There are people on this earth than can recite all of the numbers in pie, and long lists of numbers by just looking at them for a few seconds. I am in awe at this super human power as my psychology teacher is presenting videos about memory in front of the class. My professor turns off his computer and begins to tell the class that it is possible for us to obtain spectacular memory like the people we just watched. I scootch to the end of my seat, desperate to hear how I can improve my memory and study skills. He presented us with a reasonable list that has been studied by psychologists over the years. I hope you hold these tips and secrets as close to your mind as I am and turn these tips into habits.

1. Motivation. You need to ask yourself why you are studying. By finding some type of motivation to study or why you are taking a class is essential. It will give you motive and intention behind your actions to study.

2. Active listening in class. Active listening is when you are actively thinking about what your professor is discussing. Why is he/she saying this information, how does it tie together with everything in today's lessons. Tieing mental processes will help your brain remember the patterns and concepts better.

3. Immediate review. Review immediately after class, or anytime of the day before you go to class. This will prevent decaying to occur.

4. Attend Class. This may seem point blank but the more you attend class the more opportunities you have to connect the studies.

5. Context of environment. By studying in the same environment that you learned the information will increase your ability to recall information and to stay focused.

6. Distribute Practice. Cramming is a “waste of time." It may help you remember some information for the test, but ultimately you will lose around 80% of that information. Try scheduling when you will study, that will prepare you to not cram.

7. Reviewing material before sleep and after waking will help recall memory. By doing this your brain will actively be able to recall more information on the topic and keep it fresh in your mind.

8. Minimize interference, maximize consolidation. By studying and turning off your phone, or being in an environment that you can’t be interrupted in will help your ability to concentrate primarily on your studies.

9. Consistency of stimulants. If you consume a lot of caffeine while you study, it is best to consume a lot of caffeine for the test. Same if you chew gum or have a certain scent on. This will increase your ability to recall information.

10. Get a good amount of sleep. It has been proven that skipping sleep can decrease your performance level. REM sleep is associated with memory and learning so if you are not getting enough REM it will affect the rest of your day.