I posted a day or two ago that I feel like a bit of a newbie now that I’m working on studying for the Certified Specialist in Wine (CSW) exam in July.
Right now, I’m almost scared. I haven’t had to study for an exam in almost 16 years. I begin working on the first unit and first chapter, and I’m not sure if I should write notes, type notes, or just read and re-read the study guide. It all comes down to having something to review, but I don’t know whether taking the time to write or type is productive. After all, it all boils down to the fact that I’ll be reading something–it’s just a question of whether it’s the study guide or my notes. Am I better off spending the time that I would use to prepare notes to read the study guide another time or two? Or does the process of making the notes help somehow?
Clearly, if I was attending classes, taking notes would be an absolute requirement.
I know one thing for sure. I am NEVER even going to think about taking another bar exam. The challenge of re-developing the study methods is just too daunting. 
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
good luck. i am taking my first wine course and its hard but delicious.
I found out about the CSW program just a few weeks ago and discovered that the exam is being held the first of June in Mpls, MN which is the closest venue for me. Guess I will have to start the course and take the exam next year.
The sample classes seems very comprehensive and well worth the price of membership. I am also debating whether or not to buy the study guide or just cut and paste to my computer.
What did you choose to do with your notes?
The material in the SWE online academy pales in comparison to the study guide, it seems to me. I’ll have to go back and double check that.
I’m primarily doing flash cards, but also picked up a small white board (2′ x 3′) that I can scribble things on, draw mind maps, etc.
I took this past week “off” to give myself a break, but my hope is to spend 30 to 60 minutes each evening going through different parts of the study guide and repeating that until I feel I could see each page in my sleep. That and the flash cards should put me in pretty good shape, I hope I hope I hope.