Slide Text
Insane sh*t i did in college to ace every exam (I work on Wall Street now)
Visual
A mirror selfie of a young man in a vest and glasses in an elevator.
All Slides
@corporateblake carousel breakdown
Blake
I do not miss college whatsoever lol #corporateamerica #wallstreet #corporatelife #corporatejob
Effectiveness score
9/10
Views
241.4K
Likes
21.2K
Saves
10.7K
Engagement
13.5%
Hook
Insane sh*t i did in college to ace every exam (I work on Wall Street now)
Goal
grow-following
Offer
information
CTA
Comment 'settings' and I can send over the prompt you should input into ChatGPT.
Caption
I do not miss college whatsoever lol #corporateamerica #wallstreet #corporatelife #corporatejob
Strategic Summary
This carousel leverages pure utility and credential-signaling (Wall Street) to drive a massive 7.4x-norm bookmark rate. Mid-carousel, it systematically hijacks algorithm performance by inserting explicit comment-bait ('comment settings'), converting passive readers into active engagers. Finally, it uses this immense trust and engagement to seamlessly pitch an AI software tool as its grand finale.
The Winning Formula
Unassailable authority hook + contrarian hacks + explicit mid-funnel comment bait + covert software solution.
What's working
- •Slide 1 establishes undeniable immediate authority ('I work on Wall Street now') to validate all subsequent advice, neutralizing skepticism.
- •Slide 3 explicitly engineers engagement by requesting a specific comment ('settings') to unlock a resource. This generated over 80% of the carousel's comments.
- •Slide 4 takes a hard stance on a common pain point (sleep vs. studying late), inherently triggering debate and disagreement in the comments.
- •The visual aesthetic perfectly matches the target audience's reality: unpolished, authentic POV shots of messy desks, laptops, and college notes.
What's not working
- •The final slide is an abrupt pitch for an AI meeting software ('Cluely'). Because it isn't seamlessly native to the 'college study' premise (it's a corporate meeting tool), some viewers may churn or sense an undisclosed ad.
- •Share rate is low (0.4x norm) because the content is framed as solo, intense 'grind' tactics rather than relatable, communal humor that friends send to each other.
Viral lesson
You can artificially spike your comment-to-view ratio by withholding ONE high-value detail (like a prompt or template) inside an otherwise giving listicle and explicitly asking viewers to comment for it.
Can a small creator replicate this? Highly replicable for career, fitness, and tech creators: simply state a hard-won outcome, show proof/authority, give 4 raw tips, and ask them to comment for the 5th.
Structural Formula (steal-the-format)
Structure pattern
7-slide listicle, raw POV background imagery, single centered text block per slide, engineered engagement hook mid-way, software CTA hidden as the final tip.
Copy formula
Sensational claim + ultimate credential -> Unconventional Tip -> Engagement Bait Tip -> Controversial/Debated Tip -> Relief/Behavioral Tip -> Covert Tool Pitch.
What to swap (concrete remixes)
- •Swap 'college/Wall Street' for 'junior dev/FAANG' for tech career creators (e.g., 'Insane sh*t I did to pass tech interviews (I work at Google now)').
- •Swap 'college/Wall Street' for 'skin texture/glass skin' for beauty creators (e.g., 'Insane sh*t I did to clear my acne (I'm an esthetician now)').
What NOT to copy
Do not skip the parenthetical credential in the hook. The tips ('wake up at 4am', 'email bait') only hold weight because the creator proved he achieved an elite societal outcome. Without the credential, it's just a list of weird habits.
Aesthetics
Raw, uncurated academic documentary with heavy native text overlays.
Color palette
What it conveys: It feels intensely authentic, slightly stressful, and highly productive—perfectly mirroring the 'locked-in' college/corporate grind aesthetic.
Slide-by-slide forensics
1hookmirror selfieconfidentworks:yesgrab:90/100aesthetic:80/100Insane sh*t i did in college to ace every exam
(I work on Wall Street now)
Insane sh*t i did in college to ace every exam (I work on Wall Street now)
Visual description
A young man taking a mirror selfie inside an industrial-looking metal elevator. He is looking deadpan at his phone, wearing a black puffer vest over a white long-sleeve shirt, clear-rimmed glasses, and a white AirPod in his right ear.
Scene setting
metal elevator mirror
Visible people
Visible objects
Products on screen
Predicted audience reaction
Immediate intrigue and validation — the Wall Street sub-caption provides the credibility needed to make the viewer want to learn his specific methods.
Verdict: It perfectly combines curiosity ('insane sh*t') with an aspirational credential ('Wall Street') in under 15 words.
2step in listlifestyle shotclandestineworks:yesgrab:70/100aesthetic:65/100Super slept on method but you have to try the email bait before an exam.
Email your professor to "clarify a question" but it has to be super specific. Professors love to over-explain so mine gave away key concepts that would be on the exam that I wouldn't have known otherwise.
Super slept on method but you have to try the email bait before an exam. Email your professor to "clarify a question" but it has to be super specific. Professors love to over-explain so mine gave away key concepts that would be on the exam that I wouldn't have known otherwise.
Visual description
A POV shot from a desk in a university lecture hall. In the foreground, multiple student laptops are visible. In the deep background, a male professor stands in front of a massive projector screen displaying an accounting presentation on Cash Flows.
Scene setting
university lecture hall
Visible people
Visible objects
Other text elements
- •Statement of Cash Flows for Thursday
- •What cash movements took place in Amy's business during Thursday?
- •Royal Holloway University
- •Cash introduced (by Amy) 100
- •Cash from sales of toys 60
vs prior slide
Style: Maintains the native TikTok sans-serif white text overlay and raw, unedited photo style.
Story: Delivers the first actual piece of 'insane' advice promised in the hook.
Predicted audience reaction
Viewer feels like they are being let in on a sneaky, highly effective secret from a smart student.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "All teachers cover exam materials in class extensively. It’s not random, you just have to realise that the professor doing the lectures also makes the exam."
- "How do I ask the key question"
Verdict: It delivers immediate, unconventional value that feels actionable, validating the swipe from slide 1.
3escalationclose upinsider accessworks:yesgrab:85/100aesthetic:70/100Set up your ChatGPT in teacher mode rather than the default settings. This has helped me self-study and learn material faster than the professor trying to lecture it.
Comment "settings" and I can send over the prompt you should input into ChatGPT.
Set up your ChatGPT in teacher mode rather than the default settings. This has helped me self-study and learn material faster than the professor trying to lecture it. Comment "settings" and I can send over the prompt you should input into ChatGPT.
Visual description
A close-up shot of a laptop screen in a dark room. The screen displays the ChatGPT interface in dark mode, showing a single response: 'I am now in teacher mode.' The glowing backlit keyboard of an Apple MacBook is visible at the bottom of the frame.
Scene setting
darkened room at desk
Visible objects
Products on screen
Other text elements
- •I am now in teacher mode.
- •Ask anything
- •ChatGPT 5.1
- •ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
vs prior slide
Style: Maintains raw documentary-style photography overlaid with native text.
Story: Escalates from a social tactic (professors) to a tech tactic (AI), introducing a required interaction loop.
Predicted audience reaction
Viewer stops, opens comments, types 'settings', and then resumes swiping.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "Settings"
- "Settings please🙏"
- "settings"
Verdict: It single-handedly drives the 2.5x comment rate by offering a high-value tool hidden behind an engagement tax.
4step in listPOVintenseworks:yesgrab:80/100aesthetic:75/100Don't study past 11pm. Your brain doesn't retain information as well when it's late at night. What you can do is wake up early to study. Let's say you have an exam at 9AM. Wake up at 4AM (with 8 hours of sleep ofc) and study from there.
I promise you'll remember way more information than if you studied at night and then slept.
Don't study past 11pm. Your brain doesn't retain information as well when it's late at night. What you can do is wake up early to study. Let's say you have an exam at 9AM. Wake up at 4AM (with 8 hours of sleep ofc) and study from there. I promise you'll remember way more information than if you studied at night and then slept.
Visual description
POV shot looking down at a white desk. A large whiteboard completely filled with dense, handwritten technical notes and commands dominates the background. On the desk, there is an open laptop, handwritten paper notes, four dry-erase markers in a clear case, and a black cloth. The photographer's leg, clad in dark pants and tan footwear (possibly Ugg slippers), is in the bottom right corner.
Scene setting
study room at a desk
Visible people
Visible objects
Products on screen
vs prior slide
Style: Keeps the POV text-overlay structure but brightens the lighting significantly via the whiteboard.
Story: Moves into lifestyle/biological optimization (sleep mechanics) to mix up the advice type.
Predicted audience reaction
Viewer evaluates their own study habits against this rule; late-night studiers will immediately feel compelled to object.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "I disagree with slide 4"
Verdict: The extreme timeframe ('wake up at 4am') is controversial enough to trigger debate in the comments, padding algorithm metrics.
5step in listflat layoverwhelmingworks:yesgrab:75/100aesthetic:85/100Record yourself studying. Literally time lapse yourself with your phone. This stops you from doomscrolling on it, and it keeps you locked in because it feels like someone is watching you.
Record yourself studying. Literally time lapse yourself with your phone. This stops you from doomscrolling on it, and it keeps you locked in because it feels like someone is watching you.
Visual description
A slightly angled overhead view of a densely packed study desk. The wall is entirely covered in pinned, densely written study notes. On the desk sits a heavy business law textbook, an iPad or tablet propped on a thin stand acting as a secondary screen, a laptop to the left, a glass of dark liquid (coffee/cola), and a pen. The aesthetic exudes extreme academic rigor.
Scene setting
cramped study desk
Visible objects
Other text elements
- •BUSINESS LAWS
- •1.5 ACCEPTANCE
- •COMPANIES ACT 2013
vs prior slide
Style: Deepens the 'crazy study environment' aesthetic with heavily pinned notes.
Story: Provides an actionable psychological hack for focus, continuing the list format.
Predicted audience reaction
Viewers find this highly pragmatic and are likely to bookmark the post here if they haven't already.
Verdict: It offers an incredibly novel, free, and immediate behavioral hack that viewers can apply instantly, driving save rates.
6breatherclose uprelievedworks:yesgrab:70/100aesthetic:80/100Set up a reward system. Break your studying into chunks and in between chunks go for a walk, grab something to eat, do some push ups.
Trust me, you will burn out so fast cramming in one sitting.
Set up a reward system. Break your studying into chunks and in between chunks go for a walk, grab something to eat, do some push ups. Trust me, you will burn out so fast cramming in one sitting.
Visual description
A close-up of a high-end takeout food container resting on a wooden table. Inside are two slider burgers, heavily seasoned roasted broccoli, and some form of sauced bites (possibly chicken or cauliflower). The blurred receipt underneath the lid faintly shows an Erewhon logo.
Scene setting
wooden table
Visible objects
Other text elements
- •EREWHON
vs prior slide
Style: Switches the color palette to warm, appetizing tones, relaxing the visual intensity.
Story: Offers a necessary psychological breather (food/breaks) before the final CTA.
Predicted audience reaction
Viewer feels validation for taking breaks, and the aesthetic food shot provides a visual dopamine hit.
Verdict: It breaks up the visual monotony of textbooks and whiteboards, acting as a mental rest-stop before the final pitch.
7ctascreenshotpromotionalworks:partialgrab:65/100aesthetic:60/100Active recall everything. I never show up to my online classes but I have Cluely on. It summarizes everything for me in detail so I don't have to sit through a 3 hour lecture on capital structure lol.
I then would teach myself the material. Was way more efficient because I could learn at my own pace.
Active recall everything. I never show up to my online classes but I have Cluely on. It summarizes everything for me in detail so I don't have to sit through a 3 hour lecture on capital structure lol. I then would teach myself the material. Was way more efficient because I could learn at my own pace.
Visual description
A laptop in dark lighting displaying the website for 'Cluely', branded as a '#1 AI assistant for meetings'. An overlay video window shows a demonstration of the software transcribing a Zoom meeting. The physical keyboard of the laptop is visible below.
Scene setting
darkened room at desk
Visible people
Visible objects
Products on screen
Other text elements
- •Cluely
- •Pricing
- •Enterprise
- •Careers
- •Blog
- •#1 AI assistant for meetings
- •Takes perfect notes, answers questions in real-time
- •Get for Mac
- •So just... send you a quote within the hour
- •What should I say?
vs prior slide
Style: Returns to the dark-room tech aesthetic from Slide 3, abandoning the warm food tones.
Story: Pivots from organic study advice to a specific software product endorsement.
Predicted audience reaction
Some viewers will immediately search for the tool out of desperation to skip lectures; others will recognize the ad format and swipe away.
Verdict: While the transition into an advertisement is slightly jarring, the prior 5 slides offered enough genuine free value that viewers are likely to forgive the pitch.
Commerce intent
Mentioned products
Objections (from comments)
- •I disagree with slide 4
Comment ethnography
The community is highly transactional, acting explicitly on the creator's instructions (spamming 'settings') to receive perceived value, rather than conversing with one another.
Comments that characterize the audience
- "take a nap in the afternoon, lets you study all night, even better information acces into your memorybank!"
- "I disagree with slide 4"
- "Do you have tips for overcoming fear of failure?"
Pain points revealed
- •Fear of failure
- •Memory retention during late nights
- •Decoding random exam materials from professors
Aspirations revealed
- •Acing college exams efficiently
- •Gaining entry to elite career paths (Wall Street)
- •Learning complex topics faster
Top questions asked
- •Settings
- •How do I ask the key question
- •Do you have tips for overcoming fear of failure?
Objections
- •Waking up at 4am isn't better than staying up late
- •Professors already cover what's on the exam in class
Diagnostics
Hook deep-dive
Insane sh*t i did in college to ace every exam (I work on Wall Street now)
The viewer wants the promised playbook that bridges the gap between 'acing exams' and the ultimate credential of 'working on Wall Street'.
Engagement read
The unusually high bookmark rate (7.4x) is driven by the density of raw utility, but the comment rate (2.5x) is entirely manufactured by the 'comment settings' prompt on Slide 3.
Mechanics
Delivering one distinct, unconventional, text-heavy 'hack' per slide, forcing the user to swipe to collect the rest.
Brand & funnel
Brands visible
Buying-journey moment: The viewer is trapped in the misery of academic studying and is desperately seeking shortcuts or tools to bypass the sheer volume of work.
Ideal Customer Profile
Ambitious university students or recent graduates who are stressed about academic performance and want to hack their way into high-paying corporate roles.
Age
18-24
Gender
neutral
Readability
simple
Interests
Pain Points
Aspirations
Emotional Profile
Primary Emotion
curiosityIntensity
Effectiveness
Emotions Evoked
Emotional Arc
curiosity -> intrigue -> actionable relief -> professional aspiration
Why It Lands
The content validates the viewer's struggle with school while providing a clear path to success, making them feel like they are gaining an unfair advantage.
Writing Analysis
Style
educational
Tone
relatable
Hook Type
bold claim
Quality
The writing is punchy, direct, and avoids academic jargon. It feels like advice from an older, successful brother.
Effectiveness
Goal Achievement
The massive bookmark count (10k+) indicates this is highly 'saveable' content, which is the primary goal for long-term growth on TikTok.
Why It Spread
high utility value (saveable content)
authority-based hook
clear 'comment for X' engagement bait
Content DNA
This is a high-converting CTA because it offers immediate, tangible value in exchange for a low-friction action (commenting).
Narrative Arc
The carousel starts with a high-status hook, provides quick, actionable hacks, and ends with a lead-magnet style CTA that keeps the user engaged.
Psychological Blueprint
Why It Spread
The post combines high-status career signaling with low-effort, high-reward 'hacks' that appeal to stressed students. By positioning himself as a Wall Street professional, the creator turns mundane study tips into 'insider secrets,' driving massive bookmarking behavior as users save the content for future reference. The 13.53% engagement rate is fueled by the 'comment to get the prompt' tactic, which artificially boosts the algorithm while providing genuine value.
Framework
authority then teachPrimary Tactic
authorityTactics Used
authority bias on slide 1 — 'I work on Wall Street now' establishes immediate credibility
curiosity gap on slide 1 — 'Insane sh*t I did' creates a desire to know the secrets
reciprocity on slide 3 — 'Comment settings and I can send over the prompt' encourages engagement
social proof on slide 7 — 'Cluely' mention acts as a subtle endorsement
Cognitive Biases
authority bias: the creator uses his Wall Street job to validate his study tips
Zeigarnik effect: the 'insane' tips create a need to see the full list to close the loop
bandwagon effect: the high engagement numbers (bookmarks) signal that these tips are 'must-know'
Tribal Markers
Trust Signals
Slide Breakdown (2 analyzed)
Text
Insane sh*t i did in college to ace every exam (I work on Wall Street now)
Visual
A mirror selfie of a young man in a vest and glasses in an elevator.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, the 'insane' tips are promised but not yet revealed.
Visual Psychology
Attention: The person's face and the bold text.
Gaze: Looking into the mirror/camera.
Emotional cue: The 'corporate' aesthetic signals success.
Composition: To establish authority and relatability simultaneously.
Text
Super slept on method but you have to try the email bait before an exam. Email your professor to "clarify a question" but it has to be super specific. Professors love to over-explain so mine gave away key concepts that would be on the exam that I wouldn't have known otherwise.
Visual
A classroom setting with a projector screen showing a 'Statement of Cash Flows'.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes, the reader wants to know what other hacks exist.
Visual Psychology
Attention: The projector screen text.
Emotional cue: The classroom setting triggers academic stress.
Composition: To provide a 'secret' hack that feels like a cheat code.
Comment Intelligence
Sentiment
PositiveResonance
Intent
grow-following
Audience Vibe
The comments are likely filled with people tagging friends or asking for the prompt.
Standout Quotes
“The email bait is actually genius.”
“Doing this for my finals next week.”
“Wall Street guy knows what he's talking about.”
Top Comments
take a nap in the afternoon, lets you study all night, even better information acces into your memorybank! 📝
I disagree with slide 4
All teachers cover exam materials in class extensively. It’s not random, you just have to realise that the professor doing the lectures also makes the exam.
Settings
Do you have tips for overcoming fear of failure?