Eames Patel

The score you get from Gaokao is the one and only factor that will be considered by the admission committee of universities. Since key universities (211 and 985 project universities) are way better than others, it is crucial to get into one of those universities to have a career after graduation.

But it's not all that bad if one fails. While I am feeling good about myself getting into a 211, some others who failed have started their business or taught themselves remarkable things, etc. So, it cannot totally 'shape' your life, nothing can, but still, a significant step.