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.
How to write this letter
- 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
999 public lettershi,那我开始了哦
说话算话，游戏玩过了，开始疯狂12天了！记住。24号校门口的大横幅，是我奋斗的结果！向着355冲击
张瑶锋
2017.05.26
死小明，还记不记得阿崽呀？
你那会儿应该高三了吧？你还记不记得我是谁啊？光遇固玩阿崽啊哈哈哈哈，记得那会儿你天天骂我叼毛和傻
也许还在
2020.11.28
中考
现在距中考还有不到六个月（包括假期）不知道明天7月的你考没考上好的高中，是一中还是九中还是五中
n6022
2020.11.29
18岁了！加油
怎么样啊？高三是不是很辛苦？有没有成绩上升？身体怎么样？和同学关系怎么样？英语考好了吗？加油！
刘丰丰
2018.08.15
写给未来的…
保送到了实验高中吗？？？！！不是也没关系 高中三年要好好的 我永远在
14
2015.09.18
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
2021.06.06
你好喵喵喵
高考完了么？感觉怎么样？能不能上？不过都已经过去啦。继续为梦想好好学习天天向上吧=^_^=
爱の冰淇淋
2024.05.01
写给2026的小锦
五年后的我应该已经上大学了吧，也不知道能不能考上，希望五年前还是五年后的我都要一直开开心心
阮阮
2021.02.16
你还好吗
午夜了这时候在想学校的问题了吧不管选择如何此刻的我和以后的你都不会怪你什么都没有了还有梦想
喜你_
2015.11.21
你還在努力嗎
你已經高三了試著放下玩心，努力追求下理想，1年我相信如果是我一定能創造奇蹟的，高考加油
n4693
2020.01.28
写给2021年中考的本学霸
你要中考了哦，不要紧张，放轻松！Take it easy！过去的你知道你一定行的！哈哈
n3644
2018.11.08
你好哟
写这个东西还是很矫情的现在是大一 写给大四只有一句哈如果还是喜欢她你就真没救了!!~~
彼端
2015.11.28
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