Getting organized, taking notes, and maximizing efficiency can be considered the triad of success in taking college courses. Unfortunately, it also appears to be the most challenging factors for many students – especially freshman students new to the college way of life. Balancing academics with the many social opportunities presented in a college setting is an on-going challenge but these top five apps to rock college note-taking will make even the most struggling student to begin to cultivate real success.
5 Apps to Rock College Note-Taking
1. Evernote
Arguably, this is the granddaddy of all note-taking applications used by college students. Some surveys have documented as much as 36% of college student respondents use Evernote for taking notes in classes. An added bonus is it can be put on almost any piece of smart technology out there. It gives students the ability to tag and organize notes in addition to taking pictures and organizing them as well.
2. Native Apps and Add Ons
For those rocking the iPhone or iPad there are many note-taking applications to choose from. Besides having a built in “Notes” function, applications such as all-in Notes allow users to customize, organize, and file notes by color coding them. This makes it easy to separate private notes such as combination lock numbers or upcoming birthday surprises from the regular notes related to classes, homework and social events.
3. Smart Notes
For more advanced note taking and organization, an app such as Smart Notes can help users organize larger projects and situations where multiple folders are needed features. Perfect for group projects, this app also allows tasks or notes to be assigned to different people.
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4. Online Document Editors
Google Docs, Zoho Docs and Office Live all offer freeware editors with several different programs such as word processors and free spreadsheet programs. They also present unique opportunities for students to participate in “collaborative note taking.” This is especially effective for those who are taking classes with a fellow friend or study partner. These docs can be opened up in real time to multiple people who can add, edit and make changes to the document allowing students to take turns in note taking or collaborate.
5. Springpad
Struggling to get your notes, pictures, and tags organized? Springpad is an excellent app that automatically senses what has been uploaded and automatically organizes it without needing any prompting. This can be an additional plus for students who get distracted or forget to go through and compile their notes. Springpad can also be used on just about any mobile piece of technology out there.
Getting prepared and organized to tackle academic studies may be one of the most important steps to ensuring success in the course of pursuing a college degree. Going after an art degree? Maybe you dream of working with clothes. For creatives, apps like these can help you keep all your design ideas easily accessible with apps like this. The rest of us can rest easy knowing we’ll never lose a note again.
Using technology to stay organized alleviates the anxiety inherent in college life. It can lead to better test scores and project grades. And better yet? There is no shortage of types and styles of note taking applications, making it possible for any student with any learning style to find the right application to suit his or her individual needs.
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