tips on note-taking as a summa cum laude graduate
It’s been quite a while since I graduated college, here’s what I found worked best for me:
• typing notes never really made material stick for me. Physically writing notes made me process the information more deeply. If you need to type notes during class, take time afterwards to actually write out what you recorded during lecture.
• have a separate binder with dividers for every class. One section for class lecture notes, one section for textbook notes, and one for keeping various class materials (like the syllabus!!). The binder makes it easier to move and organize notes based on chapters, topics, etc.
• GRAPH PAPER IS THE BEST. It’s easier to keep neat outlines, make charts, and draw cute headers for dates and topics.
• grab some different colored highlighters or pens. Designate specific colors for different situations. For example, pink could be key topics for exams, green could be things you need more clarification on, etc. Whatever works best for you!
• review notes as much as possible! Don’t wait for the next class to look at past material. Also, try to explain what was discussed in class in your own words. If you don’t have anyone to do this with, make a video of yourself. Keeping the material fresh in your mind is insanely helpful.
Of course college is probably different than when I attended, but these tips helped me immensely to be a present student and retain information. Have a happy semester! 🍀 ✨💕
#collegenotes #tipsforschool #tipsforcollegestudents #notetaking #studentadvice
Hey everyone! So glad my initial note-taking tips resonated with many of you. Building on those foundations, I wanted to dive a little deeper into how I made my notes not just organized, but truly powerful tools for learning and retention, ultimately helping me achieve summa cum laude. Think of these as the next level hacks for mastering your study essentials! First, let's talk more about the magic of handwritten notes. While I stressed simply writing them down, the way you handwrite matters immensely. I often employed a modified Cornell note-taking style, even on my beloved graph paper. Instead of strictly drawing lines, I'd mentally section off areas. The main column was for lecture notes, but the left margin (easy to create with graph paper's grid!) became my 'cue column' where I'd jot down keywords, potential test questions, or main ideas during or immediately after the lecture. This forced me into active recall from the get-go. After class, I’d use the bottom section to summarize the entire page in my own words. This multi-step engagement solidified the information far better than passive listening. When it comes to those artistic notes many of you are curious about, it’s not just about making them look pretty; it's about making them functionally beautiful. My notes often included simple diagrams, flowcharts, and even small doodles next to key concepts, especially for subjects like genetics (think tracing Mendel's laws and inheritance!). These visual anchors acted as powerful memory cues. Using a variety of colored pens wasn't just for aesthetics; I'd use blue for definitions, red for warnings or common misconceptions, and green for examples. This visual hierarchy made scanning and reviewing notes incredibly efficient. It's about creating a personal 'visual language' for your brain. My binder often looked like a carefully curated academic journal, making it much more inviting to open and study. Another game-changer was my pre- and post-lecture routine. Before every class, I'd spend 10-15 minutes skimming the assigned readings or reviewing my notes from the previous lecture. This primes your brain, creating mental hooks for new information. You're not going in cold; you're actively looking for connections. Then, within 24 hours after a lecture, I’d do a quick review of my handwritten notes. This is crucial for battling the "forgetting curve." I'd highlight anything I still found unclear or try to explain challenging concepts to an imaginary friend or even record myself (as I mentioned before). This active engagement transformed passive notes into active learning tools, drastically improving my academic success and retention. Don't just take notes; interact with them! Finally, remember that your binder isn't just a storage unit; it's a dynamic workspace. I'd regularly reorganize sections based on chapters or exam topics, pulling out specific 'study essential' pages to create mini-study guides. This constant engagement with my notes, moving them, consolidating them, and actively using them, was key. I hope these deeper insights help you cultivate an even more effective and enjoyable note-taking system. Happy studying, you've got this! ✨