Backlash as China’s Tsinghua graduate, 38, wins medical school spot at Peking University

A 38-year-old man in China, who was admitted to the prestigious Tsinghua University 18 years ago, recently sat for the national university entrance exam and achieved a remarkable score, allowing him to realise his dream of studying medicine at Peking University.Tsinghua and Peking Universities are two of the most elite institutions in mainland China, admitting students with the highest scores from the rigorous annual national university entrance exam, known as the gaokao in Chinese.Li Long, hailing from Harbin in northeastern Heilongjiang province, earned a high score that placed him among the top 300 students in Heilongjiang, where 200,000 candidates took the gaokao exam this year, as reported by Jimu News.Although Li did not disclose his exact score, it was sufficient for him to gain admission to the Peking University Health Science Centre, where he will participate in an eight-year programme that culminates in a PhD in medicine upon graduation.Li Long proudly displays his acceptance package from Peking University, fulfilling his lifelong aspiration to study medicine. Photo: QQ.comLi is no stranger to the spotlight in China. He garnered significant attention in 2024 when he announced his intention to take the gaokao in pursuit of his medical dream.This decision led to a flood of questions, given that he already held a bachelor’s degree from Tsinghua and was considered middle-aged.Li has expressed interest in medicine since childhood, often accompanying his grandmother to the hospital and enjoying subjects related to medicine, such as chemistry and biology.In 2008, as a secondary school graduate, he took his first gaokao exam and achieved an impressive score of 695 out of a possible 750 points, leading him to study at the School of Science at Tsinghua University.At that time, he did not pursue medicine due to his family’s financial struggles and his parents’ hopes that he would find a means to earn money quickly.The image above captures the iconic west gate of Peking University, located in the heart of Beijing. Photo: ShutterstockWhile still a student at Tsinghua, he worked as a part-time private tutor for younger students. Before graduating in 2012, Li had earned enough money to purchase a flat for his parents in Harbin.Further ReadingAfter graduation, he joined the thriving private tutoring industry that saw significant growth over the past decade.Thanks to this lucrative job, Li was able to buy two flats in Beijing and has since started a family, welcoming a wife and a young child.In 2024, feeling a stagnation in the private tutoring sector, Li decided to reignite his passion for a medical career.He attempted the gaokao in 2024, 2025, and 2026. His scores in the first two years were moderate, preventing him from qualifying for medical school at elite universities.Upon discovering his score from this year’s gaokao, Li said: “It was really hard for me. I am so thrilled!”Upon receiving his gaokao results this year, Li exclaimed, “It wasn’t really difficult for me. I’m so thrilled!” Photo: QQ.comHe admitted to initially being concerned about criticism that he was taking a spot from a younger candidate and occupying scarce educational resources.Over time, he reassured himself that he and other test takers were competing in a fair environment and that he did not receive any undue advantages.China abolished the age limit for gaokao applicants in 2001, provided that candidates can demonstrate completion of secondary education.In comparison to his younger classmates, Li noted that he is more determined and will not change his goals due to economic or other influences.“I am not trying to prove myself; I only hope to make contributions in the field that I am passionate about,” said Li.