Philosophy Student Tops University of La Laguna Rankings Through Intellectual Curiosity
Philosophy student Óscar Marrero has achieved the highest grade point average at the University of La Laguna by prioritizing intellectual curiosity and critical thinking over rote memorization.
In the Spanish university system, academic success is often associated with extreme sacrifice. However, Óscar Marrero, a philosophy student at the University of La Laguna (ULL), proves that this doesn't have to be the case. Marrero recently finished the 2024/2025 academic year with a 9.7 grade point average, the highest in the entire institution. He attributes this achievement not to rigid study schedules or rote memorization, but to a genuine, constant intellectual curiosity.
Marrero’s path to success was not always straightforward. He performed modestly during his compulsory secondary education, but his grades improved significantly in high school, where he earned top marks in every subject. Interestingly, his initial interest in health sciences and biology eventually led him to philosophy. He realized that questions about the human mind and consciousness required a deeper level of analysis than a laboratory could provide.
His final degree project focused on panpsychism and the complexities of consciousness, showcasing his background in mathematical logic and analytical philosophy. Although he was surprised to learn he had earned the university’s top academic record while he was busy studying for a Master’s in Education, Marrero remains grounded. He believes that true success comes from connecting ideas and self-directed learning, rather than simply spending long hours reading textbooks.
Marrero is now training to become a teacher, where he hopes to demonstrate the practical value of philosophy. While some critics dismiss the subject as too abstract, he argues that it is essential for ethical and political debate—especially for teenagers who are beginning to question the world and define their own futures.
His experience offers a fresh perspective on how we evaluate students. Marrero believes that grades should not define a person’s potential; instead, the development of critical thinking is what truly matters. As he looks toward a career in teaching and potentially doctoral research, he serves as an example of how curiosity can help students excel academically while keeping a human perspective on learning.