Used by Ivy League students since 1950, this simple system can transform how you study.
What is the Cornell Method?
Developed at Cornell University by Prof. Walter Pauk in the 1950s, this system divides your notebook page into three sections: Notes, Cues, and Summary. It forces active recall during revision — the single most effective study technique.
How to Set Up Your Page
Take a ruled notebook (A4 size works best). Draw a vertical line about 6 cm from the left edge. Draw a horizontal line about 5 cm from the bottom. You now have three sections:
- Right column (largest): Main notes — write here during class
- Left column (narrow): Cue questions — add after class
- Bottom section: Summary — write a 2-3 line summary of the page
Step-by-Step Process
During Class: Take Notes (Right Column)
Write your class notes in the large right column. Use abbreviations, bullet points, and short phrases. Don't try to write everything — capture key ideas, formulas, and examples.
After Class: Add Cue Questions (Left Column)
Within 24 hours of the class, review your notes and write questions in the left column. These should be questions that your notes answer. For example, if your notes say "Photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2", your cue question could be "What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?"
Revision: Cover and Recall
During revision, cover the right column with a sheet of paper. Read each cue question and try to answer it from memory. Uncover to check. This is active recall — far more effective than re-reading notes.
Best Notebooks for Cornell Notes
Use A4 size notebooks with good paper quality (at least 70 GSM) so ink doesn't bleed through. Some notebooks come with pre-printed Cornell layout — these save you the hassle of drawing lines on every page.
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