Persistent Student, 56, Weighs Quitting After 27 College Entrance Exam Attempts

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Jun 28, 12:03 am

Photo: (Photo : Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Liang Shi, 56, has persistently pursued his dream of achieving a satisfactory score on China's college entrance exam, known as the "gaokao." Despite his relentless efforts over the past 27 years, Liang has once again fallen short, unable to secure admission into a top university. Taking place in early June, the gaokao is a grueling two-day exam undertaken by millions of students across China. For most candidates, this test is their sole criterion for college admission, allowing only one attempt per year.

Liang Shi's Scores Fall Short of University Admission

According to CNN, Liang's determination and unconventional journey have garnered national attention. Disappointed with his performance in each previous attempt since he first took the gaokao 40 years ago, Liang filmed a video on Douyin expressing his dissatisfaction after completing the exam this year. However, his fears were confirmed when the results were released on Friday. With a score of 428 out of 750, Liang's performance was lower than the previous year, rendering his chances of admission to most colleges, including elite institutions like Sichuan University, slim.

In a live stream hosted by Sichuan TV, Liang openly expressed his disappointment, stating, "I'm so disappointed now, so disappointed. I don't think the score can be as bad as this. Although I thought this test was a bit of a failure, I didn't think I'd get lower than last year's score anyway." Liang's disappointment extends across all subjects, but particularly in Chinese and the liberal arts. Despite his persistent efforts, his pursuit of university admission has remained elusive.

Liang's journey began in 1983, when he took his first gaokao as a young student but failed to meet the minimum score for college admission. He continued to try for the next two years, with similar outcomes. While he briefly attended a technical school in the following decade, he quit and pursued various odd jobs. Nevertheless, he kept studying and intermittently attempted the gaokao, even achieving high enough scores in 1992 to enter a university in Nanjing. However, unsatisfied with the offer, he declined and continued his pursuit.

After a period of not taking the exam due to age restrictions, Liang resumed in 2001, when the age limit was lifted. Since 2010, he has consistently taken the gaokao each year, dedicating countless hours to study and leaving no stone unturned in his quest for admission. Liang's dedication was evident in his rigorous study routine over the past year, spending long hours studying at a friend's tea house and accepting the possibility of attending any "key university" that would accept him, even if Sichuan University remained out of reach.

The Crucial Path to Higher Education and Social Mobility in China

However, as he reviewed his disappointing results, Liang expressed uncertainty about his future plans, contemplating whether he should attempt the exam again in 2024. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, "I believe I am OK in every aspect, but the results prove again and again that I am not. If I can indeed find the problem and change it, and my score can come up, then I may still not give up." Liang's story highlights the immense pressure placed on Chinese students preparing for the gaokao and the significance of the exam in shaping their future opportunities. With rising competition and a challenging job market, Chinese youth face mounting obstacles in their aspirations for higher education and success.

The gaokao's difficulty and the weight it carries have long been known. Students invest months in intense preparation, seeking to secure their path to success and social mobility. However, with an expanding pool of candidates, competition for limited spots at select universities is intensifying. The number of candidates this year reached 12.91 million, a significant increase from the previous year, raising concerns among students already grappling with an uncertain economy and diminishing opportunities.

While young Chinese people are pursuing advanced degrees in an effort to gain an advantage, the pandemic and government regulations that are affecting key industries make the job market even more difficult for them. China's youth unemployment rate has reached record levels, currently standing at 20.8%, with projections suggesting a prolonged period of high unemployment.

Liang Shi's unwavering determination serves as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. His journey reflects the struggles faced by countless Chinese students, demonstrating the perseverance required to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.