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 letters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
2021.09.03
写给未来的…
18岁了，别为别的，只为不留遗憾。2016年12月15日成人礼。
JinHong
2017.12.15
1
徐承旭不知道你高考成绩怎么样了呀？是不是努力过了呀哈哈哈加油
1786293088
2025.03.22
五曦
生日快乐，如果我没记错的话。前三封应该是没寄出去了，中考加油
az
2022.02.06
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
2021.06.06
你感觉怎么样
英语90，数学90，语文90，物理50 化学50 生物70.
洪国程
2018.04.05
至初入中考考场的赵君慧
虽然目前不知道你的成绩 但还是祝你如愿愿中考顺利 暑假快乐
孙歌
2022.04.05
一封信必看！
考完就考完了，去做你想做的，写小说，画画，减肥，学笛子！
n4716
2020.02.10
你好，我是一年前的你
可能你在复读，也可能已经去了大学，总之，加油吧，同志！
2023027864
2024.03.07
写给未来的…
今天你已经高考完了吧!高三也辛苦一年了，要好好休息啊。
2733386259
2020.11.29
给未来的林胤宇
我是高二时候的你，希望未来的你不迷失，能坚定，有勇气。
n4968
2020.05.14
写给未来的…
考试归来，感受怎么样？知道你能行。加油吧！辉煌将延续！
小乐乐
2017.04.27
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