Portraits of gaokao champions

Chen Xiaoli. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chen Xiaoli, female, was the top scorer in arts in Jinyun county, Lishui city, East China's Zhejiang province, in 2014.

Now a third-year student at prestigious Zhejiang University in East China's Hangzhou city, Chen Xiaoli advises the high school students to stay positive and improve their learning methods, while asking parents to encourage their kids instead of putting them under pressure.

Remembering her senior high school life and the success at the national college entrance examination or gaokao in the summer of 2015, Chen said it is very important for students, especially the ones who will face gaokao, to be good at adjusting mentally and maintaining a positive outlook.

"We all will face setbacks in our study, and may feel disappointed and lose confidence. We should highlight the importance of adjusting mentality. If one can adjust, it would benefit a lot in study and life," Chen said.

As for the national college entrance examination, there is no need to worry too much. "Since there is much uncertainty in gaokao, what students can do is to study hard and prepare themselves well," said the champion.

Chen stressed the importance of parents' encouragement to kids. Proudly speaking of her sister who studied at renowned Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Chen thanked her parents, especially her father's encouragement, for their success.

"During my last year in senior high school, my father tried his best to encourage me. When I felt a little frustrated, his encouraging words always inspired me to carry on," said Chen.

As far as cram schools are concerned, she advises students to decide whether they are willing to put in the extra hours and if they are willing to study more, then they should study independently in a more effective way.

"I think students can study better if they seize every minute at school. I also take part in many leisure activities after finishing daily tasks. Proper leisure activities help students to get enough rest and have higher efficiency in study," said Chen.