Notetaking Hacks: Supercharge Your College Experience with These Notetaking Tips

Notetaking Hacks: Supercharge Your College Experience with These Notetaking Tips

Taking good notes in college isn’t as simple as it was in high school, and there’s a much higher expectation of individual initiative and discipline. Read on to learn the top notetaking tips to use in college. College is full of new experiences and challenges.

Use Space Meaningfully

Whether you’re taking notes digitally or not, write large main points and leave margin space for “rabbit trails” or asides that seem important

Minimize Distractions

Every momentary glance over to social media is a second (or 30) that you aren’t actually listening

Develop a System

Set up a notetaking space for the coming week so that when you get to class, you are ready to take notes.

Number Your Pages

It’s important to number your pages.

Cite Sources

Cite sources only when a paper or research project is in view

Use Abbreviations

They save time and can even work as memory aids

Review your notes regularly

Not just before exams

Decide on the Best Strategy (Paper or Digital)

Taking effective notes in college well requires a strategy.

Write Neatly

Ensure you can read what you’re writing easily

Sit at the Front of the Class

Best place to stay attentive

Write Down Questions

Keep your brain in gear by writing down questions as you think of them.

Consider Notetaking Apps

If you’re taking notes digitally, be sure you’re using a quality notetaking tool.

Focus on Main Points

Note the topic of the lecture, then form the points into outlines.

Think While You Write

Keep your brain engaged and think while you write.

Get Organized

Set up a system before you begin writing

Keep Your Notes Short

It’s better to keep your notes to a short summary, focusing on what seems to be the most important.

Use Visual Elements

Snapping photos can enhance your notes

Highlight Key Points

These may not be the main outline points, but they are clear from the presentation that they are important.

Handwrite, Then Type Later

Build some time into your routine each evening to convert your handwritten notes into organized, typed notes.

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