Student bucks trend at US 'cowboy' school

A Chongqing high school student who was one of 13 young men admitted to a college that stresses ranching and farming skills in the American West attracted widespread attention.

Peng Shuhan, 19, was notified of his acceptance to Deep Springs College as a high school junior, the Chongqing Evening News reported Wednesday. Only 26 students are accepted every year.

Located deep in the wilderness of Inyo coutny, California the alternative education facility offers two-year associates degrees with a focus on "academics, labor, and self-governance," according to the school's website.

Peng told the paper that his college interview was "basically a four-day American cowboy experience," that included horse riding, milking cows and butchering pigs.

A large portion of the 97-year-old school's alumni have gone on to the Ivy League. The school has so far admitted five Chinese students.

Peng's high school experiences and privileged background have also become hot topics online as a result.