Amid concerns about creating internationally recognized world-class universities in China, this study aims to explore the factors that influence the selection of two prestigious universities in China, namely Tsinghua and Beida, by high school students. In light of concerns surrounding the establishment of globally renowned universities in China, this study applies Simon's Bounded Rationality Theory (Q J Econ 69(1):99-118, https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2102/10.2307/1884852, 1957, Models of bounded rationality, MIT Press, Cambridge, 1982) to examine the decision-making tendencies of students when faced with limited information. The study analyzes survey data collected from 10 senior high schools in Henan province. Our findings reveal that students lack clarity regarding Chinese universities and majors. Students' misconceptions about Tsinghua and Beida are linked to insufficient information and socially entrenched images of these two universities. Students' social environment may subtly influence their choice between Tsinghua and Beida, with different socioeconomic backgrounds resulting in varying expectations. Additionally, we identified enrollment strategies that impact high school students' choices. The study provides policy implications for Chinese elite universities and suggests that universities can enhance enrollment strategies by effectively promoting their institutions.