Many successful women serve as academic role models in tv shows and movies for people currently studying. An academic “it-girl” is someone that an audience member could consider to be a role model; displaying their intelligence and ability to be self-sufficient, but also value their femininity if they want to. Having female idols is important for young people, in how empowering it is to see girls like them in similar schooling systems thriving and creating a world of their own.

To revive your academic life, here are some tips - other than your regular note-taking recommendations - to help you emulate the school lifestyle of an academic it-girl:

# 1 Blair Waldorf’s knack for networking:

While this first one isn’t really a study tip, ”Gossip Girls’” Blair spent a lot of time hosting, attending, and crashing parties, in effect, networking through social events. In Gossip Girl, rather than relying on applying to jobs and internships online, she used her connections to find people in her field instead. While not all of us are able to host regular soirees, going to school events and getting to know people in your profession or subject of interest can give you access to opportunities otherwise unknown - as well as being a little bit of fun!

#2 Make sure you consider your extracurriculars - as told by Rory Gilmore and Paris Geller:

Rory, the star of the television series “Gilmore Girls” had plenty of habits that led to (spoiler!!!) her being awarded valedictorian at the end of her difficult Chilton career. However, she was so focused on her schoolwork that she didn’t think about her non-academic experience as much, being involved in fewer clubs and committees than her valedictorian competition, Paris Geller. In many college systems, extracurriculars and community service are heavily valued, so try to get involved!

#3 Hermione’s summer head-starts:

By the time the school year had started, Hermione from “Harry Potter” had often already studied her subjects’ materials and textbooks, giving her a head start in her classes. Doing this means that you don’t need to spend as much time catching up during the term, as well as it keeps your momentum going throughout the summer if that's your thing. But, be careful that you don't overdo it, and still spend your downtime how you’d like to!

#4 Set up a weekly schedule that works for you, just like Rory did:

Depending on whether you're an early bird or a night owl, or if you work better alone or with friends, your study schedule is something you need to figure out for yourself. For Rory, this looked like her getting her “weekend homework done and out of the way by Saturday night”, so that she was able to spend her Sunday doing extra-credit work. Take some time to think to yourself - what do you need to get done over the weekend, how many hours do you have free, and set yourself comfortable deadlines like Miss Gilmore’s. Make sure you don’t overdo it by taking too many subjects, as a lot of people who dream of being high-achievers face burnout as a result, like a valedictorian Rory who, at one point felt like “Everything’s falling apart”.

#5 Elle Woods and Blair Waldorf’s tip; dress for success:

Both Elle and Blair are known for their immaculate fashion sense - rather than it being a superficial part of their lives, it works to empower them and let them feel confident in their day-to-day schooling life. Engaging in our personal styles as women helps us tell ourselves that being intelligent, but also feminine are two things that can coincide, working in our favor. This is also why these two it-girls can serve as such good role models - so, take that shopping trip, and spend an extra few minutes getting ready if it allows you to power through your day!

#6 Use free time at school as effectively as Hermione:

While many students spent their free time down in Hogsmeade, or clamoring around the castle, Hermione was known for spending her free time in the common rooms, studying for her OWLS - their version of exams - weeks in advance. Getting your work done while you're at school means you won’t need to spend as much time at home, late at night, and can dedicate some proper time to rewind.

#7 Have faith in yourself and your assets inspired by Elle Woods and Violet Baudelaire.

The only person who can really help you dream and succeed is you - Elle Woods embodies this in “Legally Blonde”, where she takes her confidence to another level, believing in her ability to go to law school even when her guidance counselor didn’t. She gave herself the goal to be the president of her sorority along with maintaining her grades, and creating an extravagant application video all in order to be admitted to one of the most competitive schools in the country. And, it worked. Moreover, despite spending little time in a school environment, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” protagonist Violet Baudelaire is another stellar example of a woman in the film who used her assets to her own advantage. Violet was inventive as well as book-smart, using her trusty hair ribbon to help her focus, and showing us how her interests in all things mechanical made her an unconventional, but incredibly intelligent academic it-girl.

They teach us the message that academic achievers don’t need to be unreasonably hard on themselves and spend their time studying in the same way that everyone else does and that anyone can work their way into the life they dream of.

For all the girls looking to change themselves, and embody their favorite academic idols, it can be helpful to look at how even though these women are winning the game, ultimately, they still had their fair share of hurdles. They still managed to inspire you, and become the people that they wanted to be - so, good luck on your it-girl journey!

Xoxo,

Divija

The Ultimate Academic ‘It Girl’ Manifesto

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