How to Beat Your Smartest Classmate

The Gaokao (高考) — China’s National College Entrance Examination — is often called “the world’s toughest exam” because of its intensity, competition, and life-changing impact. Here’s how Chinese students prepare for it 👇 🧠 1. Extreme Discipline & Routine Students study 12–14 hours daily, starting as early as 6 a.m. and often going past 10 p.m. Their schedules are strictly timed — classes, meals, naps, and self-study sessions are all fixed. Many live in boarding schools with little contact with the outside world to avoid distractions. 📚 2. Repetition & Practice-Based Learning They believe in “Practice makes perfect” (熟能生巧 – shú néng shēng qiǎo). Students solve hundreds of mock tests and past-year papers, improving both speed and accuracy. Mistake notebooks (错题本 – cuò tí běn) are common — every error is written down, reviewed, and re-solved. 📖 3. Strong Foundation & Concept Mastery Before tackling advanced problems, they spend years strengthening their fundamentals. Teachers emphasize clarity and precision — understanding why something works, not just how. Core subjects (like Math, Chinese, and English) are drilled deeply. 🏫 4. Highly Structured Environment Schools follow military-like discipline — strict attendance, no phones, fixed seating. Morning and evening self-study sessions are mandatory. Teachers monitor progress daily and provide instant feedback. 💪 5. Make the “Error Notebook” Strategy Gaokao preparation tests not only knowledge, but also learning strategy. Top students actively organize their mistakes instead of ignoring them. Many use OreateAI flashcards to build a digital error notebook—turning wrong questions into review cards. By revisiting these flashcards three times a day, students reinforce concepts, correct misunderstandings, and gradually turn weaknesses into strengths. ⚙️ Bonus: The “Chinese Study Spirit” (刻苦学习 – kè kǔ xué xí) It means “studying with determination and hardship.” Students accept discomfort — long hours, pressure, fatigue — as part of the path to success.. . . . . . . . Tags [ study, oreateai，motivation, trending, student, exams, college, assignments, dream, goals, productivity