Always date your notes.You're taking notes; not writing a book. Keep it short.Use abbreviations, like & for "and," write numbers and dates, don't spell them.White space is free; leave room for later comments.Use ? to mark things you need to check or clarify.Use * to mark things that are important.Pay attention to dates, specific facts, formulas, and definitions.Use outlines or lists rather than full paragraphs.Use the margins to take notes on your notes.Review the notes from the previous session of a class immediately before the next class; it will help you remember, and place the current class in context.Notice what the instructor writes on the board; it's likely important.There are people who re-copy their notes; this is something to at least consider, but you may find you are better off