Memory is a tricky instrument. Every day we forget more information than we store, and it seems life is a constant process of learning and then forgetting. Memory is a difficult tool to master well, because we’re not naturally programmed to remember everything we come across. While it can’t be developed or grown organically, the memory you do have can be improved by learning certain habits and tricks that can hone your existing memory into a sharper tool.
Easy memorization doesn’t come naturally to everyone, though some people are better are memorizing facts, figures, dates, names, and procedures than others. Students for whom memorization comes easier to have an advantage in schoolwork, since so much of test-taking is memory driven, around facts, or given in the form of essay tests for which students have to cull detailed information quickly. Luckily, even for those whose memory retrieval doesn’t arrive at the drop of a hat, there are certain tips and tricks you can use to access your memories faster and more easily.
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School may be out, but for some of you, the summer doesn’t entail going to the beach with your friends every afternoon. Some of you will still be taking classes this summer. Groans all around. I know it really, really is not fun to take school during the summer, but think about it as a trade-off. By taking an AP class now, you won’t have to take that same class in college — granted you get a 5 or a 4 on the exam. Think about how much time and energy that saves you in the long run! So don’t sweat the small stuff. Do your best in your AP summer class, and learn these general study skills that are sure to raise your AP test score.
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The Internet has become integral to the way that students research and write their papers, but in terms of procrastination, the Internet can be a frightening black hole. A quick jaunt over to Wikipedia to look up the Battle of Waterloo can quickly degenerate into three hours wasted reading about everything from brain-eating amoebas to unicorns to Kim Jung Il. Students often waste more time procrastinating and stressing out over their enormous to-do lists than they actually spend accomplishing their tasks in the end. Luckily, you can train yourself to avoid procrastinating by understanding your tendencies as a procrastinator and subverting them. Here are five helpful tips on how to curb procrastination and get your schoolwork done.
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