Maybe you require some memory techniques such as the Mind Palace. This involves using association and location to create a folder of details in your mind to file information for future retrieval.

One tool you may wish to try is Anki (http://ankisrs.net/), a program which allows you to create flashcards which are then assigned to you to study each day. The program uses an algorithm to determine which cards you need to study the most, and gives them to you more frequently, while the cards you have already memorized appear only rarely, in order to jog your memory.

I like to use mnemonics. If you aren't familiar, these are those little strange connections you make between things to aid memory. For instance, if I'm thinking about early American medicine, I can remember Dr. Benjamin Rush and his fondness for prescribing laxatives. It's silly and childish, but the humor of it makes it more memorable. In fact, more obscure and humorous mnemonics can be even more effective—you remember it because it's so odd. So, for another example, who wrote the History of the Kings of Britain? Well, it's Geoffrey of Monmouth. Back in his time, he probably mostly verbally told people this information, rather than counting on them to read it, and he'd talk with his mouth. So I picture Geoffrey saying that he tells people with "mon mouth"; you know, like the French word for "my". Maybe give him a French accent. It's obscure and ridiculous, but you'll remember it!

Good luck!

Your problem may not be in your memory but in your technique. Do not try to memorize things to recite them like a parrot, I see that more and more often nowadays.

Get the text, or book, and just read it like a normal book, let's say a novel. Once you have done that try to summarize what you do remember from it and the most important things what sort of concepts you have learned from the reading. You may want to go a second time over the text to clarify it all. It is like watching a movie for the second time and realizing the points you missed the 1st time.

Finally write. Yes, write. Make summaries with your own hand (no computer if possible) and most people as they write the concept sinks in.

Doing this you are not trying to memorize but really studying a subject, Make a simple test with a favorite subject of yours or one you always wanted to learn about. It does not need to be connected to your University tests, try something you like no matter how silly the subject may sound to you. I do not know what country you are from but let's say you like pizza. Well try to discover its origins, where it came from, where it originated, why it originated (sounds like a humble dish to me so it suggest a low budget food for peasants?) , how did it go to the US? etc etc. Do some research, find few books, look into libraries and archives over internet. Give yourself 1 week to approach the subject (or any other you prefer) and you will be surprised with the results, there is always a story behind everything no matter how trivial it may sound.

Finally focus, when you are studying you are doing that so no distractions around, reserve some time for it and do just that. And make sure you take brakes. If you need a spare afternoon just take it, the brain also need some rest.

No. I'm the same. I have advanced degrees and A LOT of experience in "history" and as a teacher, you don't need to know "dates". As one of my profs put it: if you can "look it up" you don't need to "know" it. Big picture man. You're 18. You've got a loooong way to go. Talk to me in 30 years. You're a kid. You'll be fine.

Thanks for the answers and advices guys. You really cheered me up