Hi,
What is the best approach I can use to take notes? I have been getting my numbers all messed up especially in cases where there's lots of sequential back and forth calculations. Any help is appreciated.
Hi,
What is the best approach I can use to take notes? I have been getting my numbers all messed up especially in cases where there's lots of sequential back and forth calculations. Any help is appreciated.
Hi,
I recommend the following approach- split the main sheet into 2 parts and then the left part into 2 quadrants:
Also, a good practice is to put the key numbers near the corresponding buckets.
! Have a separate sheet for math calculations!
It's also important:
All in all - having clear and organized notes have many pros while unclear notes can easily lead to failure.
Best!
Note taking is of course a critical piece of a strong case delivery, so it will pay off to practice this early on in your preparation.
Whatever system you chose (and practice), it needs to fulfill 3 main purposes:
There are certainly many different styles of note taking that provide these three functions, so you should find our which one works for you and enables you to focus on the case execution, rather than the note taking. Keep in mind that you should practice this system early on in your journey, so you are comfortable with this method when you go into the interviews.
Find below a screenshot of the notetaking system that works for me personally. In this system, I first draw one vertical and one horizontal line. Then I use the column on the left side to take the initial notes during the case prompt and clarifying questions. Then I write down the key question of the case in the top row and develop the framework in the main area on the page.
During the case, I scribble less important stuff on separate pages (e.g. notes during the quant part). However, I will write down the key insights of each branch of the framework at the bottom of my main page. That way, when I get to the recommendation, I can simply read the notes from left to right to have the supporting arguments for the case recommendation.
Hello! My suggestion will be to structure your calculations in terms of tables, equations and graphs. This way you can demonstrate your reasoning and help yourself when you will need to return back to your calculations. For instance, when asked about the impact that price increase will have on the sales, you can have two columns: 1) AS IS with initial set of numbers 2) New data based on updated values.
Hi!
Not sure I am best practice in any way for notetaking, but here are a few things that help me keep it organized:
1) Label important things as you go through - make sure to not fall into the trap of over-labeling and therefore creating even more clutter on your piece of paper though.
2) Keep a separate piece of paper for all the math / calculations. This is something I definitely learned the hard way.
3) Make sure the first page is really clear and includes the big picture ideas of the case.
Hope this helps!
Dear A,
Below some general recommendation on how to take notes:
Write down all the important information. You can use abbreviations
Client name
Industry
Geography
Current situation
Goal/objective:
And for your analysis put the name of the area you supposed to analyzed and it structure
Name of the first area analyzed
Structure for the first area
Name of the second area analyzed
Structure for the second area
Hope it helps,
Best,
André