Kalysha Clark

This process will be different for each class, but you just have to learn how to do it. For my chemistry class, my professor writes his notes completely on the blackboard and seldom uses powerpoint for images from the book. For that class, I write my notes on notebook paper, including the outline for the lecture (which he provides at the beginning of class). After class, I staple each lecture separately and rewrite them into my notebook. I get tutoring twice a week for an hour for chemistry, so I typically wait to rewrite my notes until after I meet with my tutor. She can usually put things into simpler terms, which I can write in the margins and add to my rewritten notes. For my biology class, the professor provides skeletal notes which we fill in during class. To rewrite these, I usually reprint the whole outline, rewrite everything I already had and put things in my own words. It's really important to put things into your own words because you need to be able to actually understand what is happening. For my nonprofits class, we take notes on our laptops in a powerpoint presentation. After each class, I transfer my notes into an online flashcard maker. (I highly recommend online flashcards. Making regular ones takes so long and they're so bulky to carry. I recommend www.flashcardmachine.com. It's free and you can get the app for your phone as well.)

Another important thing about rewriting your notes is that you write down any questions you have after class/lecture so you can ask your professor/neighbor/tutor. You also need to supplement your notes. Whether you go back and read the book, watch online videos, draw diagrams, whatever helps you.

• Set aside permanent time in your schedule to study. 

I made an entire weekly schedule in excel that includes my classes, extracurriculars, work and study times. If something comes up and you can't study during the designated time, make sure you make up for it before it's too late!

• When you're studying for a test, set aside one day of studying per topic.

That doesn't mean you have to study all day. It just means you only study that topic on that day. For example, my last biology exam consisted of Photosynthesis, Detailed Cellular Respiration and Nervous System/Communication. In that case, I set aside three days to study. One for each topic. 

• Bonus: Record your lectures on your phone or a tape recorder of find a good professor online who posts their lectures.