Many Unusual Long-Term Test Takers in China's Gaokao
12.91 Million Candidates This Year...Intense Competition
Case of 56-Year-Old Preparing for University Entrance Exam for the 27th Time
China's version of the college entrance exam, the 'Gaokao,' concluded on the 8th (local time), drawing attention to the stories of 'long-term test takers' who have been challenging the exam for nearly decades.
A 35-year-old Tang Sangjun who has been studying with the goal of entering the prestigious Tsinghua University in China [Image source=Baidu]
These individuals have moved the Chinese people by dedicating themselves solely to the exam while supporting themselves through part-time jobs. Some critics point out that the Gaokao, which can determine a person's entire life in one go, reveals a dark side of Chinese society.
Chinese media such as 'Jiupai News' reported on the 26th that "Tang Sangjun (35) has stopped his challenge to the prestigious Tsinghua University after his 15th attempt this year."
Tang Sangjun is a long-term test taker who has taken the Gaokao an astonishing 15 times as of this year. In his first exam in 2009, he scored 372 points (out of 750) and decided to retake the exam. In 2014, he was admitted to Chongqing University of Political Science and Law.
However, he was not satisfied with this. He devoted himself to the exam to enter Tsinghua University, one of China's top universities. Tang Sangjun repeated a life of working part-time during the day and studying for the exam at night but ultimately failed to gain admission to Tsinghua University. His 'Tsinghua dream' ended with this year's Gaokao.
The media stated, "It must have been a difficult decision for Tang Sangjun to give up on the Gaokao." Local netizens who have followed his challenge expressed sympathy, saying, "It's unfortunate after dedicating a lifetime." In an interview with local media, Tang Sangjun revealed that instead of Tsinghua University, he plans to enroll in another university in Beijing to major in education.
Tang Sangjun is not the only long-term Gaokao test taker. Liang Si, a 56-year-old from Sichuan Province, is attempting the Gaokao for the 27th time this year. He is studying with the goal of entering Sichuan University, another prestigious Chinese university.
Chinese netizens call him the 'modern-day Fan Jin.' Fan Jin is a character from the Qing Dynasty-era novel Youlin Waishi, who endlessly studied for the imperial exams but failed for decades.
Despite being over 50 years old, netizens have sent him warm encouragement such as "Don't give up until the end" and "I want to learn perseverance and courage."
The dedication of Chinese students and parents to the Gaokao is criticized as a dark aspect of Chinese society.
According to recent reports by the Hong Kong media South China Morning Post (SCMP), controversy erupted over a story where parents hid the death of their daughter’s older sister for a whole month to avoid disturbing their daughter's Gaokao studies.
The Gaokao is a college entrance exam administered by the Chinese central government and is considered the most important exam in a Chinese person's life due to its fierce competition. According to the Chinese Ministry of Education, this year's Gaokao saw a record-breaking 12.91 million candidates.
The total score is 750 points, and to enter a prestigious university, candidates must score at least 600 points. Due to the intense competition, the difficulty level is extremely high. Only about 3% of test takers score above 600 points.
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