Elite study program reforms, revives

Small, selective

Alongside Xi'an Jiaotong University, Southeast University represents another surviving, but more refined model for nurturing young talent.

Southeast University in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, was among the first tertiary education institutions approved by the Ministry of Education to enroll teenagers. The program was originally a national experiment in tailored education for exceptionally intelligent and innovative students, aiming to provide a channel for the truly gifted ones rather than creating "child prodigies".

Launched in 1985, SEU's young talent program has evolved significantly. Initially, students underwent two years of intensive foundational study before choosing a major.

In 2004, the program was integrated into the university's elite Chien-Shiung Wu College — named after the world-renowned physicist — emphasizing broad-based, personalized education and innovative models such as a residential college system.

The program is small and selective. Over 40 years it has enrolled only about 300 students, with recent annual intakes of around 15 individuals.

Prospective students, typically under 16 and in their second year of high school (with some first-year exceptions), must apply online and pass an initial review.

They are then required to take the national college entrance exam. Those whose scores meet the provincial benchmark for key universities can proceed to SEU's own tests, comprising written exams in math, physics, and English, and an interview to assess logical thinking and innovation. Final admission is based on a combined score of the gaokao (70 percent) and the university test (30 percent).

Recognizing their younger age, the Chien-Shiung Wu College assigns each student both life and academic mentors. Activities, including coming-of-age ceremonies and collective birthdays, are organized to foster community and patriotism, according to the university. Academic support, such as tutoring from experienced teachers, is provided when needed. Students also have access to the college's cultural and innovation spaces, the university said.

About 65 percent of graduates pursue further studies at prestigious institutions globally, such as Carnegie Mellon University and Cornell University in the US, and Tsinghua University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Notable alumni include Gu Zhongze, from the inaugural 1985 class, now a Changjiang Scholar distinguished professor at the university whose research on "human organ chips" won a top national award. Sun Xiaodong joined the youth program in 1985, earning a master's degree in just three and a half years. He later worked at Bell Labs and then in finance, doing quantitative research.

Shen Yifei, enrolled in 2012 at age 15, earned his master's degree in 2018 and successfully completed his doctorate in 2022 -achieving this milestone at just age 25.

Looking ahead, SEU plans to continue its "small, refined, and high-level" approach, focusing on providing a quality platform for gifted students and exploring rules for cultivating top innovative talents.

Contact the writers at zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn