Comparative analyses and reflection on the “application–assessment” system and requirements for doctoral enrollment in pratacultural sciences in institutions of higher learning in China

The “application–assessment” system of doctoral enrollment is implemented in domestic pratacultural sciences based on 15 units that are considered as the research objects. Herein, we compared and analyzed the relevant factors, such as application requirements, documents, assessment forms, composition and the percentage in assessment decides the enrollment. Furthermore, the commonalities and characteristics were summarized to explore possible reformations for the “application–assessment” system of doctoral enrollment in pratacultural sciences. In addition, we discussed three aspects: the ability and accomplishment that a stage in a master’s program focuses on improving; opinions and suggestions for master’s students who are willing to pursue higher studies, to choose a college for doctoral enrollment; and thoughts and reflections on the “application–assessment” system of doctoral enrollment. Based on these aspects, the following five suggestions were put forward to reform and enhance doctoral education in pratacultural sciences: 1) optimizing the point access system under the combination model; 2) innovating various forms of re-examining assessment content; 3) exploring the objection and appeal mechanism for multi-party supervision; 4) shortlisting outstanding students with strong scientific research aspirations; and 5) breaking the traditional invisible barriers, thereby enhancing the fairness for the sustainable and healthy development of graduate education in pratacultural sciences.