How to Become a Top 1% Student in 2025 🎓

Hey y’all,

I can’t believe 2025 is right around the corner. I’m sorry if I sound like your parents if I say this, but time truly does fly by.

Anyways, I’m stoked for the new year to start and hope it brings y’all health, wealth, and tons of academic success. 🙏

Speaking of which, let’s talk about one of my favorite life principles to help you become a top student: avoid competition.

What do you mean by “avoid competition”?

This principle might sound counterintuitive. If you’re trying to become a top 1% student aren’t you by definition competing against 99% of students?

The problem with competition is that diverts our focus to the wrong attributes. We see in someone else the accolades we want, so we set that person as the standard.

But in doing so, you’re not focusing your natural strengths. You just see the signs of success around you and try to replicate them.

For example, imagine you have a friend who’s gifted at science fairs and has won countless competitions since middle school. Or maybe you go to an elite high school and are surrounded by science fair winners. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you also start competing in science fairs—regardless of whether you like them or not.

But let’s say you’re artistic, athletic, or musically gifted. Now you’re competing on the wrong front. Instead of leaning into your natural advantages, you’ve trying to prove yourself in a field you don’t even care about.

But what if I do care?

Let’s assume you’re actually into science fairs. I still think you should avoid competition. Humans are naturally imitative creatures. The more you obsess over what your peers are doing, the more you will mirror them—even unconsciously.

For example, let’s say everyone around you is working on an AI, biomedical, or sustainability research project. Naturally, you might limit yourself to projects in a STEM field. But did you know that you could also do research in English or even in history?

If you pursue an English research project, you might instantly propel yourself into the top 1% because very few high school students do humanities research, let alone research at all.

Competition breeds sameness. It locks your mind a bubble, closing you off to all the possibilities around you. As Peter Thiel once said:

This is why I recommend that you constantly reflect on own interests, seeking out novel ways to deepen them. Lean into what might seem weird, atypical, or even impractical for someone your age.

A few decades ago, high school students weren’t conducting research. But at some point, you had those first few students who decided to step outside their comfort zone and push their intellectual limits.

Be the first in your field to pursue something novel. Cast a bold, unfettered vision for both yourself and the world around you, and do everything you can to bring that vision to fruition.

That’s how you end up in the top 1%.

What did you think about this newsletter? DM me on Instagram (@goharsguide) to let me know!

If you want study help, come join my Discord! We have a global community of students helping each other succeed in school. I’d love to see you there.

And if you need help with college essays, check out Next Admit! We have a team of Ivy League consultants eager to help you navigate the admissions process.

I’ll see you next week!

Best,
Gohar