At present in mainland China, competition in education has become excessive; competition has been increasing, and a competitive mentality is on the rise. The formative causes of excess competition in education are complex; with both practical and conceptual causes. Its roots can be traced to intensifying social competition, a one-sided understanding of education and human development, and a misconception of competition. In practice, excess competition in education has had a serious negative impact. On the basis of surveys, observation, and interviews, this article integrates China's social reality and educational practices and analyzes the origin and consequences of excess competition in education.