Core Points - The article discusses the journey of Tang Shangjun, a student who took the college entrance examination 16 times and finally got admitted to South China Normal University at the age of 35 [10][12]. Group 1: Personal Background and Achievements - Tang Shangjun has gained significant attention on social media, with 940,000 followers on Douyin and a product showcase featuring 92 items, primarily daily necessities [7]. - He expressed that his long experience as a repeat examinee has become a "double-edged sword," leading to both valuable experiences and challenges in his future career [10]. - Despite his struggles, he plans to pursue a career in education, reflecting on the limitations his age imposes on his job prospects [10][12]. Group 2: Business Ventures and Trademark Registration - The name "Tang Shangjun" has been applied for trademark registration by multiple entities, including Hubei Tang Shangjun Education Technology Co., Ltd., which was established in April 2025 and has since been dissolved [7]. - The registered capital of Hubei Tang Shangjun Education Technology Co., Ltd. was 500,000 RMB, and its business scope included software development and digital cultural creative software [7]. Group 3: Future Aspirations and Challenges - Tang Shangjun plans to pursue a master's degree at Tsinghua University and is considering entrepreneurship during his university years [12]. - He acknowledges the difficulty of finding a job upon graduation due to his age, as he will be nearly 40 years old [12]. - He encourages students and parents to consider personal interests when choosing majors, rather than solely focusing on job market trends [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the journey of Tang Shangjun, a student who took the college entrance examination 16 times and finally got admitted to South China Normal University at the age of 35, highlighting the challenges and experiences faced by non-traditional students in the education system [15][19]. Group 1: Personal Journey - Tang Shangjun has participated in the college entrance examination 16 times, achieving a score of 601 in the 2024 exam, which led to his admission to South China Normal University [15]. - He expressed feelings of confusion and frustration regarding his future career prospects, attributing these feelings to his age and the limitations it imposes on his opportunities [13]. - Despite his struggles, he plans to pursue a graduate degree at Tsinghua University and aims to start a business during his university years [17][19]. Group 2: Social Media Presence - Tang has gained significant attention on social media, with 940,000 followers on Douyin and a product showcase featuring 92 items, primarily daily necessities [9]. - His public engagement has seen a decline in interaction, with video likes dropping from over 100,000 to around 10,000 to 20,000 in recent months [19]. Group 3: Business Ventures - A trademark application for "Tang Shangjun" has been filed, with various companies involved, including Hubei Tang Shangjun Education Technology Co., Ltd., which was established in April 2025 but has since been dissolved [9][12]. - The trademark applications cover a range of categories, including office supplies and advertising sales, indicating potential business interests in educational and consumer products [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing trend of high school students in Shenzhen opting for retaking the college entrance examination (Gaokao) due to limited university admissions compared to the growing number of candidates, highlighting the financial implications and varying strategies families adopt for this process [1][3][21]. Group 1: Increasing Number of Candidates - The number of students participating in the Gaokao in Shenzhen reached 75,000 this year, an increase of nearly 10,000 from the previous year [2]. - Ordinary high schools in Shenzhen are expanding their enrollment, leading to a gradual increase in the number of repeat students [3]. Group 2: Financial Aspects of Retaking Gaokao - The cost of retaking the Gaokao varies significantly, with fees ranging from 30,000 to over 100,000 yuan, depending on the institution and services provided [6][10]. - Some high-priced institutions claim high success rates, with one school advertising a 92% undergraduate admission rate [18]. Group 3: Strategies for Retaking Gaokao - Families with better financial conditions are willing to invest in high-quality private schools for retaking, viewing it as a worthwhile investment for better educational outcomes [21][22]. - Some families are exploring options outside Shenzhen to find more affordable retake programs, with costs in nearby cities like Huizhou and Dongguan being significantly lower [28]. Group 4: Psychological and Social Considerations - The pressure of retaking the Gaokao can be immense, with students needing to adapt to new environments and manage their stress levels [29][30]. - The article emphasizes that while financial investment in education is crucial, the mental well-being and support systems for students are equally important for success [30][48].