Finding the best time for study can be a controversial topic of discussion. Some people are adamant morning larks and others are the night owls, with each testifying that it is not possible to study at one time or the other.
However, it seems that although many results suggest that people study better at night, some people are better at studying at one time or the other. For instance, school starts early on in the day and those with some do better at this time than later in the evening. In fact, it seems the biggest factor is down to the amount of sleep you get.
So, here are some steps to maximise your study and ensure that you get the most work in whether you like burning the midnight oil or are prone to an early morning jog and then a study session.
What are you?
Figure out whether you are an early morning person or prefer to study at night. The most important thing is to not have any preconceptions and to try both to see which works best. You may actually surprise yourself here and end up finding that the one you have never indulged in suits you more than the one you have been using all your life.
Teens
If you are a teen and your parents are nagging you to study in the morning, then show them the scientific research that suggests study is easier at night than in the morning and that many of us are more receptive late on than first thing. This will prevent any problems or miscommunication and ensure you can focus on performance.
Start Time
Make sure that you choose a start time, as this will prevent you from procrastinating. Any time after 7pm is too late and you will not get enough study in. Turn off the TV and mobile phone and avoid distractions when you take it all in.
Deadline
You also need to decide on a deadline. If you study too late you will end up lacking sleep and this is a more major variable in successful study than the time you start – you need as much sleep as you can get, especially if you are involved in grinds, tuition and extra courses such as those Cambridge or Oxford summer school style courses.
Morning
If you do find that you study better in the morning and have an exam later on in the day. Try and stay in your study environment and avoid going to school early if you feel you won’t study as well. This ensures that you make the most of your time.
So, use the aforementioned advice to make the most of your study and get the best grades possible.
Cormac Reynolds writes of http://oxfordsummercourses.com and is a night owl when it comes to study and all else.