How to Raise Your GPA with 3 Note Taking Strategies

Here's a quick preview of my article on How to Raise Your GPA with 3 Note Taking Strategies, which the full version can be found here.

So, in my opinion, the real key to learning, whether in school or for your own edification, is to find various systems that work, and then use them.  After many years in college, and a variety of experimentations on different ways to learn, I have found a few things to share and advocate.  I plan on writing a whole series of hubs on better study techniques, and how to raise your GPA, so if you're interested, please click on follow me.  And, as always, I love comments and fan mail, so don't hesitate to hit me up.

The Cornell Method
Quite possibly my favorite method of notes, especially in classes that are intensive on details, dates, etc.  I typically use this method in history courses that are heavy on information.  The idea is that the paper has three sections - the notes section, a "cue" section, and then a summary section.  You can see an example to the right of the this blurb.  You can tailor any of the steps to suit your needs, but typically, this is how to use the Cornell Method:

• Notes section:  take your typical notes here.  Attempt not to take them down verbatim, but allow yourself to synthesize the information - to basically create your own words from what you're learning.
• Cue section:  This is basically the margin.  You place cue words that give you a bit of understanding as to what is in the notes section.  I also add questions to this side, with the answer basically being in the notes section.
• Summary:  At the end of each page, write a three sentence summary.  It is key to summarize in your own words.  It allows you to create your own words, and have your own level of understanding.

For more tips, links, resources, and more, check out the full article on How to Raise your GPA

Outlining / Old School Method
This is probably the method you are most familiar with.  We use it for papers, essays, projects, and the like, and it is quite easily the most taught system out there.  I find it useful in some classes (remember, you need to pick a method that words best for you.  Just as there are many different learning styles, so to are there different ways to learn).  I like to call this method the bullet point bonanza, as that is the most typical symbol used.  Check out how to do it below:

• Write down the points in an organized manner.
• Major points (headings) are placed closest to the left hand margin.
• Indent and add additional points below the heading (only those that fit).
• You can use bullet points, little dots, roman numerals, regular numbers, or any other type of system you like.

For more tips, links, resources, and more, check out the full article on How to Raise your GPA

Mind Mapping Method
Easily the most fun, a mind map is just like those "bubble" brainstorms you did in junior high.  At its best, this method allows you to connect concepts together, showing relationships amongst a variety of areas.  At its worst, you'll go crazy trying to figure it out.  Tons of books have been written on how to use Mind Mapping for school, work, creative writing, etc. (I've included some links in the resources section below). 

• Remember, this is a graphic representation.
• Start with a circle and branch out concepts, with sub branches, etc (It's easier to understand this by looking at the example to the right and reading more in the resources box)

For more tips, links, resources, and more, check out the full article on How to Raise your GPA

Fourteen Quick Tips on How to Raise Your GPA right HERE

After years of school, and life outside, I have researched over many different techniques as possible to get better grades.  In outright honesty, it is not as hard as one might believe.  First off, you need to commit to achieving good grades, even in the classes/courses you hate.  Secondly, you must be willing to not only learn your coursework, but also learn “how to learn” through books, blogs, and hopefully, this fantastic article.  Finally, you have to give yourself a break.  No one should ever, ever overdue things.  This process of improving your grades is a journey of small steps.  It shall not happen overnight, but will materialize sooner than you think.  And, the great part is, the improvement will compound on itself, like a gigantic snowball gaining momentum and size.

So, here is a screamin' list of basic tricks to get preferred grades.  These are the types of actions you need to make customary.  They are effortless to do and won't be that hard.

1.  Attend all classes

2. Take notes, but also listen to what is being said

3. Use pen and paper if at all possible (it allows you to think before you write, not just type what the prof is saying)

5. Buy a planner, use the planner

6. Don’t spend too much time figuring things out, or revising systems - just get down to it

7. The library is your friend, your very good friend, and you must love him

8. If you have the chance, do the study hours with your professor, but only if you have a powerhouse question or need the love

9. Explore different ways to take notes, especially the Cornell Method

10. Google “memorization techniques” and learn different systems to aid your memory

11. Spend 30 little, itty bitty minutes per week to outline what you have coming up

12. Read or Write or Watch or Doe something funny, witty, or entertaining

For more information head on over to this article or this one