This paper will examine a process of junior high school students from the lower social strata in China entering key senior high schools, especially the influence of family factors and school life. Firstly, from the influence of family factors, the motivation to study among the students arose from the hard work of their parents and their desire to move up the social ladder. Because of fewer out-of-school educational resources, those students were willing to trust schooling and, to follow school policies. In addition, since their parents were not directly involved in their children’s education and career choices, such students had to create their own opportunities. Secondly, from the influence of school life, junior high school students from the lower social strata formed the ability, habit, competitive consciousness, and school adaptability to pass examinations. Thirdly, we clarified that those students faced many problems due to the lack of middle class culture after entering key senior high schools.