Taking good notes is one of the most important skills a student can develop. Great notes help you study more efficiently and understand material more deeply.

The Cornell Method

Divide your page into three sections:

• Right column (main notes area) — write your notes here during class
• Left column (cue column) — after class, write keywords and questions that relate to your notes
• Bottom section (summary) — write a brief summary of the page in your own words

This layout forces you to review and think about your notes after class, which improves retention.

Mind Mapping

Start with the main topic in the center of the page and draw branches for each subtopic. Add smaller branches for details. This is great for visual learners and subjects with many connected ideas.

Useful Abbreviations

• w/ = with
• b/c = because
• eg = for example
• def = definition
• imp = important
• info = information

Tips for Reviewing Notes

1. Review within 24 hours of class — this is when memory loss is fastest
2. Highlight key terms and definitions
3. Fill in missing details while the lecture is still fresh
4. Compare notes with a classmate to catch anything you missed
5. Rewrite messy notes neatly if needed — rewriting itself is a form of review