try to make goals for yourself if you finish. that will usually give you enough incentive (probably spelled that wrong!) to get what you need to do done.

Turn on the radio. i had the same problem. i discovered, that if i could tap my foot, to the beat of the music, the studying just seeemed to fall in place and easier. We are all different and this may or may not work for you. give it a try! Let me know.

Usually when studying or working I try to gather up everything beforehand that I might possibly want or need, so that I have no excuse to get up and walk away - like drinks, snacks, extra pens, blanket, etc. Just kind of bundle yourself up with the knowledge that you'll be "camping out" in that one spot for a few hours. This kind of preparation helps me prep my mind for a long period of sitting still. Music is very helpful to me. I set up a long playlist or cue of cds (so I won't have to change them) and make them very similar in mood so it's not jarring when they change. Also, pick music that's interesting enough for you to enjoy but not so interesting that you will be distracted from what you're doing. Electronic music works very well, I've found, or anything instrumental. Turn off the phone and the IM for now. If you can avoid the internet altogether that's best, because email and websurfing is VERY tempting when you're busy. Studying in your bedroom is a bad idea, I find. There's so much in your own space to distract you and it's hard to get into the "study" mode when you do so many other things in that same room. If you have some sort of space expressly for studying and ONLY that, it's better to use that. Lastly, while caffene may help you keep alert it can also make you antsy and make it difficult to hold still long enough to study. I find that Black Tea (or some other Tea with caffene) has just enough caffene to keep me from getting tired but doesn't get me as "pumped up" as coffee.

Change your environment, note what situations and things that distract you from studying and avoid them. For example, if you plan on studying in your room, and you have internet, TV, stereo, etc, that may distract you, then leave your room. Put some cushions/pillows in your bathtub and read there. Go to a place where you don't have access to these distractions. Go to a library and ask to use their reserved study rooms. It's also nice to give yourself some kind of reward if you are successful with this.

Actually wondering that myself... Junior Cert in 5 weeks . Work out what works for you. Set down checkpoints for yourself, i.e in 15 mins. I will have read this paragraph and memorised it's main points.Keep going and DON'T GET DISTRACTED! Start with everything you need, pens etc. and don't make excuses to leave the room. Good luck! xxx

Badly.

Rarely. I floated through college without studying much at all. Thankfully I'm a naturally good student.