Abstract: Scientific literacy, a reflection of national overall strength, is essential for the national implementation of innovation for development. K-12 science education is a main channel to develop scientific literacy, and the college entrance examination (CEE)has a guiding effecton K-12 education. Based on the practice of CEE in Jiangsu province, this article analyzes the utilitarian tendency in the current CEE model, which causes the decreased number of applicants in science subjects, making science courses "marginalized". It then argues that a scientific and fair system of examination and enrollment should be established, including granting colleges and universities the autonomy in enrollment,updating the concept of education and teaching and improving evaluation mechanism. This will help promote the development of scientific literacy and offer some policy implications for the CEE reform.

Key words: CEE reform, scientific literacy, academic level examination, autonomy in enrollment