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How to Overcome a Lack of Academic Confidence

One of the scariest things about school is the sense that "they're all smarter than I am." These steps should help you get on the path toward slaying this demon.

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    Instructions

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      • 1

        Realize that most people who seem overly intelligent aren't any smarter than anyone else. It's often just a matter of presentation.

      • 2

        Recognize that you have your own kind of intelligence, which might not be measured well by standardized tests or "normal" grading criteria.

      • 3

        Tell yourself that you're not going to be intimidated by people who appear, in your eyes, to be smarter than you are.

      • 4

        Take the high ground: If someone tries to make you look stupid, realize it's probably that person's insecurities coming through and has nothing to do with your intelligence.

      • 5

        Study. Your feelings of intellectual inferiority may stem from being less prepared than your classmates, not less intelligent.

      • 6

        Contact your school's academic-counseling office. The professionals there have a wealth of advice for you.

    Tips & Warnings

    • Remember that you're not alone. People often "feel stupid" in the world of academia, but it rarely has anything to do with intelligence.

    • Keep in mind that standardized tests and "normal" grading criteria don't measure your potential or how hard you tried.

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    Comments

    • JalenSchmidt Apr 30, 2008
      This article helped me in getting rid some of the academic inferiority I have felt for years, I'm a senior in high school now and every day I wished I could go back to when it started so I could have done better, I'm tired of wishing I was taking honors classes because I wanted others to think I was smart, I thought taking those would make me feel smart, but this article helped to relieve some of the pain, and it actually inspired me to do the best I can when I leave for college, I am smart, I know I am, I just wished I had actually believed that earlier.
    • JalenSchmidt Apr 30, 2008
      This article helped me in getting rid some of the academic inferiority I have felt for years, I'm a senior in high school now and every day I wished I could go back to when it started so I could have done better, I'm tired of wishing I was taking honors classes because I wanted others to think I was smart, I thought taking those would make me feel smart, but this article helped to relieve some of the pain, and it actually inspired me to do the best I can when I leave for college, I am smart, I know I am, I just wished I had actually believed that earlier.
    • JalenSchmidt Apr 30, 2008
      This article helped me in getting rid some of the academic inferiority I have felt for years, I'm a senior in high school now and every day I wished I could go back to when it started so I could have done better, I'm tired of wishing I was taking honors classes because I wanted others to think I was smart, I thought taking those would make me feel smart, but this article helped to relieve some of the pain, and it actually inspired me to do the best I can when I leave for college, I am smart, I know I am, I just wished I had actually believed that earlier.
    • JalenSchmidt Apr 30, 2008
      This article helped me in getting rid some of the academic inferiority I have felt for years, I'm a senior in high school now and every day I wished I could go back to when it started so I could have done better, I'm tired of wishing I was taking honors classes because I wanted others to think I was smart, I thought taking those would make me feel smart, but this article helped to relieve some of the pain, and it actually inspired me to do the best I can when I leave for college, I am smart, I know I am, I just wished I had actually believed that earlier.
    • Aug 17, 2006
      There has been so many times in school were I knew the right answer to a question the teacher was asking to the class, but I wouldn't raise my hand because I feared getting it wrong. Once the correct answer was said, I would get mad at myself for not speaking up. Now I take my chances and it feels good.

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