First Week Success: Note Taking Tips

Today marks the second period of a class for most students. This usually means it is the day Professors start lecturing and you will need to start taking notes. To get you started off on the right foot, here are some tips for you:

• Write the date at the top of your new page of notes each day of class. This makes it easier to separate each day so that you are able to find what you are looking for when you look back in your notes.
• Try to add titles and subtitles to make it clear what the overall topic is for that section of notes.
• Write down any new terminology the professor uses and the definition that they provide. This goes for names too!
•  If your professor repeats something, definitely write it down! This means it is important and is likely to be on the test.
• Don’t write down every word the professor says. You will spend more time frantically writing than actually listening to what the professor is saying.
• Try to keep all of your notes for the class in the same place. This could be in the same notebook, binder or in the same folder on your computer.

Some tips that upperclassmen have found helpful:

• After writing your notes in class, go back and read the notes that same day when you get back to your room.
• When you get to your computer next, type up all of the notes for the course. This makes you review the notes again and makes it easier to format. This can also be helpful when completing a study guide. You already have the information typed so you can simply copy and paste it into the study guide.
• You should always read the notes regularly to help prepare for the tests. This will benefit you more than waiting until the night before the test to review everything.
• Meet someone from your class and study the notes with them!

The most beneficial thing that you can do for yourself is take the time to figure out what note-taking style works best for you. Everyone is different and needs to view the information differently. Try new ways of note-taking until you find the one for you!