Q&A for How to Organize Notes

Keep a separate folder for each of your classes. Put all of your notes, handouts, and assignments in the folder for the correct class. This will keep your schoolwork completely organized.

The most important thing is to develop a system. That's going to be different for every student depending on where you learn, but I recommend having a different folder or notebook for each class.

Take really precise notes on what you're learning in class that you wouldn't already know. If you write down everything the teacher says, it will take forever to go back through the notes to find the information you need. On the other hand, if you don't take enough notes, you'll have to go back and re-read the textbook when it's time to study.

Write down what you think is most important, and focus on things you are most likely going to need to for tests, names, dates, and key terms. Try comparing notes after class with friends to make sure you've got everything you need.

Organize them by genre, keep your fiction and non-fiction books separate, and then alphabetize them by author's last name. If you want to get even more organized, separate them into sub-genres: fantasy, classics, memoir, history, etc., but this isn't necessary.

Assess what problems you have in time management. Map out a day to see how your time is spent. Make time to study every day; an important component of this is being willing to give up time to do this.

Use colored paper or sticky notes, with each color representing a different subject or topic.

If it works for you, sure!

Try writing them in cursive since it usually takes less time. Also, try using shortcuts and symbols for certain words you use a lot. For example, I like to use "w/" as a substitute for the world "with."

There are many but here are some of the more common ones: w = with, w/o = without, info = information, bf = before, aft = after, v = very, bc = because, esp = especially, e.g. = for example, i.e. = in other words, max/min = maximum/minimum, imp = important, etc = etcetera/ and so on, ~ = approximately/around/close to, * = any info you put this symbol by is important info, ** = any info you put this symbol by is very important, thf = therefore. Also, the first time you write a new name down, write the full name. Then anytime after that, write down last name only. Not only will this save time, but it'll help you learn the names by having to remember what "Wundts" first name was when you see it in notes.

You can use sticky notes.You may have to make sure they stay on by choosing good quality ones or taping them onto the pages.

Titling the page would definitely help. If you are using a loose piece of paper, you could try putting the notes in a notebook. Underlining specific words that are important is very helpful too.

You can make flashcards, give yourself quizzes and do half page notes. Remember to breathe and relax on the day of the exam and remember to look over your notes before going in, so as to not get panicked.

Yes. Titling and sub-titling is a great way to organize your notes. Also, highlighting important keywords, main ideas, themes, details, etc can make it easier to study and review.

Start by getting a notebook that's different colors for each class. Then write in the notebook for that class, that way it is not that hard to find specific notes for different classes!

Of course you can! If taking digital notes is the most suitable to you, then go ahead and use this method.