How did you do in the exam?
I was numb after the exams. I look back now and realise I was very nervous at the time. That is why I did not do as well as I usually did in the mock exams. I got 540, far below this year's enrolment minimum of 568.
What made you so nervous?
It was not the first time I have taken the entrance exam. I failed last year when I scored 535. My family is very poor and I have two younger sisters both studying at school. It was hard for my father to decide whether I should be granted a second opportunity. He let me attend the review class for another year, but on the condition that I give up if I fail again. And as everybody knows, the gaokao is the only chance most of us rural students have to go to a metropolitan area.
Why can't you get a third chance?
My middle sister graduated from junior high school this year and is applying for a key senior high school in town. She has an excellent academic record. When she knew I was applying to college, she thought about dropping out of school to be a migrant worker to support me and the family. But my parents forced her to go back to school. What could she do if she dropped out? She is only 14, and is way too young to leave home.
What if both of you are enrolled?
