In Persona 3, players are able to raise several different Social Stats, which represent different elements of the protagonist's social skills. In order to perform certain actions, select certain dialogue options, and progress social links, players will need to raise the relevant Social Stats.
The Academics Stat in Persona 3 represents the protagonist's book smarts and general knowledge. Players will use this stat to achieve the best outcomes at the various exams throughout the game along with gaining access to, and progressing, certain valuable Social Links.
How to Raise Academics
There are several methods of raising the Protagonist's Academics stat throughout the game, and keeping on top of this stat is very important for exams. The first and easiest way to raise Academics is available from the beginning of the game, and it is as easy as choosing to study at night whenever the Protagonist is not Sick or returning from Tartarus. Studying while Sick doesn't raise Academics as the protagonist is unable to concentrate, and staying up late after a Tartarus visit is likely to make them Sick. When sick, players should try using the bathroom during the day and at night for a chance to get better without using up any time, and then sleep early that night if this doesn't work.
Speaking of studying, another easy way to raise Academics is by being a good student and never sleeping in class. This both raises Academics and reveals information that will be useful in quizzes during the exams.
Heading to the mall in the evening and spending some time on the Quiz game at the Arcade will also raise Academics, making this an excellent choice for raising Academics even further during the evenings. This does not prevent the Protagonist from studying that night either. The Quiz Game isn't always available, however, so this method can only be used some of the time.
Ahead of this point, there are some minor spoilers regarding events during and after the Summer Vacation. Going to the movies with the following people on the following dates will raise Academics further:
- Bebe on 8/18
- Yukari on 8/24
- Aigis on 8/28
- Mitsuru on 8/30
Additionally, repeatedly visiting the Faculty Office to complete Elizabeth's Request for a Sengoku-era Helm (once the request becomes available after Summer School) will raise Academics once per visit. Additionally, Summer School itselfgrants a large Academics boost and cannot be missed.
Persona 3 is available now for PS3, PSP, and PS Vita, and releases on January 19th, 2023 for Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.