There are some people whose lack of focus is created by a psychiatric condition such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit – Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  By college, most students who have one of these disorders have either been tested for it or suspect they might have the condition.

Should either ADD or ADHD be relevant in your case, there are some things you can do to maintain your focus.

1. Get tested if you think the condition exists.  Many campuses will have a testing service to help you on this.
2. If medicine is prescribed, become very disciplined in taking your medicine.  Often college students will go off of their medicine because they don’t like how they feel when they take it. If you stop taking your medicine,  you are very likely to see your grades plummet.
3. Check with your campus Disability Services Office and see if you can get an accommodation.  On many campuses, you can get extra support if you have ADD or ADHD.
4. Don’t make your condition an excuse for not doing the kinds of things suggested in Maintaining Your Focus – 2.  You need to be extra vigilant about doing the little things that help you maintain focus. 

 Every campus has a number of students with disorders that impede their focus.  You should not have a problem if you have one of these disorders if you do the right things. .