How to concentrate while studying for a test?

How do I concentrate correctly?

• Hi, im a 15 year old student and im facing a huge problem. I cant concentrate. Im doing horrible in school because of my lack of concentration. I need tips and help on what to do so I can pay more attention to my schoolwork. I also get distracted very easily such as using the computer in the middle of doing my homework or studying for an important test. I also have zero motivation to study (even though I still force myself to) because I have a feeling that even if I try it, I wont be able to concentrate and ill do horrible on my test. In class I pay attention to what the teacher says but I don't seem to understand much of the things they say. Due to my bad grades im very stressed and sad because my final exams are coming up in a few days and I fear that I will have to face the same problem ive seen all year. Not being able to concentrate on what I read. The other thing is that I don't know how to organize my time very well. What I mean is that I get home at 4:30 when schools over and take a "break" until 7:00 or so. This only gives me 2 hours of sleep ( supposing I want to go to bed at 9:00 to have a good nights sleep). I try to get away from "fun" things such as my Xbox to go study but when I sit down at my desk I cant focus. Also, when I try to study song that I have recently heard pop up in my head that disconcetrates me even more. I need help ASAP because this is a serious problem. Please help!

• Answer:

  Here are some things you can try: 1) study somewhere that you don't associate with having fun--like the library, an empty classroom at school, or even a cafe. Just somewhere you don't have a lot of distractions (computers, etc) that make it hard to focus. 2) start your homework when you get home--or, better, do some during a study hall. you don't have to finish all of it, but finish an easy assignment at school or right after you get home. try to do something that doesn't take more than 20 or 30 minutes. that way it's relatively painless, and rather than dreading all the work you have to do, you already feel a little better because some of it is already done. 3) if you need to use the computer to do homework, try to make up challenges for yourself, like "if i can work on this paper for 20 minutes without going online, i'll take a 10 minute break and eat some chocolate," or something like that. if you can't concentrate for that long at a stretch, try a shorter time period--you can write a lot in just five minutes if you just put your mind to it. it may be difficult at first but this gets easier with practice 4) don't despair if you have a hard time concentrating! give yourself a clear goal (ex. "i will spend half an hour reviewing english today") and a reward for meeting it. good luck!