Since 2014, Shaanxi Province has implemented a comprehensive evaluation enrollment policy for higher vocational colleges, combining academic performance, comprehensive qualifications, and vocational adaptability to create a diversified evaluation system. This policy aims to promote educational equity and support the diverse development of students. The study reveals significant differences in the psychological and behavioral characteristics of regular Gaokao students and those admitted through the comprehensive evaluation process. Regular students, typically focused on academics, tend to perform well in their studies but show lower levels of innovation, social interaction, and emotional regulation. In contrast, comprehensive evaluation students demonstrate stronger self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills, excelling in practical application and innovation, although their academic performance is slightly lower. The experience of Shaanxi’s enrollment reform provides valuable insights for the national higher vocational education system, offering a reference for optimizing enrollment and talent development strategies, enhancing education quality, and fostering the holistic development of students.