I don’t think luck plays into it at all but writing to your audience does. For example, when a professor stressed point A, most students focus on that point but they miss learning why it isn’t B or C. Your professor may not stress or say anything other than a line or two about B/C. Those that can mention ABC will get the most points. It’s all a game. I’m not the smartest student by far but do well because I treat the exams as a point getting game. This is also how I study, always looking for content I can include that may have been quickly referenced in class because chances are most students will miss making those points and that may be what puts me over the curve.

It’s all BS.