# From Average Student to PhD Candidate: Skills for Success
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Chapter 1: My Journey from Mediocrity to Excellence
Throughout my life, I have always been passionate about learning and uncovering new knowledge. However, during my teenage years, I encountered numerous challenges. After completing high school, I was uncertain about my future. I initially enrolled in an engineering program at a nearby public university but soon dropped out. Next, I attempted to pursue music at a conservatory, only to leave after four months.
At that time, I considered myself an average student with no clear direction. Everything changed when I decided to study Psychology at the University of Buenos Aires. This choice stemmed from listening to my inner self; I had always been intrigued by human behavior and our experiences in the world.
Fast forward five years, and I graduated as a psychologist and secured a scholarship for a PhD in Computational and Comparative Neuroscience. But what catalyzed this transformation?
Well, I developed three pivotal skills.
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Section 1.1: The Power of Reading
Reading is a transformative skill that can alter the course of one’s life. Books and ideas have the power to inspire and educate, providing us with knowledge that is vital for personal growth. They represent an invaluable investment in ourselves. Delving into scientific literature was a significant factor in my journey toward becoming a researcher.
I often think about how concise books can be; some authors manage to condense decades of research into just a few hundred pages. Even better, many writers excel at simplifying complex subjects. This realization fueled my desire to read more.
Don’t Overlook Articles
The world is filled with brilliant minds. Engaging with articles that share personal stories or break down complex topics in brief formats has also significantly impacted my life. The internet, especially platforms like Medium, is a treasure trove of valuable information, and I’m grateful for it.
Section 1.2: Planning for the Future
I have always enjoyed contemplating the future. During my adolescence, creating a plan for what lay ahead helped clarify my identity and aspirations. When I began my Psychology studies, I devised a strategy to complete my degree. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for Neuroscience.
I became enamored with research and resolved to pursue a scientific career. Consequently, I formulated a detailed plan to secure a PhD scholarship. I researched which countries excelled in Neuroscience studies, identified scholarship opportunities, and analyzed profiles of successful candidates to create a checklist of necessary skills and experiences.
I initiated this process in my second semester. Five years later, I earned a prestigious scholarship to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience in Germany. This planning was instrumental in helping me achieve my goals after completing my undergraduate studies. The earlier you begin planning, the more advantageous it is.
How Future Planning Benefited Me:
- A clear strategy to reach my objectives.
- Enhanced self-reflection.
- Increased self-awareness.
- Greater accountability for my essential tasks.
- Continuous engagement with my goals.
Chapter 2: Mastering the Art of Learning
I was an average student in both high school and college. I often felt frustrated watching my peers achieve better grades while studying less. A particularly humbling moment occurred when I compared notes with a classmate; we both used the same materials, yet he scored an 8/10 while I received a 5/10.
The issue was clear: I was not employing effective learning strategies. I decided to change my approach, moving away from passive techniques like rereading and highlighting. I researched effective study methods and adopted strategies such as retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and interrogative elaboration.
The results were remarkable. Not only did my grades improve, but I also learned to study more efficiently, allowing me to expand my knowledge beyond my Psychology degree. I acquired skills in programming, statistics, data analysis, machine learning, and languages like English and German (B1), among others. This newfound efficiency also freed up time for additional diplomas.
Thus, I urge everyone to learn how to learn. This skill is a superpower. I transitioned from being an average student to possessing a wealth of experience that enhanced my CV and helped me secure a PhD scholarship.
The key takeaway is that intelligence isn’t the issue; rather, it’s that most individuals lack knowledge of effective learning techniques. This gap in understanding is why I began writing—I want to share how the right strategies can guide anyone toward their desired future.
I hope this narrative inspires you to keep pushing forward, my friend.
Ways I Can Assist You:
- Subscribe to my new free newsletter, The Super Learning Lab.
- Stay tuned for an upcoming free learning eBook and email course!
Chapter 3: Scholarship Success Stories
In this video, "How I Won OVER $125K in Scholarships for College," the creator shares their incredible journey of securing significant scholarships to fund their education.
In "How to Win Scholarships with Poor Grades/CGPA," learn valuable insights and strategies for obtaining scholarships, even if your academic record isn’t perfect.
Thank you for reading!
See you soon,
Axel