The haze of summer is already on our minds and with less than a month of school left, the last thing anyone wants to think about is finals. Although the notion of studying might cross our minds, the temptation to procrastinate can be hard to resist and we end up pulling quite a few all-nighters right before the test. We often think that if we just spend a few more hours cramming the information into our heads, the test will be a breeze, and all the material will be fresh despite the lack of sleep, but on the contrary, pulling an all-nighter can have the exact opposite effect on our test score.

By cramming, we are activating our brains’ short-term memory, and most of the time, unless we put it to immediate use, the information disappears within a few minutes to a few hours. This effect is further exacerbated by the fact that sleep-deprivation can cause a sharp decline in memory, so the information that is rapidly memorized will be forgotten just as quickly. Even worse are the long-term effects of cramming on our health and education. By making cramming a study habit, you are creating a cycle of procrastination and forgetfulness for your brain. Eventually, the cycle of procrastination will be harder and harder to break, leading to problems later in life.

The best way to combat the allure of procrastination is to study in small increments, even 10 to 20 minutes, multiple times each day in the days leading up to the test. By going over the material several times, the information is better committed to long-term memory and will be easier to recall when needed. When studying, smaller time increments can be just as effective as hour-long study sessions, and it is easier to remain focused for shorter periods of time. Another helpful studying tip is to study earlier in the day for better retention. As we progress throughout the day, our brains become tired as well. As night draws near, the brain’s performance decreases drastically, so by pulling an all-nighter, you are going against your natural body clock. It is best to study as much you can in the morning and during the day to maximize the amount of information your brain can take in.

With a few weeks to go before finals, there is still time to practice good study habits and avoid the pain of having to cram the day before the test. Remember, cramming does more harm than good, and for the best score, it is better to study as soon as possible. Happy studying, Apaches, and good luck!