gaokao test can determine the rest of the students lives. This is different from the American standardized tests,  as the SAT and ACT aren't as important in determining the students lives as the Gaokao. For example , in the article,  it states "failing the Gaokao likely means that you will end up working in a factory or in a construction job." However,  if you fail the American standardized tests you aren't bound to one job. 

          The article,” Chinese cram schools” states that the Gaokao test is so important to schools, students and teachers that they eliminate anything that is a distraction. For example, it states "cell phones and laptops are forbidden. The dorms, where about half the students live , have no electrical outlets and  dating  is banned. In town, where the rest of the students live, mostly with their mothers in tiny partitioned rooms, the local government has shut down all forms of entertainment." This  shows that the government, town and many parents all know how important and stressful the Gaokao is. This is different than the American standardized tests because the government, schools and towns don't all participate in making kids study.  

          In conclusion,  the Gaokao tests do put extended stress on high school students. However, this is different than the American Standardized tests because, even though they are stressful they don't determine your future.