[surfer4life949]

What do you guys do when writing notes? I’ve been watching Roger’s video section, then writing my own study guide/notes on the chapter then going on to HW. It seems like re-writing the notes (condensed version) by hand is taking me a RIDICULOUS amount of time (~4 hours). Any advice on this? I started typing up the notes for this particular section it’s getting me through it a good amount faster.

B-85 OCT 2012
A-84 NOV 2012
R-90 JAN 2013
F-89 AUG 2012
Ethics-92 (3rd try)

I am DONE BABY!!!
Used Roger 2012 + Wiley + NINJA Notes

[momto5]

I see a lot of people mention typing the notes. Unfortunately, I must be a tactile learner because I absorb the information better by handwriting them. And yes, it takes way too much time! I actually go through all the lectures and homework first, then write the notes last because by then I know what I probably need to focus on better. It also takes me through the entire chapter one more time. Did a lot of writing for FAR, but it certainly was worth it!

FAR - 92 (4/27/12)
AUD - 96 (7/17/12)
BEC - 92 (8/30/12)
REG - 91 (11/12/12)

[surfer4life949]

I think i'm gonna continue to type te notes. It gets me through the info a bit quicker, yet im still able to slow down and process what the book is saying so i can condense it for my notes (mindlessly rewriting the book does nothing for me). I think i'm gonna go back for my final review and take handwritten notes on areas I know I've struggled with, along with takes not with the MCQs.

B-85 OCT 2012
A-84 NOV 2012
R-90 JAN 2013
F-89 AUG 2012
Ethics-92 (3rd try)

I am DONE BABY!!!
Used Roger 2012 + Wiley + NINJA Notes

[jenuno01]

I think the claim that writing your notes is more effective than typing them is a myth. People here go on and on about how it's scientifically proven that writting your notes is better than typing etc, etc… I always type them for the following reasons:

1. Faster

2. Easier to review (a lot of people are fans of re-writing their notes, but I think that if you typed them on your first round, there's no need to re-write anything as long as you keep going through them; just like in practicing MCQ's, repetition is key.

3. You can take screen shots of formulas, graphs, long explanations, etc and include them in your notes

4. Electronic storage (no need to worry about spilling your coffee on them), also, you can print multiple copies and keep them at work, in the restroom, in the garage, car, kitchen, shower, laundry room, girlfriend's house, gym, etc.

5. Did I mention it's faster?

Class of 2012

[momto5]

I think the thing is, you have to find out what works best for you. Everyone is different. I can type pretty fast and very mindlessly, but while I write, I have to think about what I am writing. It's just me. Some people are audio learners and learn better by listening than by reading or writing. You have to know yourself.

FAR - 92 (4/27/12)
AUD - 96 (7/17/12)
BEC - 92 (8/30/12)
REG - 91 (11/12/12)

[Anonymous]

Handwriting notes >*

I always typed my homework back at school though. Seemed like everybody preferred handwriting it. Excel ftw

[Mrs 300]

I think re-writing notes is technically better if you have an unlimited amount of time. But usually time is something that you run out of and re-writing can take so much valuable study time when other areas (MCQs and practicing SIMS) could be more beneficial. If I'm really, REALLY struggling with a topic, I'll re-write the journal entries or quiz myself and rewrite those particular notes. But you are right, it takes SO much time. I think that if you type them, and really think about what you are typing and not just typing like a machine onto your paper, it can be almost as beneficial as writing.

I space out a lot when I read stuff; I'll read two pages and then think back like WTF did I just read? So for me, typing is better than just reading to myself.

It's all about how you retain information.

REG - 80 (Becker only)
BEC - 76 (Becker only)
AUD - 71, 76 (Becker only)
FAR - 65, 74, 81! (Becker, Wiley Test Bank, Ninja notes & Audio)

CPA Class of 2012 🙂

[The Dingo]

I did handwriting for FAR and AUD, but by REG realized we could really fill-up a spiral-bound and there's no easy “cut & paste” function, esp. when working a problem and needed to add some fun IRC content. So into Word and voila, fun with cut & paste. Organize with formatting, color, etc. And like mentioned above, drop in graphics if you need to.

[Anonymous]

I like to start with typing – initial outline of what I'm learning. It's more organized, colorful and has pictures.

Handwriting works best for me during final review as I summarize overarching topics and make one-page cheat sheets. I'm a scribbler, so whenever I take notes during video lectures, they're pretty quick and messy. I never have the motivation to go back over them unless I was writing down something the instructor drew on the write-board.

You could make a Cornell Notetaking template in Word, print some copies and use that to organize topic summaries.

[Author]

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