Struggler’s way to the top

B. B. B.
25 min readSep 10, 2024

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From late-night gaming sessions and managing part-time jobs to acing exams and earning top grades, discover the strategies and mindset that transformed a GPA of 2.65 into a 4.41. This guide reveals the journey of overcoming obstacles and achieving academic excellence against the odds.

Table of Contents

Introduction
My story
Who Are You?
Purpose: The Driving Force Behind Motivation
General Strategy for Academic Success
Tips
Pain
Luck
Conclusion
Afterword

Introduction

Greetings, dear reader. I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. Since you’ve chosen to read this, I can assume you’re currently striving for those “wanted by many, achieved by few” scholarships. If that’s the case, congratulations! You’ve already taken the most important step: caring.

In this article, I’ll share the methods I used to reach the top of the academic rankings while balancing a part-time job, daily gaming, and four years of watching anime at university.

My story

My name? Well, that’s not the important part. Let’s just say I’m someone who experimented with different approaches to achieving academic success. I studied in the Computer and Information Engineering faculty, and during my very first semester, I ended up with a GPA of 2.65 out of 4.5, placing me around 170th out of 300 students. Over the years, I tried various methods to turn things around, and eventually, I secured a scholarship, finishing 5th (2nd in terms of score) in my class with a GPA of 4.41 in the later semesters.

First semester:

Late semester:

Let’s be honest — I’m not a genius, nor am I particularly disciplined or strong-willed. My early results prove that. What I did have, however, was a sense of situational awareness. I understood what needed to be done to improve, and I believe that same awareness brought you here, to this article.

Finding the Path

In the beginning, I realized that my study habits needed serious improvement if I wanted to achieve something significant. During the first four semesters, I believed I knew what was necessary to fix my academic struggles, but I was wrong. It felt like I was wandering in a desert — despite my efforts, there was little to no improvement for nearly two years.

By the end of my third semester, it became clear that my approach wasn’t yielding the results I wanted. That’s when I stumbled upon an idea that changed everything: I became curious about how the top 10 students at our university were studying. What were they doing differently? At first, I assumed they simply studied more than everyone else. But no — it turns out that “a wise person knows their limits, but a fool always has an answer.”

In my fourth semester, I decided to dig deeper. I started gathering information about the top students in my course: who they were, what they did, and how they studied. I spoke to about half of them and even became friends with some incredibly bright people. Through conversations, I learned how they approached their studies and what it really takes to excel academically.

Over the next six months, I carefully applied their methods, experimenting to see what worked best for me. Throughout this article, I’ll share the key lessons I learned from these top students.

Who Are You? (Genius, Strategist, Brute-Forcer, Struggler)

Before diving into the details of effective studying, let’s address two important questions:

  1. What types of students are there?
  2. Which type are you?

After four years of studying and interacting with countless students, I discovered a pattern in how people study and the results they achieve. Based on this, I’ve identified four main categories: the Genius, the Strategist, the Brute-Forcer, and finally, the Struggler — which is where I personally belong.

Genius

Truly genius students are remarkable. They grasp concepts quickly and easily, often with minimal strategy and effort, yet they manage to excel across all subjects effortlessly. While no one is born knowing everything, the amount of effort a genius requires is drastically different from that of a typical student. In my course, I only met 2–3 geniuses out of 300 people, roughly 1%. These students have a plan, but their low-effort approach makes it nearly impossible for others to replicate.

Now, the big question: Are you a genius? If you haven’t been in the top 3 for more than two consecutive semesters with less than 20 hours of focused effort each week, the answer is likely no. Geniuses stand out by maintaining top ranks with minimal effort, while still making time for their personal interests — whether it’s gaming, sports, or hobbies. (Just to clarify one thing while I did work, study, and game, I’m no genius; unlike them I need to put in hard work and effort, not innate talent. That is difference between true Genius and us Struggler who imitate)

Strategist

Most academically successful students fall into this category. Strategists are essentially strugglers, but with superior planning. They excel not through brute force, but by developing efficient plans and sticking to them. One of the best strategists I met during my journey was a friend, Mr. O. G., whose advice significantly impacted my approach to studying.

Our conversation that shaped my path went like this:
After finishing my 4th-semester midterm, I saw Mr. O. G. sitting in Building B. Grateful for the help he’d given me with a few concepts, I approached him to say thanks. We soon started talking about scholarships and being in the top 10.
I asked: “So, what does it take to be at the top?”
He replied: “All you need is a bit of strategy and decent effort to follow through. It’s easier than you think.”
The key difference between strategists and ordinary students is their ability to create and follow effective plans. If you’re not already in the top 10, chances are you’re not a strategist — at least not yet.

Brute-Forcer

Much like geniuses, true brute-forcers are rare. To belong to this category, you need an iron will — think Thanos-level determination. I’ve known only three students from my course who fit this mold. They outperform even the geniuses through sheer determination, forcing themselves to study rigorously every single day.

The difference between them and most students is that brute-forcers actually do the work. For most of us, studying for hours each day is an empty promise we never fulfill. But for brute-forcers, this is their reality. Their approach demands immense effort, but it’s highly effective — sometimes even more so than that of geniuses.

One such student was Mr. Kh. R. After university, I reached out to him to discuss his study habits. We briefly caught up, and I invited him to a dinner gathering to chat further. His response was an immediate and straightforward “no.” When I pressed for an explanation, he explained his strict routine: a list of concepts to review, a study schedule that leaves no room for distractions, and a commitment to sleep early to be productive the next day. While this approach is difficult and often seems impossible for most, it works. If you’re not studying 3–6 hours a day, six days a week, then you’re probably not a brute-forcer.

Struggler

This is the largest category, encompassing over 95% of students. Strugglers are those who fight to study and survive academically. Some barely pass, others manage to stay afloat, and many strive for the top but fail repeatedly. This article is, in essence, written for the strugglers. We’re not geniuses who can breeze through subjects with little effort, nor do we possess the strategic finesse or brute force to guarantee success. We struggle — plain and simple.

If university life is a desert, then strugglers are the ones lost in it. Geniuses know exactly how to escape, strategists have a map that guides them, and brute-forcers just pick a direction and push forward relentlessly. Strugglers, however, wander without direction. Many of us dream of scholarships or high rankings, but more often than not, we fall short.

It’s easy to fall into this category, and there’s a high likelihood you’re one of the strugglers. But now that we’ve identified the different types of students and figured out where you belong, it’s time to start your journey to the top.

Summary

Every type of student has their own plan, purpose, and effort, but the ratio of how these elements come together can vary greatly. In fact, I believe a person purely belonging to a specific category should not exist. Depending on your character and ability in each parameter you lie somewhere in the gradient of a mixture of pure categories. Students tend to fall to the strugglers category more often.

In the graph below, you can differentiate between categories visually. Major identifier for a Struggler is the Result.

Purpose: The Driving Force Behind Motivation

Whatever you aim to achieve in life, there’s always a purpose that fuels your actions. It’s the invisible force that makes your brain work and pushes your body toward a goal. But first, let’s ask the crucial question: what is it that you truly want? Is it an academic comeback or a scholarship? And if you’ve been at university for more than a year, why haven’t you achieved it yet?

Start With Why

There’s a powerful quote that says, “If you’re not doing it now, you never wanted it enough.” When I ask my friends if they want a scholarship, everyone says yes. But why don’t they have one? The answer is simple: they never truly wanted it enough. Many people lack the desire needed to act on their goals. As strugglers, we often do the bare minimum, just enough to satisfy ourselves, but not enough to meet the high requirements for scholarships. Some have even given up and are simply trying to scrape by.

If you ever get a chance to speak with brute-forcers, you’ll notice that at the core of their relentless efforts lies a burning desire with purpose. That’s what separates them from others: they have an unshakable will to do whatever it takes to reach their goal.

How to Cultivate Purpose

Now that we’ve acknowledged the importance of purpose, let’s explore how to develop it. You may want to be at the top of your class, but why? If your goals are unclear or driven by superficial motivations, it’s unlikely you’ll reach the top. For example, if your primary motivation is to show off, you’re chasing a hollow, childish goal. It’s time to outgrow that.

For many students, getting a scholarship is about financial necessity — and that’s a valid reason. But ask yourself, Why do you need the money? Or, Why do you want to save it? That’s where your true purpose lies.

For me, it took time to find my motivation. Here’s my story:

I come from a different part of the country and moved to the capital to pursue my studies. Every now and then, I go back home to visit my family. Maybe it’s the distance or simply the process of growing up, but I began to realize something important. I started thinking about how much my family had invested in me and my education. I wondered, Do I deserve all of this? My family could live a better life if they weren’t spending so much on me. My brother could start his business, my sisters could have more things to enjoy, and our house could be more comfortable.

My parents believed in me. They believed that investing in my education was the right decision, and that’s when it hit me: Do I deserve this trust? Am I not stealing my parents’ money and my siblings’ opportunities? That’s when I found my true purpose: My parents deserve a better son; my family deserves a better person. I had to live up to their belief in me. I wanted to prove that I wasn’t a thief stealing their resources — I wanted to be someone who deserved their trust and sacrifices.

A Practical Exercise to Build Purpose

One simple but powerful way to ignite your desire is to pay your own tuition — whether it’s your own money or someone else’s. If you can, go to the bank and make the payment yourself. It might give you a real sense of how that money could have been spent on other things.

If you’re working and have your own income, contribute even a small portion toward your tuition. The amount doesn’t have to be large; even paying 1/20th of the total fee can create a sense of ownership. People tend to value their own hard-earned money more than others’, even when it comes from their parents. This simple act can shift your mindset and make you realize what’s at stake.

Avoid Burnout

Even if you find that purpose within yourself, be careful — there’s a danger called burnout, and you need to avoid it at all costs. The excitement of newfound motivation can push you to extremes, but you need to pace yourself. Unlike what most people say, you don’t have to give up your “bad” habits like gaming, watching anime, or scrolling through Instagram.

In fact, abruptly cutting out these habits often leads to burnout much faster. If you delete a game to focus on studying, you might just end up redownloading it and playing even more than before. Similarly, if you stop watching your favorite series, you might binge it later with no self-control. The key is balance, not sudden elimination.

I can’t stress this enough: Avoid burning out at all costs. If you do burn out, you’ll find yourself back at square one — revisiting this “Purpose” section and trying to start over.

Final Thoughts on Purpose

Look, I’m just a student like you, and I don’t want to sound like one of those over-the-top motivational speakers on TikTok. But the truth is, if you can spark even a little bit of responsibility and desire within yourself, you’ll have what it takes to move forward.

This part of the article isn’t meant to offer some magical, life-changing advice. It’s just a reflection of the steps I took to achieve better results. If reading this has sparked something inside you — some responsibility or purpose — then we can move on to the next, more concrete lessons.

General Strategy for Academic Success

Learn the Basics

In any endeavor, a strong foundation is essential. You can’t dive into advanced topics without mastering the basics. Think of it like preparing for war: you need to know how to hold a sword before going into battle. If you’re struggling with a complex subject, often the issue lies in a missing understanding of the foundational concepts.

To tackle this, when you hit a stumbling block, trace it back to the root and start learning from there. But don’t get caught in a rabbit hole! If you find yourself going two levels deep into learning side topics, stop. Revisit the original problem with your newfound knowledge, and only dive deeper if it’s absolutely necessary.

Syllabus is Key

After the basics, the syllabus is your next best friend. It offers an outline of what’s coming, helping you map out a mental framework for the course. Spend time reviewing the syllabus at the start of the semester to understand why each topic is relevant to the course and your degree. This way, you’re not just memorizing information; you’re seeing the bigger picture.

Distractions: How to Focus in Class

A wise man once said, “Do the right thing at the right time.” In practical terms, this means you should focus on studying while you’re at university and working while you’re at work. Here’s how to make the most out of your class time:

  1. Sit in the Front Row: Always aim to sit in the first or second row of every class. Being closer to the professor helps you stay naturally focused. From the front row, you have no distractions between you and the lesson — just the board and the professor. Don’t hesitate to ask questions when necessary and be fully present.
  2. Manage Your Sleep: If you find yourself needing to sleep, do it in the front row. Surprisingly, many professors are more lenient with students who sit in the front, even if they occasionally nap. I’ve slept through over 50 classes in the front row myself. Sometimes, I’d time my naps so I could wake up just in time for the key points of the lesson. While this doesn’t work for every class, it can be effective in some.
  3. Network with Hardworking Peers: Sitting in the front row often means you’ll be surrounded by motivated and high-achieving students. This has allowed me to make friends with many top students (GPA 4+). Engaging with them can lead to valuable academic interactions, though be prepared to answer their often challenging questions. If you have no idea about the answer, it’s fine to say, “I was wondering about that too” or “Let’s ask the professor.”
  4. Remove your phone from the sight: Keep your phone in your bag and set it to silent mode. Every distraction, including your phone, can impact your understanding of the lesson. Be honest with yourself — having your phone out is a temptation that can divert your attention. Remember, in class, your primary role is to be a student.
  5. Attend Class Regardless: Always attend class, even if you’re late. The saying “Better late than never” applies here. Some professors might not welcome latecomers, so adjust accordingly. In my experience, many professors, especially in my final years, were quite understanding about lateness as long as you showed up. If the class hasn’t ended, you’re still on time.

By following these guidelines, you can improve your focus, manage your distractions, and make the most out of your classes.

Note-taking: To Take or Not to Take

Not all classes require note-taking, and not all students benefit from it. If you’re confident you can grasp the material without notes, don’t burden yourself with them. The key is to listen actively. For classes that move too quickly, focus more on understanding rather than obsessing over writing everything down. You can always review the material later.

The Power of Projects

Projects are often overlooked, yet they can significantly boost your grades. They usually have long deadlines and contribute a significant portion of your overall grade (10–40%). By breaking down the project into manageable chunks, you can ace it without burning out. Additionally, good team selection is crucial. Avoid working with friends who may not be as driven as you; instead, find committed partners, preferably those you meet in the front row.

The Power of Micro Scores

While exams test pure knowledge, other small factors contribute to your final grade, like attendance and assignments. These micro-scores, often accounting for 15–30% of your total grade, are easy wins. Attend class, complete assignments, and show up for quizzes — these are simple ways to secure points.

Preparing for Exams

I believe exams are the hardest challenge for struggling students, as they require pure knowledge and deep understanding of the subject. If there’s one time you need to give it your all, it’s during exams. Pull an all-nighter if needed, take a day off from work, and don’t waste time — focus entirely on studying the day before the exam. First, ask the professor which topics are likely to be on the exam, and ensure you cover them thoroughly. Every minute spent studying increases your chances of success. Go through all the slides while making sure you truly understand them. If there are sample questions, double-check them and prepare for similar ones from the same topic clusters. The most important thing is to ensure you can solve problems on one topic before moving on to the next.

For a struggling student, exam week is probably the hardest part of the semester. The goal is to secure the highest possible score you can get on the exam. Anything even slightly above average can often be enough to get an A+. Usually, the top 10% of the class is awarded an A+, and it doesn’t matter if you’re first or last in that group — when your GPA is calculated, the result is the same.

Sometimes, multiple exams are scheduled for the same day, so you have to prioritize the harder one. To better organize your preparation, I developed a method of categorizing exams by effort levels, combined with the Pomodoro technique.

If you’re not familiar with Pomodoro, it’s a technique that helps you stay focused on difficult tasks by working in 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks. You can learn more about this from a professional article or resource.

Now, back to categorizing exams: divide them into three levels of difficulty — hard, harder, and hardest. For the “hard” exams, you need at least 4–6 Pomodoros; for “harder” exams, 8–12; and for the “hardest” ones, 12–16 Pomodoros. This means for the more difficult exams, you should focus for 6–8 hours of solid preparation. Beating exams is tough but not impossible. Thankfully, our goal isn’t to ace them with a perfect score — many of my own results weren’t in the top 20, yet I still managed to get an A+. With focused effort for just a day, we aim to do slightly better than average.

When you struggle to understand something, ask your top-performing friends for help, or if they’re unavailable, use tools like ChatGPT. Keep learning and reading until the second the exam starts — every bit of knowledge you pick up increases your chances of scoring better. If there’s one time to buckle down and focus, it’s now.

Ask and Answering Questions in Class

Never shy away from asking questions, no matter how trivial they may seem. It shows your professor that you’re engaged and helps clarify your understanding. Even if your peers laugh at your questions, remember, your goal is to learn and improve, not impress them. Constantly thinking of a question to ask may improve your focus. I believe asking is simply the most underrated method for making sure you understand the topic.

Just like asking questions helps solidify your understanding, the same benefits can be seen when answering. Try to respond to the professor during class, but if you’re unable to for any reason, make sure to always answer the question in your mind. This mental exercise still engages your brain and helps reinforce the material, even if you’re not speaking aloud.

Track Your Progress

One of the simplest yet most effective strategies is to keep track of your performance. Create a table of your scores from assignments, quizzes, and exams. This will give you a clear picture of where you stand in each course and what areas need improvement. I highly recommend putting your score table somewhere very close to you. For instance, the wall next to your bed or your desktop setup. By regularly reviewing this table, you’ll be able to focus on your weaknesses and stay motivated to improve.

Strategy summary

Mastering the basics, attending every class, sitting in the front row, asking questions, and tracking your progress can give you a significant advantage. It’s not just about studying hard; it’s about finding a strategy that works best for you and the purpose to get you through it. While we may not match the detailed planning of Strategists or the relentless effort of Brute-forcers, as Strugglers, we can learn from them, imitate their approaches, and still achieve great results. The key is maintaining balance and avoiding burnout, and always remember — consistency is what will ultimately carry us to the top.

Tips

Respect your professor

Respect your professors. This isn’t about flattery, but about maintaining a positive mindset. I used to have a bad habit of disliking professors simply because I didn’t enjoy their subjects. I wouldn’t say I hated them, but because I disliked the subject, I found myself also disliking and not respecting the professor associated with it. This lack of respect affected my ability to care about the subject, creating a compound effect. Over time, I noticed it was much harder for me to learn from professors I didn’t respect, which was unsurprising. Meanwhile, some of my friends praised the very same professors for their abilities, which I failed to notice. That’s when I realized that my negative feelings were clouding my judgment and making it harder to learn.

Think about it — are you really going to put effort into learning from someone you don’t respect? The answer is likely no. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to learn from someone you hold in low regard. So, respect your professors, because that’s the first step to truly focusing on their lessons and giving yourself a better chance to succeed.

Optimize Your Approach to Each Professor

Each professor requires a unique approach. University is an organization with rules, but at the end of the day, your score is determined by your professor, who applies their own methods. In a sense, each professor has their own grading system, and to succeed, you need to understand it.

Start by doing some research on your professors. Ask seniors about their grading style and what they value most, or if that’s not possible, ask the professors themselves what they expect from an A+ student. Keep in mind, though, that professors may unintentionally leave out key details since they’re giving advice from their own perspective. Some professors value class participation and engagement, while others prioritize respectfulness or pure subject knowledge.

For example:

  • Activeness: Some professors highly value students who are engaged in class, ask questions, and show consistent effort. These professors are likely to recognize your hard work and may help you get a better grade.
  • Pure Knowledge: Other professors care less about class participation and more about your exam or quiz results. In these cases, it’s your performance on assessments that will determine your grade.

Professors also differ in how they test and evaluate students. Understanding what they prioritize can help you focus on what matters most. For instance, some courses may place 60% of the total grade on assignments, while others might not include a single one. Your effort should match the weight of each component in the grading system.

  • If assignments hold significant weight, make sure you complete them on time, ask questions about your grades, and track your progress. If you’re struggling, reach out to the professor for feedback — they’re more likely to guide you since they value assignments.
  • If projects are heavily weighted, join a reliable team, start early, and regularly ask for the professor’s feedback to ensure you’re on the right track.
  • If the professor values pure knowledge, it’s harder to rely on these strategies. In such cases, attend every class, sit in the front row, ask questions, and visit the professor during office hours. This will not only help you better understand the subject but also show your commitment to the course.

Ultimately, understanding each professor’s expectations and grading style allows you to tailor your approach, helping you succeed in a more targeted and effective way.

Utilize Technology Effectively

Technology has transformed the way we learn, especially over the past few years. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have made it incredibly easy to ask questions and gain new insights. Incorporating LLMs into your study routine can be highly beneficial, as they are reliable resources that can assist with various aspects of learning. Embrace technology to streamline your study process and enhance your efficiency.

Here are some effective ways to use LLMs for studying:

  • Summarizing Content: Use LLMs to condense lengthy papers or online lessons into concise summaries.
  • Generating Questions: Have LLMs create practice questions based on the material you’re studying to test your knowledge.
  • Identifying Weak Points: LLMs can help pinpoint areas where you might need further review and offer explanations to improve your understanding.

For example, in one of my online courses, there were too many video lessons to keep up with. To manage this, I developed a Python application that first downloaded the course videos and extracted subtitles using the Whisper audio-to-text model. The application then used the Gemini LLM to summarize and extract key points from each lesson, including information on exam relevance as mentioned by the professor. The final product was a well-organized Notion page with summaries and key points for each video, all achieved in just four hours of coding. This tool significantly improved my study efficiency and provided easy access to critical information.

Master Public Speaking and Presentation

It’s interesting to note that many of our courses require presentations on projects, yet we often lack formal training in public speaking and presenting our ideas. Without this essential skill, many students struggle to effectively communicate their work. To address this gap, consider investing in 1–2 hour public speaking or presentation courses. Vinh Giang, a renowned speaker, offers an excellent series of free videos on YouTube that can help you improve your presentation skills. Allocating a few hours to watch these videos can be more beneficial than spending countless hours on the project itself.

Effectively presenting your work is crucial. If you cannot convey your ideas and the results of your project clearly, even the most impressive work may receive a lower score than it deserves. The ability to express your hard work on stage is as important as the work itself, and mastering this skill can significantly impact your overall performance and grades.

Should you give up your ‘bad’ habits? Gaming and Watching Shows

Many people believe that their main problem is spending too much time on habits like gaming or watching shows. They often try to eliminate these activities to manage their time better, but they may still struggle to achieve results. The problem with this approach is that when you forcefully restrict yourself from one time-consuming habit, your dopamine-driven brain may just replace it with another one. For instance, if you stop watching anime, you might find yourself spending more time on TikTok. If you quit playing Dota, you could end up engrossed in mobile games. This cycle of restricting and replacing habits can be endless.

Personally, I used to play a lot of mobile games (I still do), particularly Mobile Legends, with over 8,500 matches logged in just over three years. I once tried to balance my life by removing Mobile Legends from my phone, expecting it to make me a better student. But I found that I simply shifted my time to other distractions like watching shows, scrolling through social media, or reading manga. Essentially, I just swapped one time-consuming habit for another.

So, what’s the solution? Instead of completely cutting out your bad habits, focus on increasing the time you dedicate to studying. If you spend two hours a day gaming, commit to studying for at least one hour each day. This includes everything related to university — reviewing the syllabus, discussing topics with friends, or completing homework. By gradually increasing your study time and maintaining awareness of your grades, you can strike a balance without feeling overwhelmed.

Even during my most productive study periods, I still enjoyed watching my favorite anime series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Eminence in the Shadow, Chainsawman, and Mushoku Tensei. I’m not suggesting that you should play more games or watch more shows, but rather that you can maintain your studies while keeping your preferred habits in check. The key is to manage your time effectively by increasing your study hours, and committing to at least 15 minutes of studying after your gaming sessions.

For the record, I’ve included my statistics on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang below. As of now, I’ve played 8,737 matches, not including arcade and chess modes, so the total number is actually higher if those are factored in. Each match typically lasts around 15 to 20 minutes. Well, I will leave the calculations to your curiosity.

Pain

There’s a profound saying: “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” Even with all the strategies and tips, you can’t entirely eliminate the discomfort and struggle that come with putting in effort. The goal here isn’t to remove the pain but to guide you through it, helping you push through the hard work and challenges.

Remember, the pain you experience is not without purpose. It’s part of a larger fight — one you’re waging for yourself and for those you care about. Behind every struggle lies a reason: your loved ones, who depend on you and benefit from your perseverance. Stand firm and face your challenges head-on, much like a soldier protecting their front lines. Your efforts and sacrifices not only lead to personal growth but also bring joy and pride to your family. Strive to be worthy of the support and love you receive, making your actions a testament to your dedication and commitment.

Luck

Sometimes, you might find yourself in a fortunate position where you’re offered optional projects or extra tasks that can boost your grade. Even if these tasks seem minor or insignificant, don’t dismiss them. Every point counts at the end of the semester. If there’s no penalty for attempting them, why not seize the opportunity? Those extra points could make a significant difference in your final score.

Recognizing and capitalizing on these lucky breaks is a valuable skill that can be developed. Stay alert to your surroundings, pay attention to the professor’s announcements, and monitor any updates on your digital platforms. Look for opportunities to gain that extra edge and take full advantage of them. On rare occasions, luck can play an extraordinary role. When it does, make sure to use it to its fullest.

Story: Last semester, during my Computer Security course, I was overwhelmed with the amount of material I needed to cover. Despite working through 14 Pomodoro sessions, I felt unprepared as the exam approached, with only 30 minutes left before it started. I desperately wished for more time to finish studying, even daydreaming about improbable scenarios that might grant me an extension.

As I headed to the exam building, a friend approached me and asked where I was going. When I told him I was off to the exam, he laughed and asked if I’d checked my Telegram messages. I hadn’t, given my hectic schedule. His next words stunned me: “Academic Affairs canceled all the exams for today.”

Initially, I thought it was a joke. In my four years of studying, I had never seen exams canceled on-site. But it turned out to be true. Due to a leak of exam papers, all exams for the day were postponed. I was thrilled by this unexpected turn of events. It gave me the precious time I had been yearning for, allowing me to review all the topics again and ultimately achieve a much better score than I had initially anticipated.

Conclusion

Now then time for conclusion. I find it difficult to view myself as truly deserving of the scholarship and rank I’ve achieved. Imposter syndrome often shadows my accomplishments, making me question whether I’ve genuinely earned my place. It’s a humbling reminder of how far I’ve come, and how much more I have yet to learn and achieve.

I wrote this article as part of my ongoing experiment with writing, and it’s one of the first pieces I’ve completed as I continue to learn and develop my writing skills. For the past six months, I’ve been thinking about sharing the knowledge and tips I’ve picked up from my experiences and experiments. It took me about three months of thinking and planning before I finally started writing this article. The process has been both tough and eye-opening, but it’s been worth it to try nonetheless.

I hope these tips help others who are on a similar journey, making it easier for them to learn, manage their time, and take advantage of opportunities. In the end, striving for excellence is a never-ending journey with its ups and downs. What’s important is the effort we put in, the lessons we learn, and how we help others along the way.

As you wrap up reading this article, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for taking the time to engage with these insights. I hope that the strategies and experiences shared here will prove useful in your own journey through university and beyond. Remember, the path to success is a combination of consistent effort, strategic planning, and seizing opportunities as they come. I look forward to hearing about your results and wish you the best of luck in achieving your goals.

Afterword

Note that I did use ChatGPT-4o and ChatGPT-4o-mini for checking grammar and editing sentence structure. My initial draft was fully written by me without use of any language models. Later it was polished using ChatGPT to make it compact and easy to read without errors. Numerically, the first version was more than 7000 words, while the one you are reading as of now contains around 5000 words. The reason why I used models is simply that I am not fully confident in my English yet. Moreover, I tried saving my limited time to finish the job. For your comparison this paragraph is fully written by me without any other supportive tools. Furthermore, fear not, for every point made in this article is completely mine (not from the model) and based on my experiments. It is just to ensure you guys that what you have read is not a bunch of AI generated tokens.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. B. B.

Now then, thanks for your time and effort, and I can not wait to see your results. Bye bye my friend, cya!

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