This summer, the Class of 2025 will graduate from Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), carrying with them the wisdom and courage forged in university to embrace infinite possibilities. At GTIIT, they have persevered through challenges brought by the pandemic, conquered academic puzzles, broadened international horizons, celebrated cultural richness, and discovered their true passions, showcasing the exemplary spirit of "Dream it. Do it." through each innovative practice.

GTIIT will launch a series of interviews featuring the Class of 2025 undergraduates. Let's delve into these powerful stories of passion and perseverance, and witness how their defining moments of efforts blossom into fruition.

Name: Liu Jiaming

High school: Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town Middle School

Program: Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)

Awards: GTIIT Dean's List

Offers: Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, University of California San Diego, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, etc.

From being ranked 130,000th in Gaokao of Guangdong province, to being one of the top 10 in MSE Program; starting with GPA 69 in his freshman year and soaring to GPA 86 by the postgraduate application, Jiaming secured a flawless "zero-rejection" record, and received offers from several world-renowned universities. His journey at GTIIT is a testament to how extreme discipline and the right approach can rewrite one's trajectory.

No shortcut to success: only extreme self-discipline

Reflecting on his freshman year, Jiaming described it as a stage of "academic shock"— failing three courses in the preparatory semester, unable to choose courses freely, and ending his first semester with a GPA of just 69. "In high school, I was pushed to study, but in university, it's all about self-discipline."

At first, though comprehending the lectures, he struggled to demonstrate them on tests. Through repeated self-analysis, Jiaming realized he missed a crucial step: revision. Once he identified the issue, he quickly adjusted his study methods. "For STEM subjects, it's all about find the problem, solve it. That's it."

From then on, he spent most of his time studying after class. "I focus on understanding in class. After class, I reorganize notes in my own words on iPad, reconstructing the knowledge framework from scratch instead of annotating slides. I do this after every lecture. On weekends, I spend two mornings reviewing what I have learned this week." Outside of class, he dedicated at least 25 hours a week to self-study. Success is built on daily effort, as he mentioned, by finals, all he needs to do is to go over his notes.

This method delivers instant results. His GPA jumped to 80 the next semester and continued climbing, reaching 92 by his junior year. When applying for graduate programs, he included his full transcript. "I'm not sure if it helped, but this trajectory of steady improvement is the best proof of my hardwork."

Behind his growth is internalized self-discipline. Starting from sophomore year, his followed a rigorous "4-2-5" routine—studying 4 hours in the morning, 2 in the afternoon, and 5 at night, totaling 40 hours of self-study weekly. While preparing for the TOEFL exam and finals in his junior year, he set a new record: 14-hour study marathons every weekend for two and a half months.

Despite the workload, Jiaming hardly stays up late studying and works out 5-6 times a week. Scientific time management keeps him performing at his peak.

Build core competence: level up through challenges

To him, MSE is a discipline of endless possibilities—a bridge between tradition and innovation. "From new energy to semiconductors, this field is full of potential. Mastering fundamentals like statistical thermodynamics, solid mechanics, and fluid mechanics is crucial."

During the summer vacation after sophomore year, driven by an interest in nanomaterials, he proactively reached out to Prof. Daniel Tan and joined a project on battery film modification. The team aimed to enhance battery performance by refining film materials to reduce energy loss. One 1 a.m. "accidental discovery" was impressive: spotting anomalous data, he immediately called his partner to reanalyze the results, ultimately optimizing experimental parameters. "Research is far more exciting than pure theory—hands-on work brings real fulfillment."

He credited much of his growth to GTIIT's teaching philosophy. "GTIIT demands high self-discipline. For exams, we're tested not just on lecture content but also on extensions, pushing us to self-study and gather information independently. This paid off during my postgraduate application—I handled everything DIY, even uncovering program updates missed by consultants."

His English, he said, improved "ten thousand percent" at GTIIT. "With full immersion including lectures, assignments, exams, office hours, and papers—progress was inevitable." He aced the TOEFL on his first try by self-studying. Now, after exercising each morning, he listened to a TED Talk, finishing one talk a week. "Intensive listening first, then reading, note-taking, and replaying." Without exam pressure, he enjoyed this interest-driven process.

Efficient time management, he added, was another critical skill honed at GTIIT. Despite busy studies, Jiaming also joined the English Club and Chorus, and emceed Freshman Party and Scholarship Award Ceremony.

He suggested the junior students define their goals as early as possible. "Whether you choose employment or continue your studies, you can only make accurate efforts with clear goals." Jiaming, who is about to go to a world's top university for further study, still maintains the pragmatism as a STEM learner. "There's no shortcut to success. Find the problem, then solve it."

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Liu Jiaming