Handwritten Notes vs. Typing: Which Helps You Retain More?

Founder of IvyStrides offers two cents on which approach is better for students preparing for SAT

In the digital age, typing notes has become the norm — it is quick, efficient, and convenient. Yet, recent studies suggest that the traditional method of handwriting notes might have powerful cognitive benefits, particularly regarding memory retention and understanding. But why does the act of writing by hand seem to help our brains absorb information better than typing? Let's explore.

The Case for Handwritten Notes

Research consistently shows that handwriting engages deeper cognitive processing. When writing by hand, you naturally synthesize and summarize information, actively involving your brain in the learning process. Handwriting:

Improves Memory Retention: Writing manually requires greater mental effort, stimulating memory and comprehension.
Encourages Conceptual Understanding: Writing notes manually forces you to prioritize and conceptualize information, resulting in better long-term comprehension.
Reduces Distractions: Handwriting keeps you away from the digital distractions that come with a laptop or tablet.

The Case for Typing Notes

Typing notes has its advantages, primarily in efficiency and speed:

It's faster, helping you capture more information quickly.
Notes are easily editable, searchable, and shareable.
Digital notes allow for organized categorization and easy reviewing.

However, the speed advantage might lead to passive note-taking—essentially, copying what you hear verbatim without actively engaging with the material.

Scientific Evidence

A widely cited Princeton University study found that students who took handwritten notes performed significantly better in recalling conceptual information compared to students who typed their notes. Typing often encourages verbatim transcription, limiting deep cognitive processing that aids understanding and retention.

What's the Ideal Approach?

A balanced strategy might be the most effective:

Handwrite: When learning complex concepts, focus on understanding and internalizing material (ideal for subjects like SAT preparation).
Type: When speed and accuracy are crucial, such as during lectures or meetings where capturing extensive details matters.

Tips for Effective Note-Taking

Focus on summarizing rather than copying verbatim.
Use methods like the Cornell Method or mind mapping for structured note-taking.
Review and rewrite typed notes by hand later to deepen retention.

Ultimately, choosing the best method depends on your personal study habits and goals. However, if your aim is to maximize retention, handwriting has clear cognitive advantages.

What's your experience? Do you retain more when handwriting notes or typing? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

About IvyStrides

IvyStrides is a premier SAT preparation academy dedicated to helping students achieve their dream college admissions through expert-led instruction, structured learning programs, and data-driven strategies. We believe that education should be accessible and effective, providing students with the right resources to succeed.