Oftentimes the advice from upperclassmen to underclassmen is to stop procrastinating. According to the American Psychological Association, over 70 percent of students exhibit this behavior.

“I don’t know why I procrastinate I just always seem to have to do everything last minute. Everyone has done it at some point in their lives and so I don’t see it as a big deal,” said Sarah Thompson, 10.

Research has also shown that evaluation threat and fear of failure correspond with higher levels of procrastination. A link has also been found between procrastination and Facebook use.

“Somehow when I try to start my homework I always end up taking breaks and using my phone. I usually end up with ten minutes of studying and 50 minutes of break,” said Elina Panteleyeva, 12.

Studies also prove that once concentration has been broken, by checking emails or Twitter, it takes 15 minutes to get back into a focused state of mind.

Some tips to stop procrastinating include:

• Create a to-do list
• Finish the hard stuff first
• Remove distractions
• Do not be a perfectionist
• Get an accomplice

“I always tell myself I won’t procrastinate on this next assignment but I can never make myself start early. I tell myself I have more than enough time later on when I really don’t,” said Sneha Rajagopal, 11.