As the summer heat intensifies, another national college entrance examination—the Gaokao—is approaching. For the millions of students preparing to enter examination halls, this period is often marked by a volatile mix of intense determination, mounting anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. Rather than offering generic platitudes, we have gathered insights from four individuals who have navigated this high-stakes journey: a Peking University professor who overcame a disastrous start in his own exams, a doctoral student who turned a “failed” science stream into a successful academic career, a mother who learned to trade strict control for supportive companionship, and a veteran high school head teacher.
Their stories offer a reminder that while the Gaokao is a significant milestone, it does not define the trajectory of a lifetime. It is, at its core, a test of endurance and a singular experience in a much longer narrative.
Lu Tiao, now a professor at Peking University, once mistakenly misjudged his own examination time due to not wearing a watch. He realized with only 15 minutes remaining that he had not filled in his answer sheet or completed his essays, yet he still managed to secure a place at a top university through subsequent subject performance.
The Perspective of Experience
Lu Tiao, a professor at the School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University, recalls his own exam days 30 years ago as a series of unexpected hurdles. His experience underscores that even when an exam goes poorly, it does not mandate a failed future. Similarly, a doctoral student named Xia Zhi—who struggled with physics and chemistry in the old文理分科 (arts/science) system—found that shifting her focus toward landscape architecture allowed her to leverage her strengths. Her journey from a second-tier university to overseas doctoral studies suggests that academic redirection is often more critical than the initial score.
Parental support also plays a pivotal role. Wang Yingxia, whose son is now studying at the China Pharmaceutical University, shared the realization that her past focus on strict discipline and control was a hindrance rather than a help. By shifting her role to that of a listener and a provider of emotional stability, she helped her son navigate the immense pressures of his senior year. This transformation in the home environment allowed the student to stabilize his performance and ultimately achieve his goals.
The collective wisdom of these individuals highlights a recurring theme: the Gaokao functions as a bottleneck that creates immense pressure, but it is not a terminal point. Students are likely to find that the skills cultivated during this period—resilience, the ability to pivot, and self-regulation—are the actual drivers of their future success. For many, the “failure” to meet a specific goal often acts as a catalyst for finding a more suitable path, suggesting that the long-term stakes are often lower than the immediate anxiety suggests.
Navigating the Final Stretch
For educators, the final days are about maintaining balance. Li Zhenguo, an executive principal with 12 years of teaching experience, notes that students typically fall into two traps: becoming overly relaxed because they feel the result is set, or becoming paralyzed by anxiety. He emphasizes that the final phase requires a disciplined “tension” to ensure students remain engaged with the material, yet they must be shielded from the emotional weight of potential outcomes.
Looking ahead, students may find that the most valuable asset they carry out of the examination room is not a score, but the capacity to continue learning. Whether the exams lead directly to a chosen dream school or necessitate a pivot to a different field, the path forward is rarely linear. As the contributors suggest, the conclusion of the exam is merely the opening of a much broader, more autonomous chapter of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it common for students to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of the Gaokao?
A: Yes, the contributors note that students often experience a range of emotions, including anxiety and confusion, which is why supportive environments—whether from teachers or parents—are essential for maintaining stability.
Q: How does the choice of major impact a student’s long-term career?
A: While early choices are significant, the experiences cited suggest that personal interests can evolve. Professors and students alike emphasize that foundational subjects can provide a broad base, and it is possible to switch focus or find new passions later in one’s academic career.
Q: What is the most important advice for students in the final days before the exam?
A: The consensus is to focus on the present moment, avoid overthinking the hypothetical outcomes, and maintain a consistent daily rhythm. As one educator puts it, the goal is to “do the best you can in the present.”
As you prepare for the days ahead, how are you finding your own balance between preparation and peace of mind?
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