Study Gods is a longitudinal study of how privileged youth in China prepare themselves to join the ranks of the global elite. Drawing from eight years of fieldwork and extensive interviews, Study Gods reveals the important lessons that Chinese youth learn in their pursuit of top status in global society: They understand the hierarchy of the status system, recognizing and acquiring the characteristics that are prized, while avoiding those that are not. They maintain status by expecting differential treatment and performing status-based behaviors, which guide their daily interactions with peers, teachers, and parents. Lastly, with the help of resourceful parents, they rely on external assistance in the face of potential obstacles and failures. These youth continue to apply these skills in colleges and careers around the world. Highlighting another facet of China’s rising power, Study Gods announces the arrival of a new generation to the realm of global competition.