Ex-China security guard admits to top university after 8 attempts, targeting Harvard PhD

A former security guard from northeastern China has successfully secured a spot in a postgraduate programme at the prestigious Tsinghua University after an impressive eight attempts and is now ambitiously pursuing a PhD at Harvard.Yang Xiao, 31, hailing from Shenyang in Liaoning province, has harboured the dream of attending Tsinghua since childhood, as reported by the mainland media outlet Jiupai News.After sitting for the national college entrance examination, or gaokao, in 2013, he was accepted into the Central Academy of Fine Arts, where his unique painting style was deemed a more suitable match.Upon graduating in 2018, Yang returned to Shenyang, established an art school, and nurtured a stable relationship. He subsequently applied for postgraduate study at Tsinghua, motivated not only by his childhood aspirations but also by a promise to his girlfriend.Unfortunately, his first attempt was disheartening: he fell over 100 points short of the required acceptance score.During his free time, Yang worked out to stay strong and healthy for his demanding schedule. Photo: DouyinEmbarrassed and reluctant to reveal the truth, Yang allowed his girlfriend to believe he had already started his postgraduate studies, hoping to succeed in the following year and make amends.Regrettably, he did not succeed again. Unable to keep up the facade, he ended the relationship and succumbed to heartbreak and self-doubt.During his third year of preparation, Yang embarked on an online romance. He recounted how the woman frequently solicited money from him, citing various ailments and gambling debts, ultimately draining him of over one million yuan (US$150,000).When the relationship finally ended, Yang found himself deeply indebted and still without a postgraduate placement. His parents intervened to help him repay the money, and sadly, his art school was forced to shut down.In the ensuing years, he consistently missed Tsinghua’s cut-off score by a narrow margin.To support himself, Yang spent a year working as a cleaner before taking on a position as a security guard at an international student residence on Tsinghua’s campus, where he stayed for two years.Before entering Tsinghua, Yang worked as a campus security guard, sneaking into classes to attend lectures to prepare. Photo: DouyinHe shared with the media that the physical exhaustion was manageable; however, the emotional toll stemming from the stark contrast between his current life and the one he aspired to was far more challenging.Further ReadingOne particular encounter lingered in his memory. While on duty, a mother pointed at him and told her child: “If you do not study hard, you will end up like him.”Yang reflected that the comment struck him deeply but also fuelled his determination to reach Tsinghua and propelled him forward.During the day, he sneaked into classrooms at Tsinghua to attend lectures. At night, he practised English with international students while fulfilling his duties.He was subsequently promoted to the role of security team leader, which came with a higher salary and a lighter workload, granting him more time to dedicate to his studies, although the specifics of his income were not disclosed.Yang noted that his time as a security guard transformed his perspective on labour and instilled in him a profound respect for individuals from all walks of life.Yang proudly displays his elaborate Tsinghua University acceptance package. Photo: DouyinDespite living frugally, he once invested nearly all his savings on a flight to attend an academic seminar, which later resulted in him winning several research awards.In June, after an eight-year struggle, Yang was accepted into Tsinghua University’s Academy of Arts and Design on his eighth attempt, surpassing the cut-off score by 34 points, as reported.He will focus on intangible cultural heritage and digital innovation. Although the programme typically spans three years, he hopes to complete it in two due to financial constraints and his aspirations for further education.His next objective is to secure a fully funded PhD at Harvard, where he aims to delve deeper into research on intangible cultural heritage.One online observer remarked: “As a graduate of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Yang already possesses a robust foundation. Regardless of the path he chose, his talent was destined to shine through.”