Three top graduates from a high school in Jiangxi Province recently made headlines when they declined to apply to the country's most prestigious universities, i.e., Peking University (PKU) and Tsinghua University.

Their decision to instead apply to less elite (but still excellent) institutions that offered their preferred majors drew sharp criticism from their teacher, who accused them of being "self-centered."

This clash between student aspirations and traditional academic expectations has since ignited online debate about educational values in modern China. While some see their choice as a rejection of tradition, others applaud the students for valuing personal interest over institutional prestige—even if it means defying expectations.

Shang Fan (Views.ce.cn): PKU and Tsinghua represent the pinnacle of higher education in China. Gaining admission to either one is thus widely considered a mark of exceptional ability and a near-certain path to a successful future.

As a result, many view the students' choice to pursue more sought-after majors as a risky gamble—one that could squander

their academic potential, disregard their teachers' years of mentorship and deprive their high school of prestige in showcasing top-tier admissions.

A student's growth, while seemingly the result of their own efforts, is actually the culmination of the dedicated instruction of a team of teachers and the heartfelt expectations of their parents. Students should be grateful, understand the sacrifices their parents and teachers have made and make a choice that satisfies all parties involved. Their current decision runs counter to the expectations of their schools, teachers and parents, with their extensive efforts seemingly amounting to nothing.

However, ultimately, it is the students who have the final say. Though guidance from teachers and parents is undoubtedly important, their guidance should remain advisory.

Choosing PKU or Tsinghua might garner countless accolades. However, if the chosen major is not personally fulfilling, even attending these prestigious institutions could lead to a lack of passion for learning, potentially hindering the three students' progress and affecting their long-term development.

A truly exceptional individual must demonstrate steadfast determination, independent thinking and the wisdom to resist short-term temptations in pursuit of a greater vision. The three students' choice to decline PKU and Tsinghua in favor of pursuing their preferred majors doesn't represent an educational failure, but embodies the ultimate triumph of a system that cultivates discerning minds capable of making principled decisions.

Zhang Xin (Rednet.cn): Filling out a university application is a student's personal choice, and even the most dedicated teachers should only offer advice, instead of forcefully intervening. While the teacher in question did make inappropriate remarks, the online condemnation seems a bit harsh. The teacher's behavior should be understood as a dam bursting after prolonged pressure.

Within the existing assessment paradigm, certain schools inextricably link their reputation to the number of students admitted to elite universities. This connection then manifests as a burden on teachers. In many high schools, the "PKU/Tsinghua admission rate" directly influences teachers' performance reviews, bonus allocations and promotion prospects.

For many schools, students' admission to PKU and Tsinghua serves as a powerful testament to their institutional prowess, directly influencing both the caliber of their incoming students and their standing within the community. 

The teacher's dramatic reaction reveals deeper systemic pressures in our education system. Real transformation requires redefining how we measure educational success. A school's true value should be judged not by its PKU or Tsinghua admission rates, but by its ability to foster each student's comprehensive growth and self-actualization. BR

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

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