How to Become a Scholar

Whether you aspire to be a Bill Nye (with a university tenure) or simply wish to study to your fullest potential without stepping foot in school, becoming a scholar is easier than you think! With hard work and consistency, you can pursue a lifelong journey of education. Read the article below to learn more!

Question Everything

• A true scholar questions everything they hear or read. They never accept information at face value but strive to verify its truthfulness.
• If something seems off, it might actually be wrong! Even things that sound reasonable can turn out to be false, so always make sure to verify information.

Be Curious.

• Scholars are naturally curious individuals. They have a desire to learn about everything!
• You should also embrace curiosity and constantly strive to understand the mechanisms behind everything, asking why and how things work.

Love Learning.

• Scholars enjoy learning about all kinds of subjects.
• They are passionate about the process of learning itself, not to become smarter than others or accumulate more knowledge.
• Learning is not a trick to impress others at a party: it truly brings them happiness!

Form Your Own Opinions.

• Consider all perspectives of a debate and gather as much information as possible before forming your own opinion.
• It’s important to develop your own thoughts instead of simply adopting others' viewpoints. This is a vital skill for any scholar.

Change Your Thinking.

• Scholars must always be open to adjusting their mindset when new information challenges their previous beliefs. This is an essential skill for scholars.
• Be open-minded and willing to admit when you're wrong on the path toward what is right.

Avoid Bias.

• Don’t let your personal emotions affect your actions or the information you share with others.
• Just because you disagree with something doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
• Give every piece of information a fair opportunity to be heard, and don’t let your own biases influence your overall conclusions.

Read a Lot.

• The best way to learn without a formal curriculum is to read extensively. Take every opportunity to read as much as you can. Simply doing this will make you a scholar (since a true scholar is always learning, everywhere and all the time).
• You can buy books to read, but don’t forget that your local library has many books available for free. The internet has made library systems more accessible, allowing you to search, borrow, and renew books from the comfort of your home.
• Additionally, many books have been made available online for free. Project Gutenberg is the most famous resource, but you can also find many e-books on Amazon’s Kindle store.

Enroll in Courses.

• Did you know you can register for courses without aiming for a degree? If you're interested in learning a particular skill or field, you can enroll in these courses without working towards a diploma. Many of these courses are even free.
• Speak to the community college office about audit courses (which means classes without homework or certifications).
• You can also speak directly with the professor teaching the course to help answer questions you're both thinking about.

Learn Online.

• Many schools offer free online classes that you can sign up for. You can learn from top universities, and some even provide certificates after completion.
• You can learn skills and subjects ranging from history to computer programming.
• Popular options include Coursera, CreativeLive, OpenCulture, or even YouTube videos from the Mental Floss channel (featuring John Green!).
• You can also learn languages online for free. Great websites for language learning include LiveMocha, Duolingo, and resources from the Foreign Service Institute.

Self-Study.

• You can learn new skills and information on your own. People learn through practice, so grab your books and start learning!
• You can self-study through books and other materials or by hands-on practice. Just make sure not to injure yourself in the process.
• This method of learning requires determination, but you can do it! Don’t give up!

Learn from Others.

• You can acquire a wide range of skills and knowledge simply by conversing and learning from experts. This is known as apprenticeship or training.
• Find someone you admire and offer to pay them to teach you their craft, or ask for an internship in exchange for learning valuable skills.
• This approach is particularly effective for hands-on skills rather than academic subjects, though you might also find someone willing to guide you to useful books or methods of learning.

Achieve High Rankings.

• It’s essential to maintain good grades (or top national rankings), especially in the final two years of high school. Colleges and universities will consider these rankings when reviewing your application.
• Work hard to achieve good grades by staying focused in class and completing all your assignments.
• Seek additional guidance from your teachers and regularly engage with them if you want to improve your rankings.

Put in Extra Effort.

• If you only do the minimum required, no one will be impressed with your application. Go the extra mile and put in more effort.
• Take extra courses, sign up for audit classes at a local college while still in high school, or find a job (whether for extra income or volunteering) outside of school.
• It will be particularly helpful if the projects you work on relate to the field you plan to study in college. This will make your application more attractive to universities.

Learn a Foreign Language.

• Being able to speak a foreign language is not only useful in daily life, but it also serves as proof of your capability! Show universities that you are ready by learning a language.
• You can learn a language through self-study, in high school, at university, or even for free online! Great online options for learning include LiveMocha and Duolingo.
• Choose a language that is useful—learning an uncommon language might not impress universities as much. Some languages are more valuable in certain fields or academic programs than others.
• Mastering one or two languages will also help you read scientific materials that haven't been translated. The most useful languages include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Latin, and Russian.
• You could also study Arabic, Persian, and Turkish. Many scholars and scientists have made significant contributions in the Arabian Peninsula, Southeast Asia, the Ottoman Empire, and Persia (modern-day Iran).

Study Psychology and Philosophy.

• Psychology is essential because you'll likely encounter difficult people, and understanding human nature will help you navigate those situations.
• Philosophy, on the other hand, expands your mental capacity. It will enhance your ability to think critically and efficiently.

Perform Well on Your Tests.

• Achieving a high SAT score (or an equivalent exam) can make a significant difference in which schools you can get into. The higher your score, the better the institutions you can apply to.
• To do well, you need to prepare ahead of time and take practice tests.
• You can retake the test as many times as necessary to improve your score.
• Don’t let average or low scores stop you from succeeding. You can still apply to one school and later transfer to a better one.

Write an Exceptional Personal Statement.

• Your college application essay is critical and can help you get into a school, even if your grades or test scores are only average.
• Review the requirements from different colleges to understand what they are looking for and tailor your essay to meet those standards.
• Make yourself stand out and create a unique essay if you want to succeed. Whether through unconventional experiences or simply excelling academically, cater your essay to what the school is selecting for.

Set Clear Goals from the Start.

• Identifying the degree you want to pursue from the moment you start college will help guide you in the right direction. Knowing what you want will allow you to enroll in the relevant courses rather than wasting time on unnecessary ones.
• It's fine to change your mind later, but having an initial goal is useful.
• If possible, use your high school years to decide what you want to study and what career you’d like to pursue. Consider volunteering in that field to gain more insight.

Dedicate Time to Studying.

• Maximize your university experience by studying as much as you can and achieving high grades.
• Taking notes and staying focused during class are effective ways to excel. Master these skills if you truly want to succeed.
• You can choose to study independently or in a group. Whatever works best for you, but group studying allows you to gain insights from others' notes.
• Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. You can rely on classmates, tutoring centers, or professors and teaching assistants for support.

Enroll in the Right Classes.

• To earn your degree, you need to take the required courses specific to your major. Make sure you register for the right classes to graduate on time.
• Take courses that fulfill multiple requirements to speed up your path to graduation.
• Try to select classes that are related to your future career or degree program. This will be beneficial and prepare you for graduation.

Write a Strong Thesis.

• Your thesis plays a key role in your academic ranking, and a well-written one can elevate your standing. Many graduate schools also require a sample thesis in their applications, so having a great one ready will boost your chances of acceptance.
• Read other excellent theses for inspiration, and learn how to present arguments effectively.
• Choose an innovative topic. Cutting-edge research and important findings will make you stand out as a scholar.
• Give yourself ample time to draft and review your thesis before submission. Seek feedback from your professor well before the deadline.
• Prepare multiple drafts and ensure your final version is thoroughly edited and polished.

Build Relationships with Professors.

• Forming connections with professors can offer numerous benefits beyond just good grades. They may recommend you for graduate school or even become colleagues in the future.
• Make an effort to engage with them during office hours, but ensure you don’t waste their time. Approach professors with genuine questions and listen to their insights.
• You can also connect with professors by actively participating in class. Sit near the front, ask questions, and attend regularly.
• Simply talking to professors and seeking their advice can be valuable. Professors want to see you succeed and are often willing to share useful career and success tips specific to your field.

Obtain the Necessary Qualifications.

• For certain academic fields, a master's degree may suffice, while others require a PhD.
• If you’re aiming to spend your life as a scholar, graduate school is essential. Be prepared for the fact that your entire academic journey could last 8 years or more after high school!
• PhD programs typically take about 6 years to complete after obtaining a bachelor’s degree, including time spent earning a master’s degree and completing your dissertation.
• Don’t be intimidated. Graduate school is a unique experience, and in many ways, it’s easier than undergraduate studies. Once you’re admitted, you’ll be equipped to handle whatever challenges arise.

Post-Doctoral Research. If you aim for a faculty position at a research-focused university or a PhD program, it's common to secure a postdoctoral research fellowship after completing your doctorate. During this period, typically lasting 2-4 years, you will need to publish as many research papers as possible in reputable journals.

Engage in Academic Activities.

• While in school, you can take part in various intellectual activities that stimulate your mind and make the experience more enjoyable.
• Feel free to read for pleasure and explore your own research interests.
• If you're extroverted, consider joining a debate club or other group activities.

Job Search.

• Once you earn your degree, you’ll likely seek a research or teaching position. University teaching is the goal for most professional academics.
• Your university will have resources to assist in your job search after graduation.
• Strive for a position with good benefits and salary, as you’ll likely have significant student loan debt to manage.
• Try to secure a spot at a university, as these institutions offer resources you won’t find elsewhere.

Teaching.

• Most universities offer full-time, tenured positions to their professors. Tenure provides significant job security, as it ensures faculty members cannot be dismissed without a proper process and justification.
• Typically, tenure-track positions at top research institutions require proven funding and an impressive publication record, particularly in the sciences and engineering. Additionally, there’s a 7-year probationary period to determine whether you’ll earn tenure. Being an excellent teacher without a solid research portfolio won’t help you secure tenure.
• In scientific and engineering fields, newly hired assistant professors usually receive funding to establish research labs, purchase specialized equipment, and execute projects. This is seen as an investment by the university, and professors must work hard to maximize this investment and protect their grants, which are often several times the initial amount, before advancing to tenure.
• As a professor, you'll be required to teach courses within your area of expertise. Some courses will be directly related to your research topics, while others may be broader, especially when you're just starting out.
• This means you'll need to speak in front of audiences, sometimes large ones, especially if you're giving lectures to freshmen.
• Don’t worry about making students feel anxious. You'll gain teaching experience when you enter graduate school, and the department will support you. Your students will likely be the ones feeling the pressure, as they’ll be hoping for good grades.

Keep learning.

• True scholars dedicate their lives to continuous learning. Just because you have graduated doesn’t mean you can stop your education.
• Continue reading books during your free time, meaning you should regularly explore academic journals to stay updated with the latest advancements in your field.
• Travel to learn. In many disciplines, traveling abroad provides significant benefits, including the opportunity to see what your peers are doing in other countries and access resources that might not be available locally.
• Pursue further degrees. Sometimes scholars return to university for additional qualifications. This can propel them further in their careers or if their research area intersects with another field.

Attend seminars.

• Seminars are gatherings where many scholars in a specific field come together to share their latest research and learn from one another.
• You may present your own work, but more often than not, you’ll listen to others present and engage in discussions with your peers.
• While some seminars may be local or regional, there are international events you can participate in as well.
• Believe us, seminars can be more enjoyable than you think. In fact, most of the time they serve as a social occasion for scholars to gather and relax.

Stay updated with the latest research and attend business conferences. You should read publications in your field every day – which is not difficult if you are truly passionate about it (if not, maybe you should reconsider being a professor in that subject).

• Constantly expand your expertise if you want to be a great professor. Things can evolve far beyond textbooks, and you need to be able to share this knowledge with your students. Don't let yourself fall behind compared to your students and colleagues.
• Networking with professionals in your field will also drive your research efforts forward.
• The iconic author George Bernard Shaw once said, “If you have an apple and I have an apple, and we exchange them, we each still have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea, and we exchange them, we each have two ideas.” Don’t fear losing your ideas to others. When you share them, they will provide feedback that strengthens your thoughts and ideas.

Share the knowledge you possess.

• Write articles, essays, books, or give lectures on your area of expertise, just as the following great authors and scientists have done:
  • Richard Dawkins (biologist, mythologist)
  • Sam Harris (neuroscientist, philosopher)
  • Bill Nye (mechanical engineer)
  • Michio Kaku, Stephen Hawking, Brian Greene, Lawrence Krauss (theoretical physicists and cosmologists)
  • Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Hubert Reeves (astrophysicists)
  • Christopher Hitchens (religion, literature, and social critic)
  • Elon Musk (entrepreneur, engineer, CEO of SpaceX)…etc.
• Help nurture minds by spreading objective truth.

Keep researching.

• When working in academia, you're expected to constantly continue researching your field, regularly publishing papers and books.
• Sometimes, you may get sabbaticals or even paid leave for a year to continue your research.
• You’ll write numerous articles, conference papers, essays, and books for publication. The hope is that your work will make enough of an impact to bring prestige to your institution, attracting more students and funding.

• Libraries typically have experts in particular fields who can guide you in your studies and suggest excellent books related to your area of interest.
• Consider taking elective courses (during your undergraduate degree) in supplementary subjects that can enhance your knowledge.
• Attend conferences or seminars organized at a national level related to your field to broaden your understanding and network with peers.
• Make sure you genuinely enjoy teaching and can connect with students empathetically.
• Remember, teaching is a highly rewarding profession. University students are there because they choose to study that subject, unlike primary or high school students who attend out of obligation rather than passion for the subject.
• Stay humble. Avoid falling into the trap of "professor’s disease". Just because you teach students, who by definition still have much to learn, doesn’t mean you are the ultimate authority or the center of the universe.
• If you attend a two-year college or community college, ensure your degree is transferable to a four-year university. Some two-year programs are intended for direct employment rather than for transferring to a university.
• Prepare for roles like teaching assistant or professor’s aide to build your academic career. Most universities will require prior experience before hiring faculty.
• If you feel exhausted or overwhelmed, consider studying on a computer instead of using paper, and play some instrumental music in the background to help you focus.

• Being a scholar demands great patience. Success and failure are equally possible, so prepare yourself mentally to accept whatever results come your way.
• Balancing a healthy family life while conducting deep academic research can be challenging. Relocating for job opportunities can also affect your family life.
• Don’t base your decision of where to teach solely on the reputation of the university. Some smaller institutions may excel in specific fields, and other universities may offer great faculty and resources for your work.
• Be cautious about paying for online degree programs. Ensure the institution is accredited and has a strong reputation.
• Due to the large number of PhD candidates applying for professor positions and other commercial roles, aspiring scholars may need to take on several postdoctoral positions before securing a permanent role.
• Financial rewards may be modest, and the work can often be lonely. If you follow the tenure-track path, the first six years can be quite difficult.

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