Okay I tend to get distracted a lot…do you guys have any tips on focusing and finishing work during the school year effectively ?
I’m taking 3 APs …so yeah I really need advice
Hellooo
As an incoming senior, I’ve come up with some tips that I use when studying. Hopefully you find these helpful lol
-I think it really helps to just sit in an area that offers little to no distractions to begin with. It could be the kitchen counter, the dining room table… basically anything that offers plenty of free space but NO technology. If you must use your computer, then I suggest doing all book work first and saving computer stuff for the end.
-If you must have your phone, then at least put it on airplane mode. That way, you don’t have to turn it off but you won’t be distracted by incoming texts/calls/notifications. You can always check those later. I know someone who puts her dream college as her lock screen, so every time she’s tempted to use her phone, she sees it and goes back to studying.
-I’m distracted SUPER easily too, and I find it helps to study in increments. For people with short attention spans, try studying in increments. Push yourself to study distraction free for at least 15-30 minutes at a time, and then take a SHORT 5 min break. (Whenever you’re in the zone, feel free to keep going for as long as you can.) Taking short breaks is key, so you won’t get sucked it is that you’re doing.
-Log out of all social media on you’re phone/computer. You don’t have to change the password or anything; just log out. If you’re like me, you’re too lazy to put in the effort to log back in, and you’ll be discouraged from checking instagram or tumblr or whatever.
-My parents love to say “work hard, play hard.” Basically, just keep your work time separate from your play time. When you plan on working, actually take the time to study and be productive. That way, when you’re done, you can do whatever the heck you want without feeling guilt for procrastination. Don’t jump back and forth from twitter to your textbook, because you won’t get any work done and you won’t get any true play done – you’ll just have wasted time.
These have all helped me survive high school so far. I don’t always follow them of course, but they’re just some tips I’ve found naturally along the way. In the end, only you know yourself best. Good luck with your APs! 
Thanks A LOT.
If you’re doing work on your computer, you can go to one of those websites where you “lock” distracting websites. Like you could put in facebook, twitter, youtube, and netflix for a certain amount of time. Then you are unable to use those websites while you’re studying, so you’re not even tempted.
One thing I also do while studying is put in earplugs. Another thing you can do if you don’t have those are put on headphones. Sometimes the headphones themselves are enough, but othertimes I also like to put on white noise. If you’re reading a book for school, you could put on the audiobook.
But I totally feel your pain! I also have trouble staying focused.
I’m also taking 3 APs this year as a rising junior, so I’ve been trying to find motivation over the summer before I start. Here’s what works for me:
-I also recommend websites or apps that keep you locked from other websites for a set period of time. For Google Chrome, I use an extension called Concentrate. On my phone, there’s this cute app called Forest that builds a virtual forest as you stay away from other distractions on your phone. The classic “do not disturb” and “airplane mode” also do the trick.
-I stay away from a lot of music when I’m studying or reading something. People say classical music is best because it doesn’t have words for you to sing along to, but I like finding instrumentals of my favorite songs to make it more fun while still avoiding distractions of someone singing while I try to read, haha.
-Environment matters. I like to do my homework at the kitchen counter when no one is around. Doing homework and studying on my bed always ends badly, lmao. So tables and counters are the best for me.
-For me, I like to keep my eyes on the goal lol. If you have dream college(s) in mind, think of them to motivate you. I also like looking at studyblrs, tumblr blogs that post pictures of pretty notes and motivations.
-Try to schedule so you can work in shifts. That’s what I’m going to try to work on since I’m a huge procrastinator. I have this tedious summer assignment that I’ve made a point of starting now so I can do a little each day, which actually keeps me kind of interested. Try to do that when possible. Good luck!
I agree with th above posters said!
I would like to add to @astar99 's 4th point, about keeping your eye on the goal. Like he/she sAid I like to think of my dream school, but I have found that imagining myself getting the test back with a big fat F on it, or imagining checking my grades online and seeing it drop like 8+ points, is also a huge motivator.
I also like to Decide on a reasonable grade To aim for on my tests.
If I’m preparing for a really hard chemistry test, and have really struggled with the material the whole time, I’ll say “I’ll be really happy with an 82-87% on this test.” Always be sure to choose a reasonable grade range, but at the same time, one that you will still have to work to achieve.
Then I study until I’m comfortable that I can achieve or exceed that grade.
I think people get too wrapped up in getting 90s to 100s on EVERYTHING. Sometimes, whether it be because of family issues, ECs, or tough material, those high As just aren’t always possible. It’s better to pick grade goals specific to each class, and take into account how much time you will have and how well you understood the chapter thus far.
That may not work for everyone but it has helped me a lot! :))
I hope this helps good luck!