Hi Nutrition Pro,

It’s time to talk about one of my favorite topics when it comes to test prep! Study supplies! This is part one of a mini test prep blog series I’m starting – so stay tuned! I am sharing some of my favorite Amazon products for test prep! You can check them out below. I will be giving you my reasons for each recommendation. This is for my physical, analog handwriting fans.

If you have not heard this month’s prep note, watch it here: How to Prep for the CNS Exam in July 

Inside my personal study blueprint, Strategies for Success Pro,  I go into more logistical detail on the organization of materials and tools I recommend, including minimal tech tools, but here is a great beginner list to help you get started specifically for the note-taking and content organization stage.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. See our full disclosure here. 

#1 – Dedicated Review Binder: I am a fan of the FiveStar Flex binder because of how it lays flat while writing. You can use any binder to keep all your notes in, but I like this one for note-taking specifically. During my time of study, I actually used a Russell & Hazel binder.  I had the blue linen colored one, but it looks like it may be out of stock or not selling right now. These style binders are super stylish and nice to look at, but don’t contain pockets or tabs. I like the flex binders’ built-in tabs and divider pockets. Another alternative, if you like the Russell & Hazel style binder better, here is a nice alternative with more color options.

During my personal study time, I liked having a binder for notes, important diagrams, and handouts, and then a separate one for practice questions.

#2 – Lined Note paper: Classic college-ruled paper is my favorite! If you are a wide-ruled fan – have at it! Whatever works best for you. But the lined paper is a notetaker’s standard and will help you keep your notes organized for the exam.

#3 – Graph paper: I’m a fan of using graph paper when creating graphic organizers and reviewing the nutritional biochemistry domain because it makes it easy to draw straight lines and keep drawings and notes proportional.

#4 – Pilot G2 Gel Pens: I’ve been an avid handwriter since college, and hands down Pilot G2 gel pens are my favorite pens to write with. I highly recommend this brand because of its smooth, long-lasting writing and the variety of point sizes. The 1.0mm point is great for titled headings and section markers. The 0.7mm point is great for subheadings and underlining physical text. The 0.5mm point is excellent for notetaking and annotating your content outline, textbooks, printout articles, etc.

#5 – Frixion Erasable Pens: These are my favorite for planning. Easily erasable so you can update your study calendar with ease.

#6 – Bic Wite-Out correction tape: This is my favorite correction tape. Easy, smooth, and decently long-lasting depending on how much you use. I like to use this correction tape when taking long-form notes with the Pilot G2 gel pens.

Happy Prepping, and remember, It’s Time to Prep Like you Mean It! 🙂  

Zoie