How do I study?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I suppose this question applies to all facets of learning. My entire life, I have been the typical intelligent underachiever: scoring exceptionally high on standardized/IQ/state/academic tests while failing to develop good study habits and a good work ethic. My intelligence has ultimately engendered complacency, and I fear this will be my downfall.</p>

<p>In May last year (my Sophomore year), I took the (practice) PSAT. I ended up with a 216, the highest in my school. While I understand that, in the world that is College Confidential, a 216 is not viewed as particularly atypical, it is at my school. I attend an IB High School with a notoriously rigorous academic program. The kids at my school are dubbed as geniuses and the future leaders of the US yet... the next highest score was a 203. There are numerous people who had been revered for their intelligence for years as they regurgitated facts in class who scored significantly lower than I did, and, as it so happened, I got complacent over the summer. </p>

<p>These kids studied all summer. It was ridiculous. And I fear that I may be beaten out by a bunch of kids who are complete pseudo-intellectuals who have completely devoted their lives to academia while I actually try to go out and enjoy life. I worked, I volunteered, I played basketball... I did not study. They did. And I am afraid that they will score higher than I will. </p>

<p>I know for a FACT that, given their prideful nature, if they happen to score higher, they will never let me hear the end of it. It is not a matter of my needing to score higher to feel good but rather as a way of self-preservation. </p>

<p>ULTIMATELY MY QUESTION COMES DOWN TO THIS: how do you, the upper-echelon of studiers and erudite individuals, sit down and STUDY? What strategies do you have? How do you/can I avoid procrastination? This also applies to school. What can I do to stop finding myself at 1 in the morning rushing through homework?</p>

2

<p>No offence intended, but you’re thread seems a little bit like a ■■■■■ since you mention quite a lot of unnecessary detail. However; yours is the benefit of doubt. </p>

<p>Personally, I tend to be very self-motivated end so I’ll just sit down and study. (I know stand and study because I hear it is better to stand and work. [The</a> perils of sitting down: Standing orders | The Economist](<a href=“The Economist | World News, Economics, Politics, Business & Finance”>Standing orders) )<br>
I don’t really have to force myself to study because I somewhat enjoy studying. It irks me if I’m not doing something productive. In your case, just get rid of all distractions. Turn off all electronics save the lights and just take out your prep book and start reading. Take a practice test and keep score of what kinds of questions you get wrong. Study those questions. </p>

<p>As for school, do your homework the instant you come home from school. I do mine in class because I’m pretty good at multitasking. You can try that too, but don’t do your homework in classes that are difficult.</p>