However, if you are feeling stressed and not getting the desired results, then set up a schedule for yourself. Spend at least 30 mintues each day on each subject, whether you have deadlines or not, so that you are familiar with the material. That way if you do study last minute, you have a more sturdy foundation to work from.

Also use a reward system for yourself. Set a goal (x chapters, or x minutes, or x pages of notes) and a reward that is meaningful for you (a night out, an hour in front of the tv, a nap) and only reward yourself if you reach your goal. This method will only work if you keep your word. If you take the reward without reaching your goal (even if you do almost all of it) then it’s pointless.

I have always found that my energy, focus, and interest seem to increase the night before an exam – so I learned to work with that and scheduled other committments around my study time. Sometimes, I wasn’t able to, and ended up staying up all night – I was good at being nocturnal. If you are this way, then maybe you should just find a way to make it work for you, rather than fighting your natural impulses.

Good luck!