17-year-old math wiz kid amazes a nation

Multiple top universities have offered olive branches to the 17-year-old math master Jiang Ping, who secured 12th place at a global mathematics competition.

Her story amazed lots of people as she, the only one from a vocational school, a relatively lower educational level in China, stood out and succeeded despite fierce competition with others from prestigious universities such as Peking University and Cambridge University.

A student major in fashion design, she is one of the 801 participants worldwide ready to attend the finals of 2024 Alibaba Global Math Competition on June 22. What is more inspiring is that she learned about advanced math by herself out of pure interest.

Her spirit of diligence and persistence, such as dedicating her free time to studying for two years, has touched millions of netizens. Her story also encouraged people who once failed in some period of life to stick to their dreams. She didn't make it to high school because she only received a good score on her math examination.

"If learning fashion design is plan A, then exploring the world of math is plan B. I hope my plan B can be seen too," she told The Paper.

Jiang's dream is to further her study in Zhejiang University in Hanghzou, Zhejiang province. Su Dekuang, a professor in math of Zhejiang University, posted on Sina Weibo on Friday, saying she is welcome. Although later that day, a worker from the publicity department of the university responded that situations involving special admissions falls under related procedures.

Donghua University in Shanghai wrote on Weibo on Friday: "Congratulations to Jiang Ping! Welcome to apply to Donghua University! At Donghua, you can balance plan A and plan B." It went with two photos showing its leading position in both fashion design and math nationwide.

Jiangsu University in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, also welcomed her through Weibo. Also on Friday, Tongji University in Shanghai commented on Jiang on Weibo saying that: "Every effort will bring its own rewards."

One of Jiang's Weibo hot searches - "In a life not defined by others, anyone can be a dark horse" - there were about 15 million views as of Friday night.