<p>Hello. I am currently a sophmore in a specialized High school in NYC who is doing ok but can do A LOT better. I usually don't study for tests and get in the 75-85 range, while when I do decide to actually prepare and review the material I can score above 95. I take the two AP classes available this year APES and APWH. I am involved in a few EC's; Model UN, Swim Team, and the occasional after school conference. I find it hard to study for an appropriate amount of time without getting distracted and I tend to complete my assignments late at night. The primary reason for this is video games. I play maybe 4-5 hours of video games on schoolnights alone. I usually sleep anytime from 1 AM to 5 AM, waking up at 6 for swim practice. I do believe this lack of sleep is killing me; emotionally, socially, and academically. I usually fall asleep everyday during French and AP World. I am tired and groggy all throughout the school day. When I get home I throw my work aside and go straight to the games.
I need help. I need help throwing aside this addiction and significantly reducing my game time. If I spend less time playing I have more time to do my work and study, sleep, and even fit in some more EC's. So my questions are:
How can I shake an addiction?
What are some solutions specific to my problem?
WHat are some ways I can get motivated to focus on my studies and avoid distractions?
My dream school is Columbia University, and I believe that if I raise my GPA and begin studying for the SAT tests I can make a viable candidate.
Thank you! My first post hope I didn't sound ignorant/arrogant D:</p>
<p>Lock up the video game system, so you can’t get to it when you get home from school. Force yourself to start your homework as soon as you get home. Join ECs to replace the time you would normally be playing video games. Go to bed at 10, so you will get 8 hours of sleep. It takes 30 days to make a habit. Sleep should be a large priority in your life; it is essential for your happiness and health.</p>