For those who dream of a career in acting whether it be on stage or on the big screen, getting the right training is often the first step in the process. But with limited space within some of the performing arts institutes, it makes it an extremely challenging first hurdle for aspiring actors. There are now more applicants then ever before and competition is fierce. But with those that actually get in, what are they really getting？

This year, the prestigious Beijing Film Academy offered 30 places on its bachelor's degree course in acting, but the number of applicants topped the 7,000 mark.

The Central Academy of Drama was swamped by the same number of candidates even though it only had 50 places available.

And it's not just the aspiring actors who are getting turned away. 

The Chinese Academy of Fine Arts has 100 openings for its Fine Arts major, while competitors for the course reached 50,000. Even the Capital Normal University received 5,000 applications for its fine arts degree course.

Although the number of applicants is growing, their quality is, according to the art schools, less than satisfactory.

As art schools require lower scores on entrance examinations than normal colleges, some students think it will be easy to get in. This is another reason for the popularity of art schools.

This misunderstanding traps some students in a dream world. They spend money and energy but gain little. Getting into college is becoming more and more difficult for all Chinese students. Those heading for a career in the arts must work harder than most if they truly want starry futures.

(CCTV.com February 19, 2004)