Chinese Student Sparks Controversy with Low Score Admission to Top University
A student from Heilongjiang province in China has made headlines after being accepted into Zhengzhou University, a prestigious "Double First-Class" institution, with a relatively low score of 389 points. The news has sparked widespread discussion and strong reactions on Chinese social media, with many users expressing surprise, envy, and skepticism.
23 July 2025
The student's unexpected admission is attributed to a combination of factors, including the specific major they applied for, which was a Sino-foreign cooperative program in Physics, Group 003 - Chemistry. This program was reportedly not as popular among students, resulting in a lower score requirement. Additionally, the high tuition fees associated with the program may have deterred some students from applying.
The "Big/Small Year" phenomenon, where a university's admission score is high in one year, deterring students from applying the next year, was also cited as a contributing factor. As a result, the university's quota for the program was not filled, allowing the student with a lower score to be accepted.
The Black Dragon River Admissions and Examination Institute confirmed that the student's admission was a rare occurrence and advised future students and parents not to rely on such unusual circumstances. They emphasized that this was an isolated case and that students should not "gamble" on getting into a top university with a low score.
The incident has raised concerns about the fairness of the college entrance exam system and the potential impact on students who score higher but are not admitted to their preferred university. Some users have also questioned whether the student will be able to cope with the academic demands of a top university, given their relatively low score.
The event has also sparked a wider discussion about the education system in China, with some users calling for greater transparency and fairness in the college admissions process. Others have pointed out that the incident highlights the need for students and parents to approach college applications more seriously and not rely on luck or rare occurrences.
The impact of this event is not limited to the education sector, as it also reflects societal concerns about fairness and equal opportunities. The discussion surrounding this incident has shown that the public is sensitive to issues of education fairness and that there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in the college admissions process.
In conclusion, the story of the Heilongjiang student who scored 389 points and got into Zhengzhou University has sparked a wide-ranging discussion about the education system in China. While some have expressed surprise and envy, others have raised concerns about fairness and the potential impact on the student's academic success. The incident has highlighted the need for greater transparency and fairness in the college admissions process and has sparked a wider discussion about the education system in China.
