Good morning lovelies, today I am talking about my school notes. I am in 2nd semester of first year university and have finally figured out what works best for me. Mind you everyone is different and learns differently. There are advantages and disadvantages to both and a time and place for each. I am in Biology (w/French immersion) so most of my knowledge pertains to sciences but I tried to include some social science classes, tips from my friends who are in different programs.

Typed notes :

• Good for classes with lots of diagrams or lots of writing (like Biology or psychology)
• Usually faster and can copy down more content
• Classes taught in french (this is because French is my second language and sometimes I need to translate or look up words, also helps with spelling.
• Some classes I recommend typed notes: Biology, English, French, Sociology, Geology, Psychology, Health Science courses, Anatomy and physiology.

Written notes :

• Great for number and equation heavy courses (like physics, chemistry, calculus/math, or economics)
• Hard to copy everything, so usually notes are more summarized with just main points or point form.
• Written notes can still be done on an iPad or touch screen laptop, I have seen people in chem and calc utilize this method.
• Some classes I recommend written notes: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Advanced Function, any other math course, Economics, Chemistry and Cell biology.

Hybrid notes : As mentioned I have seen people write on their iPads, I use a mix of typing and writing my notes on my iPad for geology and biology, I use an app called Microsoft OneNote (available for all devices I believe, android, apple, laptops, tablets ect.) and I insert a print version of the power point and either type notes beside it or write directly on the slides. This is a good way if you have a lot of writing and lots of diagrams.

Summary/review notes for exams : I always recommend writing summary or review notes for exams. If you have lots of diagrams (like in anatomy and physiology), there’s a couple options, print or draw diagrams and laminate them (one of my friends just uses clear tape) and white board markers, to practice labelling them. Also just a white board is good to practice processes or equations. *You can also use white board markers on mirrors and windows, just remember to clean them after especially if they are in a common room.*

Hopefully you got some ideas. If you have any suggestions let me know in the comments.

Have a good day and good luck with school.

~Tori Scherle~