How to Take Good College Notes

Co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

Last Updated: March 15, 2022

Taking good notes is key to succeeding in college. College note taking is very different from taking notes in high school because, unlike relying mostly on textbook teaching, college professors tend to "freestyle" a lot of their information, especially during lectures. So what do you write, and what do you disregard? How can you improve your grade by taking good notes?

1

Learn how your college professor teaches.

For example, if your college professor tends to use PowerPoint presentations but doesn't follow them word for word, it might be easier to use an Outline Note system instead of maybe copying the PowerPoint verbatim, or using Cornell Notes.

2

Consider using a specialized note-taking program.

These can be invaluable organizational tools for educational success. They improve note-taking efficiency and come with features that any other word processor won't have.

3

Use the Outline Note taking system if your professor follows a PowerPoint very closely.

The Outline Note taking system is very simple, but certain tiny details aren't as easy to find. To do this style of note taking, you basically copy down whatever is on the PowerPoint verbatim in a system that looks like an outline (one point then sub-points below it, then further sub-points, etc) and adds in anything else that the professor happens to say.

4

Use the Cornell Note taking system to just focus on main points.

This system isn't good for those who like to copy down every little thing. This is more if you like to get the main things out of a lecture, or if your professor tends to go on and on. To do this style of note taking, take your notebook paper and draw a line horizontally at the top of your paper, and then draw a line vertically along the margin of the paper or a little wider if you write big. Start by tilting your notes with the title of the lecture. Then write main points on the left side of the vertical line and elaborate more on the right side. Studies done by Cornell University have shown that this is the most effective strategy for taking notes.

5

Use different styles of notes for different classes.

Such as using the outline system for a history class, and the Cornell style for a psychology class.
- You could record your notes with a voice recorder to play back later.^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
  Academic Tutor
  Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.}

6

Learn your note styles in and out.

This can help you quickly reference to where certain things are in your notes.

7

Review your notes before and after classes.

This is proven to improve memory and raise grades.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I take notes with ADD?

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

Educational Consultant

Expert Answer

Ask your teacher if you can tape each class with a voice recorder. Take notes during class, and then write down any additional notes after listening to the recording again.
Question

How do I keep my notes organised and on one sheet?

Raphy Hong

Community Answer

Write neatly and use three colors. For example, do blue for main ideas and titles, black for information, and red for notes.

Warnings

Note taking will vary for different people. Some people have greater memories than others and tend to take fewer notes, but this is also not an excuse to take fewer notes.

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DO NOT just copy down verbatim what is on a PowerPoint without adding in elaborations made by the teacher. You can't pass a class with a high grade if you rely on PowerPoints instead of the teacher. With a laptop, it should be easier to take more detailed notes, so this isn't an excuse to slack off on notes.

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Things You'll Need

Laptop for electronically written notes.
Always have a pen that has a lot of ink or a pencil and pencil sharpener ready. You can miss a lot of information having to dig through your bag to find a new pen or pencil.
Some college students who write their notes out prefer to have spirals dedicated for each class. Some college students prefer to use loose leaf college-ruled notebook paper in a binder for their note taking.
College-ruled notebook paper, NOT wide-ruled!