don't take notes and I only start preparing for exams just few days to the start of the examination. And giving the complexity of this exams, one would say it's a sure way to fail an exam. Funny cos I will not only pass but as one of the best.
I took notes that I couldn't understand come study time, and struggled. I am not smart enough to pass easily! :D
Perhaps with all these smart devices and their notifications, rather than sending us reminders to pay attention to crap, they should remind us to be present and not on the screens :)