Dec CSCA Exam Results Are Out! The Verdict: Physics Was a "Killer" and Math Was Polarizing
Feb 5, 2026 Update | Post-Exam Data Analysis
Dec CSCA Results Analysis
The scores for the December CSCA session have officially rolled out. We've seen 90+ scores, but also panic from students dealing with system crashes or unexpected difficulty spikes.
We analyzed hundreds of student reactions to compile this breakdown of real difficulty levels, common traps, and the actual score distribution.
Scores Are Lower
The consensus is clear: It was harder than expected. Or rather, the topics were more specific than anticipated.
Subject Breakdown
Math was the most polarizing subject. While A-Level Further Math students found it manageable, others struggled massively.
- Traps: Students reported the paper felt like "almost entirely Trigonometry."
- Reality: Many lost points on Identities, Special Angles, and Transformations.
If Math had mixed reviews, Physics was almost universally described as brutal.
- Ambush: Electromagnetism made up nearly 50% of the paper.
- Score Drop: Scores in the 30-50 range were surprisingly common.
Students felt good during the test but were shocked by the results. This suggests the grading rubric is extremely strict or the multiple-choice questions contained hidden traps.
What is a "Good" Score?
- Top Tier (Tsinghua/SJTU): You need 85+ or 90+ to be competitive for STEM majors.
- Tier 1 (HIT/Tongji): Math 75+ and Physics/Chem 70+ is the safe zone.
- Passing Line: Anything below 60 is typically considered a "Fail" in the Chinese system.
Summary & Strategy
The December exam was a wake-up call. The CSCA is not a formality; it is a rigorous academic filter.
To the January Candidates: The difficulty bar has been set. If your score is below 60, or if you need a Type A Scholarship but scored below 75, the advice is clear: Retake the exam.
Turn Your Score Around in 15 Days
We updated our curriculum to target the exact weak points identified in the December session.
Get the Intensive Video CourseOr check our Lightweight Self-Study Package