Background and aim: Academic achievement is determined by several intra- and interpersonal factors. Talent is an internal factor whose role in academic progress is unquestionable (Dávid et al., 2014a; Mező, 2008; Ceglédi, 2008). Health awareness is also an internal factor that has a significant effect on academic achievement, considering the positive effect of regular physical activity and positive self-image, and body image within the latter (Kovács, 2020). Also, interpersonal and environmental factors need to be emphasized, as adequate social support can significantly improve performance and can also play a crucial role in disadvantage compensation (Szemerszki, 2015; Ceglédi 2012). However, deficits of these factors (of which exclusion is very severe, for example) have the opposite effect. In our research, we examined the role of self-assessed talent preferences, self-satisfaction, regular physical activity, and coping with exclusion among the students of the University of Debrecen (N=159). Results: Based on the results of the linear regression analysis, exclusion itself has a negative effect on academic achievement, but self-satisfaction and coping with exclusion show a positive effect. Our results draw attention to the importance of social relationships and prevention of exclusion, as it is clear that social exclusion has a long-term impact on self-esteem and higher academic achievement, and is stronger the earlier it appears.