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After a one-month delay, China's national college entrance examinations, known as Gaokao in Chinese, kicked off on July 7.
Already, this annual event has often been touted as the most important test in student's lifetime.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I went to figure out if students' views towards the Gaokao have changed.
For Liao Zhengrui, a 12th grader at Chengdu No. 7 Wanda High School, he still regards the Gaokao highly. "I think it's a fair opportunity to allow me to reach a higher platform, to see the world, and meet more people," he told CGTN.
But for Li Yixi, she said her thinking has changed from a year ago when she literally was still pouring her hear out to preparing for the exams.
"Life is important. Even if my Gaokao results are poor, the future holds other chances. I'm no longer that anxious. My parents don't pressure me about it as much as they used to," she said.
"It's good enough that I can complete the exams smoothly and peacefully."
The mental state of 12th grade students at Chengdu No. 7 Wanda High School have improved in the past few months, the school said. /CGTN
I first interviewed Chengdu No. 7 Wanda High School back in early April when it first resumed physical classes. Back then, principal Liu Qiang told me the students' psychological state was the biggest challenge the school faced.
"For more than two months, students have been studying online at home. Their habits of getting up, eating, sleeping, and learning – it's quite difficult to re-organize these habits," Liu told CGTN.
Fast forward to three months later, students mental state – especially 12th graders – has vastly improved based on results seen from a second psychological assessment done on May 25, Liu said.
What's key, he noted, is to ensure students have a fixed routine to follow.
"We've prepared a timetable card for parents so they'll know what students should be doing each day. It specifies the things to focus on per subject and what level should be reached," Liu said.
"We've also made efforts to help boost their physical and mental welfare. We've organized sporting activities such as tug-of-war, and encourage students to run one kilometer a day."
In fact, right now, Liu said many of the school's teaching activities have basically resumed to what it was before the pandemic happened.
Ahead of the Gaokao, 12th grade students receive an envelope with a letter and a positive proverb or saying inside. Wei Lynn/CGTN
Yi Jianglin, head of Psychological Teaching and Research Group, said the pandemic would impact students today.
"It's already brought changes to various professions and the kinds of jobs that could rise or fall in the future. While the Gaokao is just part of a person's journey on the long road ahead, I feel the pandemic will urge students to think more about their directions in life," Yi said.
Chengdu No. 7 Wanda High School conducts targeted counseling sessions for senior students, as well as parents and teachers.
"We have also given envelopes to each student, containing a small card with a proverb or saying. We wanted to convey some positive energy to boost morale on the final sprint," Yi added.
As for student Liao, he said he doesn't feel especially nervous when I spoke to him a week ahead of the Gaokao.
"I've been preparing for a few years. Now that I've reached the final stretch, what's important is to ensure I'm in a good mental state," he said.
"I usually run for half an hour before dinner and go to bed early. Sleep is very important."
And for Li, she said while she's a little nervous about the exams, she's also looking forward to the Gaokao. "I've prepared for a long time, for 10 years, actually. Finally, I can put all that to the test."
