27 attempts at the university entrance exam

Determined to attend university , 56-year-old Liang Shi took the entrance exam 27 times over a period of 40 years.

Liang took the college entrance exam for the first time in 1983 but failed. The man from Sichuan province tried again for the next two years but was unsuccessful. In 1986, his parents persuaded Liang to attend a technical college; however, after only a year, he dropped out, citing his unwillingness to work near noisy machines.

Liang then worked while also studying on his own to retake the exam.

Liang Shi prepares for her 26th attempt in 2022. Photo: VCG

In 1991, Liang worked in a timber factory and got married, but still harbored the dream of attending university. In 1992, he took a separate university entrance exam for adults due to age restrictions and was accepted into Nanjing Forestry University. However, because he disliked the subject, Liang did not enroll.

To support his family, Liang sold clothes, refrigerators, and televisions. Later, he opened a building materials factory and earned one million yuan in less than a year.

In 2001, the Chinese Ministry of Education removed the age limit for university entrance exams, and Liang decided to retake them. Due to work commitments, Liang was only able to participate in the 2002 and 2006 exams. From 2010 to the present, Liang has taken the exam every year.

In 2011, Liang took the exam with his son. He failed, while his son has since graduated with a master's degree.

Liang's highest score was 469/750 in 2018. In 2019, he also scored 462 but didn't apply to any universities because his goal was Sichuan University, a top-ranked university in China, among the top 20.

Liang's efforts to take the exam drew mixed reactions. Alongside words of encouragement and praise for his perseverance, many felt he was wasting his time and energy. But he remained undeterred.

"Everyone has different goals to pursue. You can't say who's right and who's wrong. As long as the law allows it, it's reasonable," Liang said.

To prepare for this year's exam, Liang leaves home at 8 a.m. every day, takes the subway to a friend's tea shop to study, and returns home between 9 and 10 p.m. Liang takes a nap on a bench at the tea shop during lunchtime.

At this age, Liang admits it's difficult to wake up early. He wants to fulfill his dreams as soon as possible, so he no longer aims for Sichuan University.

"A prestigious university would be fine too. If I get enough points, I'll attend," Liang said.

Dawn (According to China Daily )

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