An Inspiring Student Journey: 70% Scholarship and Rating
Polina Korotich shares her journey, tips, and what drives her success.
I didn’t aim for the top from the very beginning,” Polina admits. “I was focused on quality work and skill development.”
Last year, Polina ranked 6th in her cohort at HSE University and earned a 70% tuition discount — an achievement that came as a pleasant surprise even to herself.
When Polina found out about her position in the ranking system, the feeling was bittersweet. On the one hand, she was genuinely happy that her efforts had paid off. On the other hand, the result reminded her how competitive the academic environment at HSE can be. “Competition was tough,” she recalls. “What mattered more was that my efforts were rewarded. It boosted my confidence and became motivation — not a reason to relax.”
Motivation Beyond Competition
Throughout the academic year, motivation was one of the key challenges. Heavy workloads, deadlines, and constant comparison with others can easily lead to exhaustion. For Polina, however, motivation came primarily from within.
“My main motivation was internal — curiosity and the desire to prove to myself that I can achieve high results,” she says. Competition helped her stay focused, but it was never the main driving force. Careful planning and structured work allowed her to keep moving forward even during the most intense periods of the semester.
Support also played an important role. Family and friends helped Polina push through moments of fatigue, while creative breaks allowed her to recharge. “Sometimes, short breaks involving creativity helped me regain energy and return to studying with a clearer mind,” she explains.
What Really Shapes Academic Results
When it comes to academic success, Polina believes that prioritization matters more than trying to do everything perfectly. During the year, she focused mainly on projects, which required deep analysis and creativity and significantly influenced final grades.
“Projects shaped my understanding of subjects and helped me develop skills, not just grades,” she explains. Homework, meanwhile, helped her absorb material step by step, while active participation in discussions deepened her understanding. Exams were never left until the last minute — preparation was spread out over time to avoid unnecessary stress.
Polina is convinced that ranking is rarely about luck alone. “Strategy and effort have the biggest impact,” she says. “Effort without planning may lead to burnout. Luck can help — for example, if exam topics align with your strengths — but it only complements preparation. It can’t replace it.”
Staying Organized Without Burning Out
Behind Polina’s academic achievements was a personal system of organization that helped her stay on track. She relied on daily notes, task prioritization, and digital calendars, combining technology with personal to-do lists and reminders.
“This helped me track progress and meet deadlines,” she says. At the same time, she learned to recognize her limits. Instead of pushing herself endlessly, Polina focused on sustainable productivity — adjusting her workload when needed and allowing herself time to rest.
Despite this structure, there were moments when exhaustion took over. “Especially during exam periods, I felt tired and sometimes wanted to quit,” she admits. In those moments, she turned to simple strategies: going for a walk, doing something creative, or breaking large goals into smaller, manageable steps. “It made the path clearer and less overwhelming.”
Life Beyond Grades
One of the most striking parts of Polina’s story is her ability to balance academic life with personal interests. Alongside her studies, she worked on design projects and maintained creative hobbies — not as distractions, but as sources of energy.
“Creative projects gave me energy, while studies gave me structure,” she says. Time management was key: Polina divided her schedule into clear blocks and learned when to postpone less important tasks. Respecting her own needs and resting when necessary helped her maintain both productivity and emotional balance.
Rituals, Habits, and Small Details
Before exams and major deadlines, Polina relied on simple but effective routines. She created short review plans, did light physical exercises to reduce tension, and avoided learning new complex topics at the last moment.
A small ritual — herbal tea and focus music — helped her mentally prepare. “This approach made me feel calm and confident during exams,” she says. For Polina, success was often hidden in small, consistent habits rather than dramatic last-minute efforts.
What Not to Do
When asked what advice she would give to students aiming for the top 10, Polina is clear about what not to do. “Don’t procrastinate or rely on luck,” she says. Cramming, ignoring mistakes, and maintaining a passive attitude toward learning are, in her view, the fastest ways to fail.
“Expecting everything to fall into place without active effort to gain knowledge and improve skills doesn’t work,” she adds.
A New Perspective
Earning a 70% tuition discount changed how Polina views her education — not as a finish line, but as encouragement to keep moving forward. “I feel very grateful and excited,” she says. “It motivates me to continue studying and working even harder.”
Looking ahead, Polina sees her achievement not just as recognition of past effort, but as confidence in her future. Her story shows that academic success at HSE is rarely about chasing rankings alone — it is about strategy, balance, and learning how to grow without losing yourself along the way.
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Milana Subbotina
