Test Your Motivation for Your Studies (Self-Test)

This article was published in 2015 and updated in October 2026.

How motivated are you by your studies — a little, a lot, or not at all? Motivation is one of the most important keys to successful study. It gets you started, helps you adopt good study habits, keeps you going when things get difficult and helps you rebuild confidence after a setback. It can even make learning fun.

Before you try to boost your motivation, it helps to know where you stand. The short self-test below is based on a questionnaire developed by the student support center at Université Laval in Quebec, drawing on the work of the Quebec education researcher Rolland Viau on student motivation.

The motivation self-test

For each statement, write down how often it applies to you:

0 = rarely or never
1 = not often
2 = sometimes
3 = quite often
4 = most of the time

I believe I have the skills and abilities I need to succeed in my studies.
When I prepare for classes and exams, I feel competent and well informed.
I think my education will help me reach my personal and professional goals.
I feel that what I learn in my classes is relevant to me or will be useful to me.
I pursue specific goals in my studies.
I believe that success depends mainly on regular effort and good study methods.
I feel I have some control over my career path.
I see a connection between the effort I put in and the results I get.
I take part in activities related to my studies and my future career.
When a question is asked in class, I answer it or try to find the answer.
I take opportunities to talk with my teachers about my courses or future plans.
I am satisfied with my grades.
I think about how to work effectively and adjust my study methods when needed.
I try to stay focused and pay attention in class.
I try not to fall behind in my coursework.
I persevere with my schoolwork.
I enjoy going to my classes.
Overall, I am interested in my studies.

What your results mean

Mostly 0 or 1: your motivation seems fragile. Don’t be discouraged — you can strengthen it with the tips below and make your studies more rewarding and enjoyable.
Mostly 1 to 3: your motivation seems good. You’re on the right track; keep up the effort.
Mostly 3 or 4: congratulations, your motivation looks excellent. Keep going in that direction.

The three drivers of motivation

The test isn’t random. It measures motivation through three factors that drive a student’s engagement:

The value you see in your studies: the more useful your courses seem to you and the more they serve your academic, professional or personal goals, the more motivated you are (questions 3, 4, 5 and 11).
Your sense of competence: the more confident you are in your abilities, the more willing you are to attend classes and do the work. This feeling is shaped by past experiences and isn’t always objective (questions 1, 2 and 10).
Your sense of control: the more you feel that your actions influence your results, the more motivated you are. If you feel your efforts make no difference, motivation drops quickly (questions 6, 8 and 13).

How to boost your motivation

1. Set long-term and short-term goals

Explore where your studies can lead: look into internships and career paths and build a professional goal that excites you. Try to find meaning in each course by asking how it can be applied or why it matters. Then plan your study time for each day and week and set concrete targets, such as “finish chapter 4 by Wednesday” or “read this book by the end of the week”.

2. Build your skills — and your confidence

Work regularly and persevere. Do extra reading recommended by your teachers, study in groups and use the support your university offers: the library, tutoring, writing centers and academic advisors. Don’t isolate yourself; join activities connected to your field, such as student projects, clubs or study trips. If you lack confidence, don’t dwell on your weaknesses — keep track of your progress instead.

3. Use study methods that work

Find study methods that suit you and are effective. Techniques backed by research include spacing your study sessions over time and testing yourself instead of just re-reading your notes. Aim to understand and connect what you learn, not just memorise it. Above all, don’t fall behind: studying a little every day pays off quickly, and seeing results will boost your motivation.

Where to start?

It’s up to you. Go back to your test results and see which of the three drivers scored lowest — that’s where a little effort will make the biggest difference to your motivation.