Channeling Your Academic Alter-Ego

With a new semester pending, it can be daunting to handle the balance of work, class and social life as a Penn State student. Surprisingly, the biggest motivator for good grades has been found on TikTok; users have started to embrace their inner Rory Gilmore or Elle Woods to pass their classes.

What is #StudyTok?

#StudyTok is a hashtag that is growing with videos from users on TikTok to inspire a stronger work ethic. Timelapse study videos, tips and tricks on mind mapping and more have been included in this subgenre. #StudyTok users have recently been romanticizing fictional characters and their work ethic in order to stay focused throughout the school year.

Here are a few of the #StudyTok protagonists that have inspired students of TikTok (beware, you might develop a serious caffeine addiction in the process of mimicking them).

Rory Gilmore

This stylish Yale alum from the early 2000s sitcom Gilmore Girls has taught us to dream big and never give up. Since we are first introduced to her in the show, we know that Rory Gilmore cares about one thing — getting into Harvard and becoming the next Christiane Amanpour.

Even in moments of despair, like getting her first bad grade at Chilton or dropping out of college, Rory taught students to focus on goals and let nothing interfere. No friends, no drama and no boys. Only discipline. Like she once said: “Who cares if I’m pretty if I fail my finals?”

Elle Woods

If you’re going through a bad breakup, don’t wallow in tears and self-pity; apply and attend Harvard Law School and become valedictorian! Elle Woods from Legally Blonde showed us that it is possible to be feminine and smart. Defying the “ditzy blonde” stereotype, Elle knew when to prioritize school (like skipping frat parties to study for the LSATs) and how to turn in assignments on time (her resume was pink and scented). 

When her classmates liked to put Elle down about her intelligence, including her own ex-boyfriend, she rose above and succeeded regardless. In her first year, she was able to get the internship the other students were desperately fighting over. A good student knows how to ignore the competition and prove others wrong. What, like it’s hard?

Hermione Granger

An icon that is dear to our childhood, Hermione Granger, knew how to outsmart every man in the Harry Potter movie series. Since the first day at Hogwarts, Hermione was able to memorize every spell taught and every magical creature in the Forbidden Forest. Without Hermione’s drive and intelligence, who knows if Harry could have defeated Voldemort? (Spoiler: he wouldn’t have).

Hermione teaches students to find passion in what they are studying. Embrace the early classes. Love the topics. Recite the notes so many times that it becomes a part of your daily life. Reminder: she didn’t become one of the greatest witches of her generation by sleeping in and doodling during class.

Spencer Hastings

This perfectionist from Pretty Little Liars is capable of solving anything in front of her. From her work-life balance, to her position on the field hockey team, to figuring out who could be “A”, Spencer Hastings’ competitive nature can drive her to insane limits (even a spot in the mental institution).

Although there is a danger in working as hard as Spencer does, it’s important to note her dedication. She never let any problem intimidate her and faced it head-on. Courage is the only skill any good student would need to get through the semester (but not an Adderall addiction).

Whether you have to be hunched over a stack of books desperate for an “A” or dressing for the runway in order to make it to your 8 a.m. class, if TV show and movie stars can prosper, who says that you can’t?

Tweet us at @VALLEYmag with your favorite #StudyTok character!

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