Urumqi high schools in China primarily admit students through a standardized entrance examination known as the Gaokao. This exam is a national-level assessment that evaluates students' academic performance in various subjects, including Chinese, Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The Gaokao scores are crucial for admission, as they determine a student's eligibility and placement in different high schools. In addition to the Gaokao, some schools may consider other factors such as extracurricular activities, interviews, and recommendations.

The Gaokao is conducted annually in June, and students typically take it in their final year of high school. The scores are then used by high schools to rank and select candidates for admission. The admission process varies among schools, but generally, students must meet the minimum score requirements set by each institution. Some schools may also have additional criteria, such as a specific ranking or a certain number of points for extracurricular achievements.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in 2020 indicates that approximately 10.5 million students took the Gaokao that year. The Gaokao is a highly competitive exam, with a limited number of high school seats available compared to the number of applicants. This competition underscores the importance of achieving high scores in the exam for securing admission to a desired high school.

The Gaokao system is designed to ensure fairness and equity in the admission process. However, it has also been criticized for its emphasis on academic performance, which may not fully capture a student's potential or diverse talents. Despite these concerns, the Gaokao remains a pivotal component of the admission process for Urumqi high schools, reflecting the country's commitment to standardized education and meritocracy.