Effective Note-Taking for GMAT Success: A Guide for Your Second Week 

As you enter the second week of your GMAT preparation, it's crucial to start developing strong note-taking habits that will serve you throughout your study journey. The notes you take now will become invaluable resources for future revision, helping you internalize key concepts and strategies. This article will guide you through the process of making notes that are not only comprehensive but also easy to review as you progress. 

Step 1: Find the Trick 

After completing an intensive question set, it's tempting to move on quickly to the next task. However, taking the time to analyze and document your approach is essential for long-term success. 

Fill in Your Question Log:  
Start by recording basic information about the question, such as the subsection it belonged to, the difficulty level, and whether you got it right or wrong. This is a good habit to cultivate early on, as it helps you track your progress and identify patterns in your performance. 

Identify the Underlying Theory:  
Beyond the basic information, it’s crucial to understand the underlying theory behind the correct solution. Many questions on the GMAT can be solved using specific tricks or shortcuts. To find these, refer to expert explanations available on resources like GMAT Club. Compare your approach to the one suggested by the experts. Even if you answered correctly, there may be a more efficient method worth learning. 

Step 2: Generalize the Trick 

Once you've identified the specific trick that could have solved the question more effectively, the next step is to generalize it. This makes the trick applicable to a broader range of questions. 

Question Stem Recognition:  
Think about what you need to observe in the question stem for the trick to be applicable. For instance, if the question states that "X is an integer," consider what that implies and how it might signal the use of a particular strategy. 

Formulate the Steps:  
Once you’ve recognized when the trick is applicable, outline the steps needed to apply it. For example, you might note, "If X is an integer and the question asks for a range, then I should make a number line and look for integer solutions." 

Step 3: Make the Note 

Now that you've identified and generalized the trick, it's time to document it in a way that makes it easy to understand and recall later. Here’s how to create a useful and lasting note: 

• Title Your Note: Choose a title that makes the note easily recognizable. You could combine a specific question type classification with a name for the trick. For instance, "Integer Range Trick: Number Line Strategy." 

• Explain the Trick: Write down an explanation of the trick as if you’re teaching it to someone with no prior knowledge—perhaps a high school student. For example: "If you see that X is an integer in the question, then you should always consider creating a number line to identify possible integer solutions." 

• Add an Example: Reinforce the trick by including an example. Ideally, create your own variation of the original question to apply the trick. This exercise not only helps you understand the trick better but also prepares you to recognize and apply it in different contexts. 

• Keep It Understandable: The goal is to make your notes so clear and straightforward that you can easily understand them when you revisit them weeks later. The more accessible your notes are, the more useful they will be during your revision sessions. 

Conclusion: Building Your GMAT Trick Encyclopedia 

The notes you create during your GMAT preparation are not just reminders—they are tools that will help you internalize the strategies and tricks necessary for success on the test. By identifying key tricks, generalizing them, and documenting them in a clear and organized manner, you’ll build a "trick encyclopedia" that you can rely on as you advance in your studies. Remember, the effort you put into making comprehensive notes now will pay off when you’re able to quickly review and recall these strategies in the final weeks before your exam.