Lin Qian, who scored 709 marks out of a possible 750, could not be reached for comment Thursday, but said in her blog she has chosen Peking University because of its rich culture and long history.

"We're not disappointed. It happens every year. We respect a student's choice of a university in accordance with his or her own interests," said Winnie Lai Wai-ha, deputy director of China affairs at Hong Kong University.

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She said Lin had been recommended to Peking University by her high school and, under Ministry of Education regulations, she will be admitted to the chosen institution without having to sit for a public examination.

Lai told The Standard Lin was offered a place at Hong Kong University after she excelled in a written test and an interview last year.

Generally, scoring top marks is not the only key factor for admission to Hong Kong University, she said.

"That's why we conduct interviews [for mainland students]. These interviews enable us to know more about a student, and also allow a student to understand the subjects he or she intends to pursue at the university."

For the 2007/2008 academic year, more than 1,100 students from the mainland applied for admission to Hong Kong University, but only 250 will be admitted.

Lai said the university will continue to recruit mainland students to help them gain a better understanding of its courses and the SAR.

Peking University's admission office was not available for comment.

In her blog, Lin, who is from Beijing, wrote: "Peking University is the school I've loved for a long time. Its rich culture and long history attract me, and the century-old institution's School of Mathematical Sciences is a hub where the elite are known to congregate, and is the pride of the country's mathematics field. I will work hard and strive to become an excellent member of this school."

Lin also thanked Hong Kong University for its offer and concern for her studies.

According to Xinhua News Agency's Web site, Lin's outstanding academic performance will entitle her to a "New Student Scholarship" worth 4,000 yuan (HK$4,114) at Peking University.

Last week a Chinese University of Hong Kong survey of 12,962 mainland students showed that Hong Kong was the least attractive among 10 countries or territories for higher education.