A new type of entrance exam is being pioneered by some of China's top higher learning establishments. It's hoped the process will be more convenient for applicants applying from remote areas and also ease pressure on students taking enrollment exams.

The tests are being conducted in 29 sites around the nation. The new exams mainly focus on testing student's knowledge, potential, and practical and analysis capabilities, which is different from the tradition college entrance examination. The old exams focussed on general knowledge taken from text books and used a grade point average to select candidates.

It's hoped the new system where individual grades are assessed, will ease pressure on students who only have one chance a year to enroll and pass university exams. Sundays tests were conducted by a 13 member enrollment alliance which included Peking and Fudan Universities The third alliance will hold its exams over the coming week. It is estimated that about 160-thousand students will take part in this year's trial period. Here's what some students think about the new process.

"I think it's better. The enrollment standards are different at each university. Each one can choose its most-needed students according to test grades on different subjects. And we can choose a university which most fits us according to their design of the course and examination papers." One student said.

Parent of student said, "I think this extra examination will not put too much pressure on the students. Instead, it offered another chance."