With the end of the semester just around the corner, it’s safe to say the homework load’s only continuing to pile up.

I’ve found it useful to try different methods of studying to ease some stress off my busy schedule.

To my surprise, listening to classical music while studying has not only helped me concentrate more, but also allowed me to retain more information when I’m reading or studying for an upcoming test.

I first noticed the difference when I took a reading quiz having studied with classical music, and then taking another without it. When I got my results, I received three points higher the time I studied while listening to Mozart. That’s not to say that it’s simply because I listened to music. I just happen to think that it allows me to focus more.

I found that the Mozart Effect occurs after listening to music because of the spatial imaging that is processed within the brain. It dictates that listening to Mozart temporarily improves spatial-temporal reasoning.

While I don’t believe that listening to music will increase my intelligence, I do plan on continuing to use this method because it works for me and it’s a way to make studying less dreadful.

It’s a win-win situation; I’m learning to appreciate good music while checking homework assignments off my to-do list.

Veronica De La Cruz could be reached at [email protected] or @Veronica_dlc on Twitter.