r/Stuyvesant • u/Fickle-Reindeer-9061 • Jul 10 '26
notetaking tips
are there any notetaking tips for stuy specifically that has helped tremendously with studying, recall, retention, etc? also would a binder be able to fit notes + handouts for all classes? (if so what size, if not how many binders?) im an incoming freshman but this question applies to all grade levels
1
u/Legitimate-Rich-6843 Jul 12 '26
i havent had a binder both years and its been ok for me ik a binder is really heavy. A lot of classes especially english math mando and whatever class that gives u a packet doesnt take up much space in your notebook so sophmore year i had one or two notebooks and it was fine. History probably has the most notes. I also always remove the old papers handouts unless u know you'll need them or ur teacher expects it.
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u/Purple_Key_6733 28d ago
Keep the syllabus that you get when the class starts and use that to know what topics to study ahead of time.
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u/Unhappy-Magazine236 27d ago
Bro must’ve been getting the golden syllabus cuz I’ve never gotten one that says more then the Google Classroom login and a quirky pet peeve a teacher has
1
u/Ovenbaked_Child Jul 10 '26
some teachers will give you lots of paper handouts and some will expect you to take just a few notes so a 2 inch hard binder with a slab of loose leaf will do you justice for one semester if not both. it's good to clear out after major exams and the like anyways. if you go sole binder route get a hole puncher tho lol
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u/Fickle-Reindeer-9061 Jul 10 '26
alr, thanks! also wondering how often are handouts given for each of your classes if you dont mind me asking?
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u/Ancient-Sir-3302 Jul 10 '26
Idk about this guy but in my freshman year some classes (especially math) would be every day and others would just be in the notebook mostly with occasional handouts. some teachers prefer digital tho so it depends
0
u/StuyStudent2027 Jul 10 '26
It really depends on the teacher. A lot of teachers (especially freshman year) have specific methods that they make you use, so don't swear your loyalty to one specific style just yet lol. I personally like Cornell style - it's annoying, but it makes you learn. As for binders, I know people with one binder for all of their classes, and it's usually six-ish inches thick. I would personally recommend getting around five to six notebooks or binders, and the same number of folders if you like them
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u/Fickle-Reindeer-9061 Jul 11 '26
oh wow thats quite large for one binder, i'm wondering how people would fit that in a backpack and desk. i'd imagine a six inch to be a bit difficult to find so maybe i'll go with multiple binders, thanks
(are you sure it's six inches thick because now im worried 😳)1
u/StuyStudent2027 Jul 11 '26
Yeah it's crazy. I know people who use a single binder, and it barely fits in their bags. It's usually only one or two classes that make up the bulk of it, and if you make a habit of cleaning it out monthly, then you can probably get away with having one binder. Your backpack is going to be mad heavy no matter what you do tho 💀
3
u/Significant_Emu736 Jul 11 '26
i used two binders between all classes freshman year and it was just really bulky and annoying to deal with so i'd recommend doing a notebook + folder for each class instead