After the Gaokao: Write to Yourself, One Year On
The days between the big exam and the results move slower than the three years before them. Every year around this time, students come here to write: some address the self who'll be refreshing the results page in a month, some the self standing at a university gate in September with a suitcase, and some don't dare imagine anything at all — they just pour out three years of pressure and doubt, and mail it one year ahead to see if it still stings. These letters all share one thing: the writer thinks they're betting on an outcome, but when the letter is opened a year later, they discover that the thing that felt world-ending truly did pass. Below are real letters students chose to make public. If you've just walked out of the exam hall, or you're waiting on a score that feels like it decides everything — write it down. The you who already knows the answer will want to hear from the you who doesn't.
Ideas to get you started
- Write down the uncertainty exactly as it is: your estimated score, the city you're hoping for, what scares you. That suspense is the best part a year from now.
- Spell out your plans for every outcome — what you'll do if it goes well, and if it doesn't. Future-you will see how brave you were.
- Thank someone: the deskmate who studied with you, the parents who walked you to the exam, the teacher who never gave up on you. You can show them the letter in a year.
- Set one challenge for your first year of university, then check back in twelve months whether you kept it.
Real letters from the vault
445 public letters写给未来的xyh
高考前自己：高考不论考的怎么样，乐观的面对现实，先去放松吧！
n7163
Jun 6, 2021 · Traveled 4 days
来自2021年6月6日的偏口鱼
这是一年前的偏口鱼，如果你真的能收到这封信的话，就会收获一份幸运，高考一定能考好，哈哈，加油
n7164
Jun 6, 2021 · Traveled 1 year
给未来小张的一封信
亲爱的小张： 你好！ 我是来自3年前的小小张，3年过去了，你过得还好吗？你的梦想实现了吗？你还在热爱体育，热爱学习吗？你可还记得3年前的那个活泼的你，对体育充满执念的你。时间过的可真快，一眨眼，就到2024年了，我们对生活同样充满了信心，对吗？ 小张，我不知道3年后的你是什么样的，但是我希望3年后的
n7176
Jun 9, 2021 · Traveled 2 years 11 months
写给自己
你好，杰哥，我是两年前的你啊！我突发奇想打的给你写着一封信，不知道现在你怎么样，你过得还好吗？，两年前的你没有自信，你现在还充满动力吗？高考结束了吧，你考到想去的大学了吗？我决得从现在起好好学习，我不会让你失望的。不知道你现在心情可好？对自己好一点吧，不要伤了自己。附上了我的照片，看看变了没有。你要
n7213
Jun 16, 2021 · Traveled 2 years 1 month
杨帅
陆陆续续也写了几封，也许是我心血来潮吧。(＠￣ー￣＠)我们认识应该有六年了，或许我认识有些人远不止六年，但我还是只想给你写这封信。首先高考结束，也问一下你的估分，毕竟还是可以帮你参考一下大学的，✧٩(ˊωˋ*)و✧考撇了也要问(毕竟直男也不是一两天了)，高考并不是终点，而是起点。(ง •̀_•́)ง
n7334
Aug 13, 2021 · Traveled 9 months 26 days
杨帅
陆陆续续也写了几封，也许是我心血来潮吧。(＠￣ー￣＠)我们认识应该有六年了，或许我认识有些人远不止六年，但我还是只想给你写这封信。首先高考结束，也问一下你的估分，毕竟还是可以帮你参考一下大学的，✧٩(ˊωˋ*)و✧考撇了也要问(毕竟直男也不是一两天了)，高考并不是终点，而是起点。(ง •̀_•́)ง
n7334
Aug 13, 2021 · Traveled 9 months 26 days
Photo letter
给高考后的自己
最后一门地理终于考完了，想必你看到此文时已是在家开启了疯狂输出模式。但是想想这高中三年，你究竟付出了多少，结果真的会如你所愿吗，高一在玩没打好基础，高二半玩半学勉强能五百分，不知道高三这一年你是怎样过的，但愿是拼死累活努力能够达到自己预期的结局。且说抛下过去，将来你也想如此玩物丧志地做下去么，生活的
Suwako
Aug 14, 2021 · Traveled 9 months 27 days
Photo letter
给高考完的王烯
考的怎么样！恭喜你，高中毕业啦。现在过得好吗，妈妈身体怎么样。有出去玩吗。zxy考的怎么样，考上清美了吗。恭喜你进入大学，有想好报什么专业吗。2020-2021真的过得好难啊，不过你撑下来了。未来也请加油啊。
Vanessa
Aug 15, 2021 · Traveled 10 months 16 days
梦想：985，实现了吗?
三年前你的梦想是考上985，给她好的婚礼，DR好的生活，做到了吧
无
Sep 3, 2021 · Traveled 2 years 10 months
写给一年后的自己
其实想想，一年后的我也忘不了过去的那一年自己经历过的痛苦和难过。17岁真的是我过的最糟糕的一年，高考的压力，艺考的求而不得，感情上的挫折……其实写这封信之前我想了好多好多，但是落笔的时候却又一时词穷，不知道该写些什么。其实就想说一句话：“牛雅伦，恭喜你，熬过了17岁的雨季，不管高考的结果怎样，我只要
乐文
Nov 18, 2021 · Traveled 7 months 7 days
Photo letter
写给一年后的自己
其实想想，一年后的我也忘不了过去的那一年自己经历过的痛苦和难过。17岁真的是我过的最糟糕的一年，高考的压力，艺考的求而不得，感情上的挫折……其实写这封信之前我想了好多好多，但是落笔的时候却又一时词穷，不知道该写些什么。其实就想说一句话：“牛雅伦，恭喜你，熬过了17岁的雨季，不管高考的结果怎样，我只要
乐文
Nov 18, 2021 · Traveled 7 months 7 days
Photo letter
给未来的我
亲爱的未来，现在是2021.11.30号上午第四节语文课,我在给我自己写信,现在我是一名高二的高中生,正在为一年半之后的高考做准备,上次考试很差,老师说只能上专科。我不甘心,我觉得对不起自己,也对不起我爸妈。我以后会是什么什么样的人呢？你回去大街上街唱吗？会去学二胡吗？会和好朋友组织一个乐队吗？找到
n7561
Nov 30, 2021 · Traveled 4 years 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
When should the letter arrive?
Three popular picks: results day (about a month out — opening it feels like a reveal), the first day of university in September (new city, old feelings), or exam day next year (a full year, the sharpest before-and-after).
Should I include my estimated score?
Yes. Whatever happens, looking back at that guess — and the nerves behind it — is the most honest part of the whole letter.
Can I write to someone else instead?
Absolutely. Lots of students write to a graduating deskmate or a secret crush — just add their email or phone number and agree to open your letters on the same day next year.
After the Gaokao: Write to Yourself, One Year On
Write yours