Although it's half a year away from the start of the next college year, art academies around the country are already launching their qualification exams. Beijing Film Academy is one school that has very limited slots in majors such as acting, directing and painting. And as the applications grow in number, the competition intensifies. Let's hear from some of the candidates themselves.

Beijing Film Academy is one school that has very limited slots in majors such as acting, directing and painting. And as the applications grow in number, the competition intensifies.

For senior high school students who are applying for undergraduate programs at the Beijing Film Academy, they're facing competition more fierce than ever. In top-ranked majors such as Acting and Directing, only one percent of applicants will be accepted this autumn.

The overall qualification exam includes three rounds of competition. One can only get the chance to meet the judges in person if they pass the first and second paper test. They also have to cooperate with fellow applicants, or, competitors. Many of them have traveled a thousand miles to Beijing for a fairly slim chance.

An applicant to acting program said, "I only had 30 seconds to recite a poem, and each sketch rehearsal consists of more than 10 people because there are too many candidates."

An applicant to acting program said, "The judges' thoughts are hard to understand sometimes. It's like their message is hidden. So I did my best coping with their questions, all I could do is to show them who I am."

Beijing Film Academy is one school that has very limited slots in majors such as acting, directing and painting. And as the applications grow in number, the competition intensifies.

The overwhelming enthusiasm for becoming a star in the TV and movie industry has created this situation. However, the star status may have long been exaggerated by the media, and taking part of this nation-wide exam is only the first step to realizing how much work must be done. What's more, supporting and believing are not enough. The high elimination rate means sometimes they have to learn the hard way.

An applicant's parent said, "I encourage her a lot. This journey to Beijing is already a valuable experience for my daughter at her age. I certainly hope that she can go to BFA, but no matter what happens, I'll support her as long as she can learn from this participation. Her life has only just begun."

An applicant to acting program said, "If I can't qualify for BFA, I'll go to other colleges with an acting program, because I'm sure that acting is what I want to do for my life."

As the qualification exam is proceeding to the next level, the destiny of candidates will soon be revealed. But for most of them, the competition means they must find a backup plan for themselves. Will they stick to their dream school no matter what, or will they find alternative ways to approach the art scene? That's the question not only for students who are craving to be famous, but also their parents and tutors.