Teen Influencer Zhong Meimei Defends Boston University Admission, Says He Earned Tuition Himself

At just 19, Chinese social media sensation Zhong Meimei has hit back at online skeptics after announcing his acceptance to Boston University – clarifying that his admission was earned through merit, not money or connections, and that he will fund his nearly US$300,000 undergraduate education with earnings from his own online career.

In a lengthy post on Sunday, the influencer – whose real name is Zhong Yusheng – confirmed he plans to enroll at the private research university in Boston next year. He pushed back forcefully against speculation that his family had bought his way in. "Boston University is a legitimate, top-tier institution," he wrote. "My admission went through the full official process, with multiple rounds of screening. The school evaluated my academics, social practice, and personal talents comprehensively. There was no backdoor, no extra payments."

His statement came after his admission news went viral, drawing both congratulations and doubt from followers. BU's published cost for international undergraduates stands at US$73,000 per year in tuition, with room, board, and other fees pushing the total to roughly US$98,000 annually. That puts a four-year degree at nearly US$400,000, a sum that fueled public curiosity about how a teenager from a modest family could afford it.

Zhong addressed that head-on. He revealed that his tuition will come entirely from "money I've earned online over these years." He added, "I'm luckier than many of my peers, and I'm genuinely thankful for this era, for my fans who've supported me, for my alma maters ... and of course, for myself, for never giving up."

Zhong first shot to fame in 2020 at age 13, when his hyper-realistic impersonations of middle-school teachers – capturing their mannerisms, tones, and classroom quirks – went viral on short-video platforms. His comedic timing and sharp observation made him an instant household name.

Even then, he showed an uncommon head for business. In a later interview, he revealed that he had turned down a 1-million-yuan (US$147,543) annual contract from an agency, explaining: "They might pay me 1 million, but they'd make 10 million off me. The rest would be theirs." He also worried that a contract would hurt his studies. "If I focus on my education now, I could earn 10 million, even 100 million, in the future," he said at the time.

Behind the camera, however, Zhong's personal life has been marked by hardship. In a 2025 documentary short, he disclosed that he had suffered domestic abuse from his father during childhood. "My dad didn't like me. He would hit me often."

In a 2024 interview, he said his father once broke his mother's arm.

In his latest comments, Zhong said his biggest motivation now is to become the pillar of his family. "I want to protect my mom and my sister, and give my grandparents – who truly raised me with love – a better life," he said.

Since his viral breakthrough, Zhong has steadily expanded his content, releasing sketches impersonating hotel receptionists, transport staff, and other service workers. His social-media accounts now boast more than 9 million followers across platforms, and he continues to post regularly.

In May 2025, Zhong and his mother took a major step by incorporating a media company. Corporate records show that Harbin Dream Come True Culture Media Co Ltd was established on May 15, with registered capital of 500,000 yuan. His mother, Wu Qiong, is listed as the legal representative, with Zhong and another partner as shareholders. The firm's scope includes online cultural operations, live performances, and talent management.