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Success Principle 3 - A Notebook is Your Best Friend!

Forget about iPhones, laptops, or online software, I believe that a simple notebook is the most important tool outside of studying materials. There is a reason that after countless technology revolutions and web 1.0, 2.0, 3.0...etc, the notebook is still the most trusted tool when it comes to learning. Studies have proven that writing things down helps you to remember them better. Visualization - seeing things on paper - is the best way for you to process the new information you are absorbing.

In addition, using a notebook helps you simulate the test conditions. Remember that during the test, you will be transferring information from the computer screen down to your whiteboard. You will not be able to mark up reading passage or draw on geometry figures. It’s a good idea to always do your practice scratch work in your notebook, or on a separate piece of paper to get used to having to transfer the information in an organized way without making mistakes.

Besides improving your studies and simulating the test environment, the notebook serves another important purpose - to help you review and strengthen your weaknesses on the day of the test. Your notebook should be the only thing you bring to the test center on the test date. Do not bring all your study materials as they will only make you feel panicked and unsettle your state of mind. Just bring your notebook and let it do its magic. You need to know how to use this tool properly to maximize the value it brings to you. Here are a few points;

  1. Write down only the things you found difficult to understand or to remember. Remember that "information overflow" is the enemy (see Principle 2), and that the last thing you want is to turn your notebook into another reference book. Keep it simple and effective.

  2. Write clearly and write BIG. You need to be able to see your notes clearly to make it work. Visualization works best when the "visual" is clear and not clustered together. Don't worry about wasting paper or not have enough space to write. If you follow rule number 1, you'll be left with plenty of room for the important stuff.

  3. Label each page with the section of the test the page is related to. If you write down notes on Sentence Correction, put a big "Sentence Correction" or "SC" at the top corner of the page so you know what the notes on a specific page is for. This helps you organize the information in your head and makes it easier to find particular notes.

  4. Take the notebook with you as much as possible during this one month of studying. You want to be in the "GMAT mode" all the time, and having access to your notebook will remind you what you need to continue working on. It also makes sitting in the subway or waiting in line much more pleasant. You have one month to study for the GMAT, don't waste a minute!

  5. Make notes on your existing notes. Don't be afraid to cross out existing notes or write over them. You will learn new things everyday and you might find better ways of doing certain types of questions. Personalize your notebook and make it uniquely yours!

You should keep it with you at all times when you are studying. It will be your best friend on test day!