My Notetaking System That Helped Me Get a 3.8 GPA
🧠 1: The 10-Minute Pre-Read.
I never go into a lecture blind. Spending 10 minutes skimming the slides beforehand gives my brain a 'skeleton' for new information. In class, I can focus on understanding details instead of grasping the basic structure.
🎧 2: Listen More, Write Less.
My goal in class isn't to be a transcriber; it's to learn. I listen for key phrases and focus on jotting down main ideas in my own words. This forces me to process the information on the spot instead of just passively hearing it.
🎨 3: The 24-Hour Glow-Up.
Within 24 hours, I revisit my messy lecture notes. I use highlighters for key vocabulary, a red pen for questions, and write a summary at the bottom. This quick 'glow-up' solidifies the information in my memory.
💻 4: The Digital + Analog Duo.
I take messy handwritten notes on my iPad during class, where I can quickly draw diagrams. Later that week, I type a clean, organized 'master doc' in Notion. This becomes my ultimate searchable study guide for the semester.
🔍 5: 'Future-Proof' Your Notes.
I always think about my future self during finals week. As I review my notes, I write potential exam questions in the margins next to key concepts. This turns my notes from a passive document into an active study tool to quiz myself later.
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to dive a bit deeper into how I make my handwritten notes not just effective, but also a joy to review. While my 5-step system is key for understanding, I know many of you, like me, are inspired by the beautiful "studygram" notes you see online. It’s totally possible to have notes that are both pretty and super practical for getting that 3.8 GPA! For me, creating effective handwritten notes starts with the right tools and mindset. I've found that investing in a good quality pen – one that glides smoothly and doesn't smudge – makes a huge difference. My personal favorite is a fine-tip gel pen; it encourages me to write neatly even when I’m rushing during a lecture. And don’t underestimate the power of good paper! Using a dotted or grid notebook, or even just paper with clear margins, helps keep my handwritten notes organized from the get-go. It gives structure without feeling restrictive, allowing space for those crucial diagrams or quick sketches. When I’m taking notes, especially during that "Listen More, Write Less" phase, I focus on clear headings and bullet points. I don’t try to make them perfect in the moment – that's what the "24-Hour Glow-Up" is for! But having a consistent structure, like leaving space between major ideas or using a consistent symbol for action items, makes them much easier to revisit. I also love using a subtle color coding system. For instance, blue for definitions, green for examples, and red for questions I need to ask. This isn’t about making them super elaborate, but rather about creating visual cues that help my brain quickly categorize information. My "Digital + Analog Duo" strategy is where the aesthetic and practical really merge for my handwritten notes. On my iPad, I use an app like GoodNotes or Notability with my Apple Pencil. This allows me to handwrite notes freely, just like on paper, but with the added flexibility of digital tools. I can easily resize, move text blocks, and draw intricate diagrams without worrying about messing up. This is perfect for capturing those messy, on-the-fly notes during class. Then, when I create my "master doc" in Notion, I don't just type everything out. I often screenshot my best handwritten diagrams or particularly well-structured snippets from my iPad notes and embed them directly into Notion. This way, I get the best of both worlds: the visual clarity and personal touch of handwritten notes, combined with the searchability and organization of a digital study guide. Making my notes visually appealing isn't just for show; it genuinely helps with retention. When I do my "24-Hour Glow-Up," I don't just highlight key vocabulary. I use different colored highlighters strategically – one color for main concepts, another for examples, and a third for things I need to review further. This adds a "pop" that makes studying less daunting and more engaging. It transforms my initial rough notes into something that looks like it could be on a studygram feed, but more importantly, it makes them an incredibly effective study tool. Remember, the goal is to create a system that works for you to achieve your academic goals, and a little aesthetic appeal can go a long way in keeping you motivated!