Cornell Note-Taking System

CLASS/TOPIC: [Topic Name]
DATE: [Date]

CUES / KEYWORDS (Left Column - 30% of page)
[Review these cues during study time to trigger memory]
- [Concept 1 name]
- [Key vocabulary word]
- [Important date/event]
- [Potential test question]

NOTES (Right Column - 70% of page)
[Take general notes during lecture here]
- [Concept 1 definition and explanation]
  - Sub-point or example
  - Important exception to the rule
- [Definition of vocabulary word]
- [Details of the historical event]
- Diagram or formula: [Draw here]

SUMMARY (Bottom of page - 3-4 lines)
[Write this immediately after class ends]
In this lecture, we discussed [Overarching theme]. The three most important takeaways are 1) [Takeaway], 2) [Takeaway], and 3) [Takeaway]. I need to review [Confusing concept] before the exam.

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HOW TO STUDY THIS:
Cover the right column (Notes) with a piece of paper. Look at the Cues on the left and try to verbally explain them. Check your notes to see if you were right.

💡 Pro Tip

The power of the Cornell system is the Summary section. Summarizing the entire lecture in 3 sentences immediately after class forces high-level retention.

📌 When to Use This Template

Studying, Lectures, Reading Textbooks

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