Artificial Intelligence has rapidly become one of the most valuable academic tools available to students. From summarizing research papers and generating study notes to solving complex problems and preparing scholarship applications, AI assistants are transforming how students learn, study, and succeed.

Among the most popular AI platforms available today are:

• ChatGPT
• Gemini
• Claude

Each platform offers unique strengths, capabilities, and limitations.

The question many students are asking is simple:

Which AI assistant is actually best for studying, research, assignments, productivity, and academic success?

This comprehensive guide compares ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude across every category that matters to students.

What Are AI Study Assistants?

AI study assistants are advanced language models capable of understanding and generating human-like text.

Students use them to:

• Explain difficult concepts
• Create study guides
• Summarize textbooks
• Generate practice questions
• Improve writing
• Analyze research papers
• Learn programming
• Organize coursework

When used responsibly, AI can become a powerful educational companion.

Why Students Are Using AI More Than Ever

Modern students face increasing academic demands.

They must balance:

• Assignments
• Research projects
• Exams
• Scholarship applications
• Part-time jobs
• Extracurricular activities

AI tools help reduce repetitive work while allowing students to focus on deeper learning and critical thinking.

Overview of ChatGPT

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, has become the most widely used AI assistant globally.

Strengths

• Excellent conversational abilities
• Strong writing assistance
• High-quality tutoring
• Coding support
• Research assistance
• Creative content generation

Ideal For

• Students
• Researchers
• Writers
• Programmers
• Scholarship applicants

Overview of Gemini

Gemini, developed by Google, is deeply integrated into Google’s ecosystem.

Strengths

• Strong web connectivity
• Access to Google services
• Research assistance
• Productivity integration

Ideal For

• Students already using Google Workspace
• Researchers seeking web-connected information
• Collaborative academic work

Overview of Claude

Claude, developed by Anthropic, has gained popularity for its thoughtful responses and long-context processing.

Strengths

• Long document analysis
• Research support
• Natural writing style
• Strong reasoning

Ideal For

• Academic researchers
• Graduate students
• Long-form writing projects

Research Capabilities Comparison

Feature	ChatGPT	Gemini	Claude
Research Support	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Document Analysis	Excellent	Very Good	Excellent
Academic Explanation	Excellent	Good	Excellent
Source Understanding	Excellent	Good	Excellent

Winner

ChatGPT and Claude

Both consistently provide deeper explanations and stronger reasoning.

Essay Writing Comparison

Students frequently use AI for:

• Outlining essays
• Improving grammar
• Brainstorming ideas
• Structuring arguments

Tool	Rating
ChatGPT	9.5/10
Claude	9.3/10
Gemini	8.5/10

Winner

ChatGPT

Its ability to adapt tone, structure, and academic style makes it particularly useful for student writing.

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Scholarship Applications and Personal Statements

Scholarship essays require:

• Authentic storytelling
• Strong structure
• Clear objectives

Best Tool

ChatGPT

ChatGPT excels at:

• Scholarship essays
• Motivation letters
• Personal statements
• Application editing

Claude performs well but tends to produce more formal and cautious responses.

Thesis and Dissertation Support

Graduate students often need assistance with:

• Literature reviews
• Research synthesis
• Academic writing

Best Tool

Claude

Claude’s long-context capabilities make it particularly useful for handling large academic documents.

Coding and Programming

Category	ChatGPT	Gemini	Claude
Python	Excellent	Very Good	Excellent
JavaScript	Excellent	Good	Very Good
Debugging	Excellent	Good	Very Good
Explanations	Excellent	Good	Excellent

Winner

ChatGPT

Programming students generally benefit most from ChatGPT’s detailed explanations and debugging support.

Mathematics Assistance

ChatGPT

• Excellent explanations
• Step-by-step solutions
• Concept understanding

Gemini

• Strong computational support

Claude

• Strong reasoning

Winner

ChatGPT

Students consistently find ChatGPT easier to follow when learning complex mathematical concepts.

File Upload and PDF Analysis

Students often need help analyzing:

• Lecture notes
• PDFs
• Research papers
• Textbooks

Rankings

1. Claude
2. ChatGPT
3. Gemini

Claude’s ability to process extensive documents remains one of its biggest advantages.

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Long Context Window Comparison

AI Tool	Long Document Handling
Claude	Outstanding
ChatGPT	Excellent
Gemini	Very Good

Winner

Claude

Researchers working with large documents will appreciate Claude’s capacity.

Creativity Comparison

Students also use AI for:

• Presentations
• Projects
• Brainstorming
• Content creation

Tool	Creativity Score
ChatGPT	10/10
Claude	9/10
Gemini	8/10

Winner

ChatGPT

Best AI for Different Types of Students

High School Students

Best Choice: ChatGPT

Why?

• Easy explanations
• Interactive learning
• Homework support
• Study planning

University Students

Best Choice: ChatGPT

Offers the best balance between:

• Research
• Writing
• Learning
• Productivity

Master’s and PhD Students

Best Choice: Claude

Particularly valuable for:

• Research papers
• Thesis work
• Long document analysis

Scholarship Applicants

Best Choice: ChatGPT

Excellent for:

• Personal statements
• Motivation letters
• Scholarship essays

Pricing Comparison

Feature	ChatGPT	Gemini	Claude
Free Version	Yes	Yes	Yes
Premium Plan	Available	Available	Available
Student Value	Excellent	Good	Excellent

For most students, free versions are sufficient for everyday academic tasks.

Privacy and Ethical Considerations

Students should remember:

• Never submit AI-generated work without reviewing it.
• Verify factual claims.
• Follow institutional policies.
• Avoid sharing sensitive personal information.

AI should support learning, not replace it.

AI Tools by Academic Task

Task	Best Tool
Essay Writing	ChatGPT
Coding	ChatGPT
Research Papers	Claude
Scholarship Applications	ChatGPT
Thesis Support	Claude
Brainstorming	ChatGPT
Google Integration	Gemini
Long Documents	Claude
Tutoring	ChatGPT
Productivity	Gemini

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Future of AI in Education

AI will increasingly become a standard educational tool.

Future developments are expected to include:

• Personalized tutors
• Real-time learning assistance
• Adaptive study plans
• Research automation
• Intelligent feedback systems

Students who learn to use AI responsibly today will gain significant advantages tomorrow.

Choose ChatGPT If:

• You want the best all-around student assistant.
• You need help with writing, studying, coding, and scholarship applications.
• You want the most versatile AI platform.

Choose Claude If:

• You work with large documents.
• You conduct extensive research.
• You are a graduate student or researcher.

Choose Gemini If:

• You rely heavily on Google Workspace.
• You want seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem.

Overall Winner for Students

🥇 ChatGPT

Best Research Assistant

🥇 Claude

Best Google Ecosystem Integration

🥇 Gemini

The best AI tool ultimately depends on your academic goals, learning style, and daily workflow.

However, for the majority of students seeking a single AI assistant that can help with studying, writing, research, productivity, and career preparation, ChatGPT remains the most balanced and versatile option available today.

AI in Education by the Numbers

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept in education—it is already reshaping how students learn, research, and prepare for their careers.

The rapid adoption of AI-powered tools across schools, colleges, and universities demonstrates that digital learning assistants are becoming a standard component of modern education.

Key Statistics Every Student Should Know

• Millions of students worldwide now use AI-powered learning tools regularly.
• Universities are increasingly integrating AI literacy into their curricula.
• AI-assisted tutoring platforms continue experiencing significant growth.
• Employers increasingly expect graduates to understand how to work effectively with AI systems.
• Research institutions are investing heavily in AI-powered discovery and innovation.

What These Trends Mean

Students who develop AI literacy today are positioning themselves for success in a future workforce where human-AI collaboration becomes a normal part of professional life.

The question is no longer whether students should learn to use AI. The question is how effectively they can use it to improve learning, productivity, and career readiness.

How Students Should Use AI Ethically

Artificial Intelligence is a powerful educational tool, but its value depends on how it is used.

Responsible AI use can enhance learning, improve productivity, and strengthen understanding. Misuse can undermine academic integrity and limit genuine skill development.

Ethical Ways to Use AI

Brainstorming Ideas

Students can use AI to generate ideas for essays, projects, presentations, and research topics.

Explaining Difficult Concepts

AI can simplify complex subjects and provide alternative explanations that improve understanding.

Editing and Proofreading

Students can improve clarity, grammar, structure, and readability while maintaining ownership of their work.

Creating Study Materials

AI can help generate flashcards, quizzes, summaries, and practice questions.

Research Support

Students can use AI to organize information, summarize findings, and identify areas for further exploration.

Unethical Uses of AI

• Submitting AI-generated work as original work.
• Using AI to complete examinations without authorization.
• Fabricating sources or citations.
• Bypassing learning objectives.

The Golden Rule

Use AI as a tutor, assistant, and collaborator—not as a substitute for learning.

Can AI Help Students Get Better Grades?

The answer depends less on the AI tool itself and more on how it is used.

Students who leverage AI strategically often improve their academic performance because they:

• Study more efficiently.
• Understand difficult concepts faster.
• Receive immediate feedback.
• Generate practice materials.
• Organize information effectively.

However, students who rely on AI without understanding the material may experience short-term gains but long-term learning deficiencies.

The Most Effective Approach

Use AI to:

1. Learn concepts.
2. Test understanding.
3. Identify weaknesses.
4. Practice repeatedly.
5. Improve communication skills.

The combination of AI assistance and active learning creates the strongest academic outcomes.

Best AI Tool by Degree Program

Different academic disciplines benefit from different AI strengths.

Degree Program	Recommended AI
Computer Science	ChatGPT
Software Engineering	ChatGPT
Artificial Intelligence	ChatGPT
Data Science	ChatGPT
Cybersecurity	ChatGPT
Medicine	Claude
Nursing	Claude
Pharmacy	Claude
Biotechnology	Claude
Law	Claude
Business Administration	ChatGPT
International Business	ChatGPT
Finance	ChatGPT
Economics	Claude
Literature	Claude
Journalism	ChatGPT
Education	ChatGPT
Engineering	ChatGPT
Research-Based Master’s Programs	Claude
PhD Programs	Claude

Why the Difference?

ChatGPT excels in versatility, tutoring, coding, brainstorming, and student productivity.

Claude excels in long-form analysis, research synthesis, and processing large academic documents.

Gemini remains particularly useful for students deeply integrated into Google’s ecosystem.

Best AI Tool by Personality Type

Students often learn differently.

Choosing an AI assistant that complements your learning style can improve effectiveness.

Personality Type	Recommended AI
Curious Explorer	ChatGPT
Deep Researcher	Claude
Analytical Thinker	Claude
Creative Thinker	ChatGPT
Entrepreneurial Student	ChatGPT
Structured Learner	Claude
Visual Learner	Gemini
Productivity-Focused Student	Gemini
Independent Learner	ChatGPT
Graduate Researcher	Claude

Key Insight

There is no universally perfect AI assistant.

The best tool depends on how you learn, think, and work.

How Professors View AI in 2026

The relationship between higher education and AI continues evolving.

Many educators now recognize that AI is becoming an unavoidable component of modern academic and professional life.

Rather than banning AI entirely, institutions increasingly focus on teaching students how to use it responsibly.

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What Professors Generally Support

• Research assistance
• Concept explanations
• Study planning
• Proofreading
• Brainstorming

What Professors Generally Oppose

• Academic dishonesty
• Unattributed AI-generated submissions
• Fabricated citations
• Bypassing learning objectives

The future of education is likely to emphasize AI literacy alongside traditional academic skills.

AI-Powered Study Workflow

Students often ask how they should actually use AI throughout the learning process.

The following workflow can dramatically improve efficiency.

Step 1: Learn the Concept

Use ChatGPT or Claude to explain difficult topics.

Step 2: Create Notes

Generate concise summaries and key points.

Step 3: Generate Practice Questions

Create quizzes and flashcards based on lecture content.

Step 4: Test Understanding

Ask the AI to challenge your knowledge.

Step 5: Fill Knowledge Gaps

Review areas where you struggle.

Step 6: Prepare for Exams

Create revision guides and mock examinations.

Step 7: Review and Reflect

Use AI feedback to improve future performance.

This process transforms AI from a simple chatbot into a comprehensive learning assistant.

Will AI Replace Traditional Learning?

Some students fear that AI may eventually replace traditional education.

This is unlikely.

Education is not simply about obtaining information.

It also involves:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Leadership
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Character development

AI can deliver information efficiently, but it cannot fully replace the human experiences that shape personal and professional growth.

The future is more likely to involve AI-enhanced learning rather than AI-replaced learning.

Future of AI in Universities (2030–2040)

The next decade may bring profound changes to higher education.

Expected Developments

Personalized Learning

AI tutors may adapt instruction to each student’s learning style and pace.

Intelligent Research Assistants

Students may use AI to analyze vast amounts of information within seconds.

Automated Academic Support

Routine administrative and support functions could become increasingly automated.

Adaptive Assessment

Examinations may evolve to emphasize critical thinking and real-world problem solving.

Global Access to Education

AI-powered learning platforms could make high-quality education more accessible worldwide.

A New Educational Era

Students entering university today will likely experience an educational environment dramatically different from that of previous generations.

Those who embrace technological change while maintaining strong human skills will be best positioned for success.

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The Ultimate Student Buying Guide: Which AI Should You Choose?

After comparing ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude across dozens of categories, each platform emerges as a strong option for different types of users.

Choose ChatGPT If:

• You want one AI tool for everything.
• You need tutoring support.
• You write essays regularly.
• You study STEM subjects.
• You want coding assistance.
• You apply for scholarships.

Choose Claude If:

• You conduct extensive research.
• You read large academic documents.
• You are completing a thesis or dissertation.
• You need deep analytical support.

Choose Gemini If:

• You use Google Workspace daily.
• You rely heavily on Google services.
• You value integration with Google’s ecosystem.

Overall Rankings

🥇 Best Overall Student AI: ChatGPT

🥇 Best Research Assistant: Claude

🥇 Best Google Ecosystem AI: Gemini

🥇 Best Scholarship Writing Assistant: ChatGPT

🥇 Best Thesis Assistant: Claude

🥇 Best Coding Assistant: ChatGPT

100 Ready-to-Use AI Prompts for Students

How to Use These Prompts

The quality of AI output depends largely on the quality of your prompt. Instead of asking vague questions, provide context, objectives, academic level, and desired output format.

The following prompts are organized by common student needs and can be used with ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini.

Research & Academic Research Prompts

Goal	Prompt
Understand a Topic	Explain [TOPIC] as if you were teaching a first-year university student.
Research Overview	Provide a comprehensive overview of [TOPIC], including key concepts, recent developments, and real-world applications.
Literature Review	Summarize the major academic perspectives on [TOPIC].
Research Questions	Generate 20 research questions related to [TOPIC].
Thesis Topic	Suggest unique thesis topics in [FIELD OF STUDY].
Research Gap	Identify potential research gaps in [TOPIC].
Methodology Selection	Recommend suitable research methodologies for studying [TOPIC].
Source Evaluation	Explain how to evaluate the credibility of academic sources.
Research Framework	Create a conceptual framework for a study on [TOPIC].
Academic Debate	Present arguments for and against [TOPIC].

Essay Writing Prompts

Goal	Prompt
Essay Outline	Create a detailed outline for an essay on [TOPIC].
Thesis Statement	Generate 10 strong thesis statements for [TOPIC].
Introduction	Write an engaging introduction for an academic essay about [TOPIC].
Counterarguments	Identify potential counterarguments related to [TOPIC].
Conclusion	Create a compelling conclusion for an essay on [TOPIC].
Critical Analysis	Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of [ARGUMENT].
Improve Writing	Improve the clarity and academic tone of the following text: [TEXT].
Transition Sentences	Generate transition sentences between these paragraphs.
Argument Development	Expand this argument using evidence and logical reasoning.
Academic Tone	Rewrite this text in a formal academic style.

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Scholarship Application Prompts

Goal	Prompt
Personal Statement	Help me write a compelling scholarship personal statement based on my background.
Motivation Letter	Create a scholarship motivation letter for a student pursuing [PROGRAM].
Career Goals	Help me articulate my long-term career goals.
Leadership Examples	Suggest ways to describe leadership experiences effectively.
Community Impact	Help me explain my community service contributions.
Scholarship Essay	Draft a scholarship essay responding to this prompt: [PROMPT].
Achievement Presentation	Present my achievements professionally and persuasively.
Application Review	Review and improve my scholarship application essay.
Unique Selling Point	Identify what makes my profile stand out.
Interview Preparation	Generate scholarship interview questions and model answers.

Exam Preparation Prompts

Goal	Prompt
Study Guide	Create a study guide for [SUBJECT].
Practice Questions	Generate 50 exam-style questions on [TOPIC].
Mock Examination	Create a mock exam with answer keys.
Flashcards	Generate flashcards covering [TOPIC].
Revision Plan	Create a 14-day revision plan for [EXAM].
Knowledge Test	Test my understanding of [TOPIC].
Difficult Concepts	Identify concepts students commonly struggle with in [SUBJECT].
Mnemonics	Create memory aids for [TOPIC].
Active Recall	Generate active recall questions from my notes.
Last-Minute Revision	Create a one-page revision summary for [TOPIC].

Language Learning Prompts

Goal	Prompt
Vocabulary Building	Teach me 20 advanced words related to [TOPIC].
Grammar Improvement	Explain the grammar rules for [GRAMMAR TOPIC].
Writing Practice	Evaluate and improve my writing sample.
Speaking Practice	Simulate a conversation in [LANGUAGE].
Pronunciation	Explain how to pronounce these words correctly.
Reading Comprehension	Create reading exercises for intermediate learners.
IELTS Preparation	Generate IELTS speaking questions and sample responses.
TOEFL Preparation	Create TOEFL-style practice exercises.
Translation	Translate this text and explain difficult expressions.
Daily Practice	Create a 30-day language learning plan.

Coding & Programming Prompts

Goal	Prompt
Learn Programming	Teach me [PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE] from beginner to advanced level.
Debug Code	Find and explain the errors in this code: [CODE].
Project Ideas	Suggest programming project ideas for students.
Algorithm Explanation	Explain how [ALGORITHM] works with examples.
Coding Challenge	Create coding challenges for intermediate learners.
Interview Preparation	Generate software engineering interview questions.
Code Optimization	Improve the efficiency of this code.
Data Structures	Explain data structures with practical examples.
Software Architecture	Explain the architecture of a scalable application.
Git & GitHub	Teach me how to use Git and GitHub effectively.

Mathematics Prompts

Goal	Prompt
Concept Explanation	Explain [MATH CONCEPT] step-by-step.
Practice Problems	Generate 20 problems related to [TOPIC].
Solution Walkthrough	Solve this problem and explain each step.
Formula Sheet	Create a formula sheet for [SUBJECT].
Exam Revision	Create a mathematics revision guide.
Error Analysis	Explain where I went wrong in this solution.
Application	Show real-world applications of [CONCEPT].
Problem Solving	Teach me a systematic approach to solving [TYPE OF PROBLEM].
Visual Learning	Explain this concept using diagrams and analogies.
Advanced Learning	Create graduate-level questions on [TOPIC].

Career Planning Prompts

Goal	Prompt
Degree Selection	Recommend degrees based on my interests and goals.
Career Exploration	Suggest careers related to [FIELD].
Skill Development	What skills should I develop for success in [CAREER]?
Industry Trends	Explain future trends in [INDUSTRY].
Resume Review	Improve my resume for internship applications.
LinkedIn Optimization	Optimize my LinkedIn profile for recruiters.
Internship Search	Suggest strategies for finding internships in [FIELD].
Career Roadmap	Create a 10-year career roadmap.
Salary Research	Compare salaries across careers related to [FIELD].
Professional Development	Recommend certifications for [CAREER].

Productivity & Time Management Prompts

Goal	Prompt
Study Schedule	Create a personalized weekly study schedule.
Time Blocking	Help me implement time-blocking techniques.
Goal Setting	Create SMART goals for this semester.
Productivity Audit	Analyze my study habits and suggest improvements.
Focus Improvement	Recommend strategies to improve concentration.
Habit Building	Create a 30-day habit-building plan.
Burnout Prevention	Suggest ways to prevent academic burnout.
Task Prioritization	Help me prioritize these tasks effectively.
Semester Planning	Develop a semester-long productivity strategy.
Accountability System	Create a personal accountability framework.

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Entrepreneurship & Business Prompts

Goal	Prompt
Business Idea Generation	Generate innovative business ideas related to [INDUSTRY].
Market Research	Conduct a basic market analysis for [BUSINESS IDEA].
Business Plan	Create a business plan outline.
Competitive Analysis	Analyze competitors in [INDUSTRY].
Marketing Strategy	Develop a marketing plan for [PRODUCT].
Customer Persona	Create detailed customer profiles.
Startup Funding	Explain startup funding options.
Financial Projections	Help me create financial forecasts.
Business Model	Explain suitable business models for [IDEA].
Growth Strategy	Suggest scaling strategies for a startup.

Pro Tip: The Formula for Better AI Responses

Use this framework whenever possible:

Role + Task + Context + Constraints + Output Format

Example

“Act as a university professor. Explain machine learning to a first-year Computer Science student. Use simple language, practical examples, and provide a summary table at the end.”

This simple formula can dramatically improve the quality of responses generated by ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

Pro Tip: The Formula for Better AI Prompts

The highest-performing prompts usually contain four elements:

Context

Explain your situation.

Objective

Clearly state what you want.

Constraints

Specify length, style, format, or audience.

Output Format

Tell the AI exactly how you want the answer presented.

Example

Instead of:

“Explain economics.”

Use:

“I am a first-year university student studying economics. Explain the law of supply and demand using simple language, practical examples, and a step-by-step structure suitable for exam preparation.”

The more specific your prompt, the more useful the AI’s response will be.

Common Mistakes Students Make When Using AI

Many students fail to maximize AI because they misunderstand its strengths and limitations.

Mistake 1: Accepting Every Response as Fact

AI can occasionally generate incorrect information. Always verify important facts through reliable sources.

Mistake 2: Using Weak Prompts

Poor prompts often produce generic responses.

Instead of asking:

“Explain economics.”

Ask:

“Explain the law of supply and demand using real-world examples suitable for a first-year university student.”

Mistake 3: Replacing Critical Thinking

AI should support analysis rather than replace it.

The best students use AI to deepen understanding, not avoid intellectual effort.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Academic Policies

Different institutions have different rules regarding AI use.

Students should always follow their institution’s guidelines.

Mistake 5: Depending on One AI Tool

Each platform has strengths and weaknesses.

The most effective students often combine multiple tools depending on the task.

FAQs

Is ChatGPT better than Gemini for students?

For most academic tasks, ChatGPT generally provides stronger tutoring, writing assistance, and coding support.

Is Claude better than ChatGPT?

Claude excels at processing large documents and research-heavy projects, but ChatGPT offers broader versatility.

Can AI help students get scholarships?

Yes. AI can assist with brainstorming, editing, and structuring scholarship applications, though students should ensure the final submission reflects their authentic voice.

Which AI is best for thesis writing?

Claude is particularly effective for large research projects and long-form academic documents.

Should students rely completely on AI?

No. AI should be used as a learning aid, not as a replacement for independent thinking and academic integrity.

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Final Thought

AI tools are transforming education, but the most successful students are not necessarily those with access to the best AI. They are the students who know how to ask better questions.

Mastering prompt writing may become one of the most valuable academic and professional skills of the AI era.

AI is most powerful when used as a learning partner rather than a shortcut. Students who learn how to ask better questions, evaluate information critically, and apply AI responsibly will gain a significant academic and professional advantage in the years ahead.

Author Bio

SureTripAcademia Editorial Team

SureTripAcademia empowers students worldwide with trusted resources on scholarships, study abroad opportunities, career development, educational technology, and academic success.