It always is a challenge when you are a student. With classes, assignments, and life in general, it often feels like you're pretty much behind in all aspects: things you want to accomplish, such as online coursework to improve your skills. So when I came across the Three-90 Challenge from GeeksforGeeks, I thought, “Why not? This might be just the push I need.”
The idea was simple: finish 90% of a course within 90 days, you get a 90 percent refund on the course fee. I figured nothing else, just that it would account for a great way that would motivate me. Here’s how it went—what worked, what didn’t, and what I learned along the way.
Why I Took the Challenge
I chose the course "Data Structures and Algorithms", honestly, because it was one of those things I needed, yet somehow always managed to put off. I knew I needed the class for a tech career, but, I was never able to commit. Along with college and assignment work, as well as attempting to make some time for a social life, the thought of following through with a course just felt like a lot of pressure. But with the Three-90 Challenge, the promise of a refund if I completed 90% of the course felt like a pretty sweet deal. This was not just it, there was an intention in me to prove once that I really could finish something.
1. The First Few Days – Easy and Exciting
At first, it was all easy. I was hyped and excited. I set my schedule, marked out milestones, and got to work. The course material was well-written, and the platform was very easy to use. I felt productive, ticking off modules and assignments. The idea of getting a refund was in the back of my mind, but in those first few days, it felt like just a bonus. I was genuinely excited to learn something new.
I was doing well. The initial burst of motivation was real. It felt good to be back in the zone, tackling something I knew would be valuable for my future. But then…
2. The Midway Slump – Reality Hits Hard
Fast forward a few weeks. Life got busy, really busy. Deadlines started piling up due to my university courses. Also, I had some personal stuff to take care of. Life just started to get in the way. That initial excitement began to fade. I found myself skipping days, telling myself I'd catch up later. But "later" don't always come.
By week 4, I started to fall behind, and honestly, I felt frustrated. I knew the clock was ticking, 90 days didn’t feel that long. And with each day that passed, I felt more and more like I was letting myself down. I even thought about quitting the challenge. I mean, who would notice, right?
But here’s the thing about the Three-90 Challenge—it forces you to keep going. The money on the line kept me thinking, What if I finish this? What if I really commit? That was a huge motivator to get back on track. And the thought of losing out on a significant chunk of the refund made me feel like I had to keep going.
3. Getting Back on Track – Finding My Rhythm
I decided to adjust my approach. I couldn't suddenly have hours of free time, so I made small daily goals-nothing crazy, just enough to kept me moving. Some days it was just 30 minutes, but that was a good amount. I started breaking down the course into smaller, bite-sized chunks, which made it less overwhelming.
Slowly but surely, I started making progress again. What really helped was re-reading the earlier lessons. The content started making sense, and with increasing practice, I started feeling more confident. I suppose the most difficult part was to accept was that I wouldn't be able to complete everything perfectly, but as long as I kept moving forward I was doing well.
4. The Final Stretch – Pushing Through
By day 70, I could see the finishing line of this long race. There were still a few modules left, but now it felt doable. I had fewer distractions and was more focused. I also started to realize that, even if I didn’t get the refund, I was still learning a lot. The course was really helping me understand concepts I’d been struggling with for ages, like trees, graphs, and algorithms. The knowledge itself felt like a huge win, and it kept me going.
5. The Final Victory – Done and Done!
On day 90, I clicked the "complete" button. I had completed 90% of the course, and honestly, I was so excited. The feeling of accomplishment was amazing, not because I finished the course, but also because I had stuck with something for the full 90 days, even when it felt hard.
A few days later, I received an email confirming that, yes, I indeed completed the challenge requirements, and here was my 90 percent refund. I couldn't believe it! The money back felt good, like a nice little bonus, but the big victory was the fact that I completed something important to me and learned so much in doing so.
What I Learned from the Three-90 Challenge
- Accountability Works Wonders
Having a financial reward tied to the course completion kept me accountable. If there was no refund, I honestly would have quit halfway through. Knowing that there was something at stake pushed me to keep going, even on days when I didn’t feel like studying. - Small, Consistent Efforts Add Up
There were days I barely had time to study, but a small chunk of learning added up. I didn't have to be perfect; I just needed to show up and do something every day, even if it was only for 30 minutes. - It’s Okay to Struggle
The challenge wasn’t easy. There were several weeks during which I felt considerably behind, and it did felt overwhelming. But I learned that it’s okay to struggle. The important part is not giving up. Sticking with it, even when it feels hard, is what counts. - The Power of Structured Learning
The GeeksforGeeks course was well-structured, which helped me stay organized. It never felt overwhelming; I could always tell what was next, thanks to the roadmap ahead that made the challenge pretty easy.
Would I Recommend the Three-90 Challenge?
Of course, the Three-90 Challenge is not about getting a refund, though that's a nice incentive, but it is about pushing one's self to complete and follow through with something. It really taught me how to stay disciplined, even when life gets in the way, and that I could stick with something until the end.
If you are a person who has problems with consistency or finishing what you have started, I really think this challenge might help. The structured course, plus the financial reward, really helped me push through when things got tough. And honestly, the feeling of finishing the course-and getting that refund-was totally worth it.
If you're thinking of giving it a try, I would say go for it. It's not just about the money back; it's about proving to yourself that you can do it. And trust me, that's a win in itself.
How Can You Start?
Starting the Three-90 Challenge is simple. Follow the steps given below and you will ace it.
Step 1 - Pick a Course
Head over to GeeksforGeeks and pick a course that excites you. Whether you’re into coding, data science, or something else, choose a course that’ll keep you pumped to learn.
Step 2 - Enroll
Hit the enroll button, and you’re in! No turning back now—you're officially a part the Three-90 Challenge now. Get ready for some serious learning (and maybe a little fun along the way).
Step 3 - Set a Goal
Don’t stress about finishing everything at once. Break it down—do a module a day or a few lessons a week. Just keep it steady and simple.
Step 4 - Track Your Progress
As you go, keep an eye on your progress. It’s so satisfying to see your progress move closer to 90%! It’ll keep you motivated to push through.
Step 5 - Stay Committed & Keep Pushing!
It won’t always be easy, but don’t quit. Even if you miss a day (or a few), just pick up where you left off. You got this!
Step 6 - Get Your 90% Refund
When you finish 90% of the course in 90 days, you’ll get 90% of your fee back. It’s like learning for free—just stay focused, and the refund is yours!
Commonly Asked Questions :
1. What is the GeeksforGeeks Three-90 Challenge?
The Three-90 Challenge is a learning initiative by GeeksforGeeks where you must complete 90% of a course within 90 days to receive a 90% refund on the course fee. It is designed to help learners stay consistent and finish what they start.
2. How does the 90% refund work?
If you successfully complete at least 90% of the enrolled course within 90 days, GeeksforGeeks processes a 90% refund of the course fee after verification. The refund is usually credited to the original payment method.
3. Do I need to complete 100% of the course to get the refund?
No. You only need to complete 90% of the course content within the given 90-day period to qualify for the refund.
4. What happens if I complete less than 90% of the course?
If you fail to reach the 90% completion mark within 90 days, you won’t be eligible for the refund. However, you will still retain full access to the course content and everything you’ve learned.
5. Who can participate in the Three-90 Challenge?
Anyone can participate—college students, working professionals, and beginners alike. The challenge is especially helpful for learners who struggle with consistency and procrastination.
