how to take notes like the top 1% of students

Avoid writing down every word your teacher says. Instead, focus on translating the main points into your own words. This active engagement during the lecture creates a foundational understanding, which can be refined later with specific details.

While aesthetically pleasing notes can be nice, don't prioritize them during lectures. Over-focusing on note aesthetics or a 'perfect' format can distract from active listening and engagement. Choose a flexible format that works for you, such as the outline method, Cornell notes, the box method, or mind maps for studying.

Capture your internal thoughts and questions (like 'Wait, this doesn't make sense?') in your notes. Annotate with personal reactions or connections to your experiences to make the material more memorable. Most importantly, write down question marks for anything confusing and ask for clarification immediately, as you likely won't revisit these points later.

New knowledge should be connected to existing information to prevent it from being isolated and forgotten. Use methods like 'callbacks' to note similarities to previous topics, 'draw comparisons' to explain why those connections exist, and 'map it out' using mind maps to integrate new concepts into a broader understanding.

Don't just take notes once and forget about them. Revisit and refine your notes shortly after taking them (e.g., within 24 hours, then at increasing intervals). Leave gaps in your notes for elaboration. Actively quiz yourself by reciting main points and using the Feynman technique (teaching the material to someone else) to solidify your understanding.