Key Takeaways
- Prepare before class by reviewing your textbook and prior notes and organizing your materials.
- Focus on key points during lectures—capture main ideas, keywords, and important facts without trying to write everything down.
- Choose a note-taking style that works for you and be consistent with it.
- Review and revise your notes within a day or two to improve your memory and understanding.
- Use campus resources like academic coaching to clarify concepts and boost your note-taking skills.
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Taking great notes is one of the best skills you can develop in college. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with a fast-paced class or unsure about what’s worth writing down, you’re not alone—and this guide is here to help.
Let’s dive into some simple, practical tips that will make your notes clearer, more organized, and way more useful when it’s time to study.
Why Taking Great Notes Matters
Taking notes can feel tricky at first. Between fast lectures and figuring out what’s important, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But good notes are a game-changer when it comes to studying, writing papers, and doing well on exams. They help you focus and listen actively in class. Plus, good note-taking can help you remember what you’ve learned long after class is over.
Whether you’re sitting in a lecture hall or watching videos online, effective note-taking will save you time and stress.
Get Ready: Prepare Before Class
Oftentimes, the best notes start before class even begins. Here’s how to get set up:
- Review your textbook: Skim assigned chapters or readings to spot key concepts, terms, and ideas you’ll hear about in class.
- Look over previous notes: Refresh your memory by reviewing notes from prior classes to connect new material with what you’ve already learned.
- Organize your materials: Keep your notes and handouts for each class together—whether you put them in a notebook, binder, or folder—and label everything clearly with dates and class names.
Taking Notes During Class
Classes can move quickly, so it’s okay if you don’t catch every single word. The goal is to focus on the main ideas and important details that will help you study later.
Try these note-taking tips and tricks:
- Capture concepts, not every single word: Listen for key points instead of trying to write down everything the professor says.
- Use strategies to keep up: If your professor posts slides online, print them out and add your own details during class.
- Write down facts: Dates, formulas, names, and examples can be important for tests.
- Jot down questions: If something isn’t clear, write it down so you can ask your professor about it later.
- Use abbreviations and bullet points: Write in short phrases instead of full sentences to keep up.
- Stick to one note format: Whether it’s an outline, charts, or something else, use a consistent style so your notes stay organized.
- For online lectures: Watch through once without pausing, then go back to fill in any missing details using timestamps.
What To Write Down: Spotting What’s Important
Wondering what’s worth writing or typing in your notes? Look for clues from your professor:
- Phrases like “There are three main reasons…” or “To summarize…” often highlight key points.
- Repeating certain ideas usually means they are important.
- Gestures, changes in tone, or slides that the professor spends extra time on can signal what to focus on.
- Pay attention to introductions and conclusions—they often recap the most important information.
The more you practice spotting these signs, the better you’ll get at finding the best details to write down.
Different Note-Taking Styles To Try
Everyone learns differently, so experiment with these popular formats to see what fits you best:
- Cornell Notes: To try Cornell notes, divide your page into sections for notes, keywords, and a summary, which is great for reviewing later.
- Outlining: Organize information in a clear, indented format using main points and bullet-style subpoints. It’s good for lectures that follow a logical structure.
- Concept Maps: Draw diagrams or flow charts that show how ideas connect. This works well for visual learners and subjects that focus on processes or relationships.
- Charting: Create tables with categories across the top and rows underneath for comparison. This note-taking style is ideal for subjects with a lot of facts, like history or biology.
- Sentence Method: Write down one sentence per new piece of information. The Sentence Method can be especially helpful if you’re still figuring out your preferred style.
Feel free to personalize your notes with colors, symbols, mnemonic devices, or drawings. Try whatever will help you remember the lesson best.
Handwritten vs. Digital Notes
Should you type or write your notes by hand? Both options work, but you should think about how you learn best. Handwritten notes can improve memory and understanding because the slower pace helps your brain process information. Digital notes are quicker to type and easier to organize, search, and back up.
Tip: Try both for a few weeks to see which helps you retain more information during study sessions.
Review and Revise Your Notes After Class
Don’t just write your notes—use them. Set aside time within a day or two of the lesson to:
- Read through your notes to catch anything unclear while it’s still fresh.
- Make sure you have enough context and detail so that you can still understand the lesson weeks later.
- Highlight or underline key terms and definitions.
- Fill in any gaps or questions using your textbook or class recordings.
- Summarize the lecture in a few sentences to reinforce what you learned.
This process turns raw notes into strong study tools.
Don’t Forget To Use Campus Resources
Most colleges offer free academic support. If you’re struggling with your notes or want to boost your study habits, check out:
- Academic coaching or tutoring sessions
- Workshops on study strategies and time management
- Online resources through your campus portal
Remember, attending class regularly is important. Your notes will be clearer and more useful when you take them yourself rather than relying on others.
Get Ready To Take Great Notes!
Taking great notes isn’t about writing everything down—it’s about capturing the right information in a way that helps you understand and remember it later. Whether you prefer outlines, diagrams, or summaries, finding your note-taking style can make a big difference in how confident and prepared you feel for class, exams, and beyond.
Already thinking ahead? If you’re still exploring what to study, check out College Raptor’s FREE College Major search tool. It’s a helpful resource for discovering majors that align with your interests and career goals, so your notes today can help shape your future tomorrow.
