WHEN YOU GET AN ASSIGNMENT, MAKE A LIST OF ALL YOU NEED TO DO TO EARN A GOOD GRADE. Start breaking down the list into small doable parts and scheduling assignment parts as soon as you get them (even from the class syllabus on the first day). Put the parts on your time schedule each week. DON'T PROCRASTINATE! STAY AHEAD.
Carry portable study work at all times and USE IT. Have study notes available when you have to wait for anything. Be prepared to use time wisely.
Make an audio tape of what you are studying to use during commute, walking etc.
Mentally review your studies while doing things you don't have to think about. Post notes on bathroom mirror, over kitchen sink etc.
Use your subconscious thoughts and write notes of ideas that come to you while in bed, driving, walking etc.
Take regular study breaks. (10 minutes per hour or 5 per half hour)
Study the most difficult things during the day because studies have proven that we take longer to learn the same amount at night. Stop studying by 10 p.m.
Don't permit interruptions while you study. Don't let friends know where you study. Don't answer the phone or beeper while studying. In fact, fix these devices to keep from hearing them when you study.
Make study groups valuable study time. If you aren't learning, LEAVE!
Jot down distracting thoughts while you are studying so that you can refer to the notes later and stop worrying about the thoughts while you study. This technique helps you concentrate and learn more faster.
Make tally marks when you realize that you ARE NOT CONCENTRATING while you study and read for courses. Re-focus your concentration after each tally mark. Compete with yourself to reduce the tally marks each time you study and read to improve your concentration skills and to get more read and learned in less time than you currently take.
Read: "The Danger in Delay" on http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1674.51082
and
"So Many Excuses, So Little Time," Chapter 6, in Taking the Anxiety Out of Taking Test by Susan Johnson on reserve in campus Library, ask for call number TESCE b 11.