Whether you’re preparing for a high school final, a college-level test, or a dual credit exam, there is nothing more important than taking proper notes that will serve as a useful and easy study tool.
This sounds simple, but good note taking doesn’t come naturally. Here are some expert note-taking tips that will help you ace your exams.
Keep it simple
Add only important facts, dates, and concepts to your notes. Avoid the trap of simply rewriting what you’ve already read. Summarize each important topic into just a few words or sentences.
Use a highlighter
Emphasize key names and dates so that they will stand out when you’re ready to read through your notes for memorization.
White space
Leave plenty of white space along the margins and within your notes so you can fill in more details as you continue to learn about a topic. To make studying easier, only write on one side of your paper. When it’s time to prepare for the test, you can lay out your notes in order to prepare.
Smart searching
Dual Credit at Home often makes use of an online flashcard system for studying. As you are reading through them, open a new tab and use a search engine to research people, battles, treaties, etc. in more detail.
Use more than one source
Include information in your notes from your CLEP book, any other recommended text, flashcards (SpeedyPrep and InstantCert), and online searches.
Use a timeline or graphics
Are you a visual learner? Make use of a myriad of tools within your note-taking. Try Venn diagrams, timelines, drawings or other graphics. A simple sketch may be all you need to trigger your memory during an exam.
Review
Go over your notes within 24 hours of writing them up. Correct words or phrases that don’t make sense. Fill in gaps where your notes are unclear. If you don’t understand something, write questions or comments in the margins so you can go back and clarify a concept later.
Even the best and most comprehensive notes will have little use if you don’t read them and study them on a regular basis. Because every student will process course material in a different way, it is important to find a note-taking method that works with your unique learning style. Following these tips will help you relieve stress when preparing for exam day, while ensuring that you are ready for anything!
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