Yu Minhong, the founder of New Oriental Education and Technology Group

As a farmer's son, Yu took the exam in 1978, but he failed due to a low score in English. After that, he did all kinds of farm work at home and later worked as a teacher at a junior school. A year later, he took the exam again but still failed due to his weak English skills. Still, he did not give up and took the exam a third time and got a high score and was admitted to Peking University. "The university just paved the way for a brilliant life but can not decide it," he once said.

Yu Minhong gives a speech to parents on education in Qingdao, Shandong province, Aug 10, 2013. [Photo/CFP]

Famous historical figures who failed 'gaokao'	China's ancient gaokao system	College entrance exams around the world

For more Culture insiders, click here