College Essentials Notes

College Essentials from a Recent Graduate

Note-Taking Alternatives to iPad Pro

  • Wacom Tablet: A cheaper alternative to an iPad Pro for taking digital notes.
    • Cost: Around $50.
    • Functionality: Allows you to draw, write, and take digital notes.
    • Benefit: Saves money compared to expensive iPads (which can cost around $600).

Textbook Savings

  • Anna's Archive: A resource to find textbooks online for free.
    • Check Anna's Archive first before buying textbooks from the university bookstore.
    • If the book isn't available on Anna's Archive, then purchase it from the bookstore.

Digital Agenda

  • Notion: A digital alternative to physical agendas.
    • Functionality:
      • Calendar integration.
      • Grade calculation.
      • Note storage.
    • Templates: Search YouTube for Notion templates.

Effective Study Tools

  • Quizlet Pro: Useful for studying, especially for subjects like anatomy (includes diagrams).
  • Anki: Recommended for biology and chemistry majors.
  • Scrittle: For mind mapping.

Mind Mapping for Enhanced Understanding

  • Mind Mapping tools (like Skrintle): A method for studying topics effectively.
    • Benefit: Improved test scores (A's and B's in microbiology).

Communication and Collaboration

  • GroupMe: A platform for class communication.
    • Functionality:
      • Discussing assignments.
      • Asking questions.
      • Forming study groups.
    • Advantages:
      • No need to exchange phone numbers; just add the person to the group.
      • Builds community and facilitates studying with others.
    • Action Item: Take the initiative to create a GroupMe for each class.