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Gilmore Girls walking through Fall Festival
Gilmore Girls walking through Fall Festival
Warner Bros. Television
Life > Academics

How to Study Like Rory Gilmore

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCD chapter.

Rory Gilmore, from the early 2000s comedy-drama Gilmore Girls, is the epitome of the star student. She is known for her intelligence, dedication, and hard work. Transferring from her small-town high school, she attends Chilton Prep School where she competes with her academic rival, Paris Geller, for a place at the top of the class. Everything is a competition because Harvard only accepts the best Chilton students. But how exactly did she do it and how can we learn from her academic success? Here is the Rory Gilmore study method.

  • Do your homework as soon as it is assigned: Rory always immediately starts her homework or studies after school. She follows a strict schedule for completing her assignments and chooses to have fun once her homework is done. Doing your homework as soon as possible helps you manage your time and keep track of content as the course progresses. When assignments start to pile up, so does your stress. So do your homework first and have fun after. You’ll thank yourself later.
  • When studying, alternate between subjects so you don’t get bored: Space out your study sessions to improve your long-term memory. Pick one subject to study for an hour or two and then alternate between another class. This will prevent you from burning out too quickly and struggling to stay focused.
  • Engage in class discussions: Rory is often seen raising her hand during class. This allows her to understand concepts at a higher level since she is mentally involved in the active learning process. Active participation and engagement help solidify class material. Plus, teachers will remember you when you answer questions.
  • Read for pleasure: In the show, Rory is always found with her nose in a book. Reading for fun expands your vocabulary and improves your concentration and memory. Pick a book that interests you and make reading a daily habit.
  • Always be prepared for presentations and school work: Rory is well-known for her detailed notes and ability to retain information. Take notes in class and annotate your readings. Reviewing your notes daily and bringing them to class will better prepare you for in-class assignments.
  • Create a dedicated study space: Rory is often shown studying in the school library or at home. By creating a dedicated study space, she is able to minimize distractions and focus on her work. This helps her be more productive and efficient. She’ll even have time for extra credit.
  • Define your goals: For Rory, her goal was Harvard. What are you working towards? Make a vision board, write down your goals, create a plan or schedule, and visualize. This will help you stay motivated and not lose focus. Never be ashamed to focus on your future.

By following these strategies, Rory is able to excel academically and achieve her goals. It’s not just about good grades; she is also driven by a love of learning and a commitment to personal growth. With Rory’s study method, we can all achieve our own academic success so let’s go get those As.

Phoebe is a current third-year at UC Davis majoring in Economics and Science & Technology Studies. She hopes to attend law school in the future. Outside of her academic interests, she enjoys trying new foods, spending time with friends, and traveling.