Technology is so incredibly useful in college, but it can also hinder your learning if you don’t use it correctly. I have perfected the integration of technology into my college curriculum and have worked out the kinks to create this simple guide to help you use an iPad in college.
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Step 1: Choose Your iPad
If you know me personally, you know that I am a die-hard Apple person. My coworkers literally call me the Apple Tech Support person of the lab. I have an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, AirPods and a wireless keyboard. I believe Apple is the most user-friendly and leads the pack in communication between devices {more on that later}.
I bought my 9.7 inch iPad Pro in the winter of 2017, before the spring semester of my sophomore year of college. Apple no longer sells this specific iPad. This was the first iPad Pro that Apple came out with so it is a bit dated now and I will be upgrading for medical school.
The iPad Pro currently comes in two sizes: 11″ and 12.9″. I will eventually be comparing the two to see which size would be best for me for medical school. Check out the 11″ iPad on my storefront!
Step 2: Get Accessories
Apple Pencil
A big reason why I wanted the iPad Pro as opposed to an iPad Air was because it is compatible with the Apple Pencil. I am a firm believer that physically writing your notes is better for learning and the iPad + Apple Pencil duo lets you have digital notes along with the physical writing experience.
Apple just came out with a new Apple Pencil that charges through the magnet on the side of the iPad! So cool! Want it badly!
There are other good styli out there to use, I only have experience with the Apple Pencil and I love it.
Keyboard
You may also want a keyboard for your iPad. I have a wireless one similar to one found here and it is nice because I can have it anywhere {like on my lap} and still type.
Some people prefer an attached keyboard like this one so your iPad feels more like a laptop!
Case
If you opt for a keyboard that is not part of your iPad case, you need a case!
I recommend a case that has a built-in spot for your Apple Pencil/stylus. Some have a plastic part where the Pencil snaps in and others have a tube/loop on the side of the case where your Pencil can just slide in.
The new Apple Pencil, however, sticks magnetically to the side of the iPad. I do not have the new Pencil {yet} so I’m not sure if you would still want a spot to carry it on your case or not!
There are also tons of accessories for your Apple Pencil including grips, skins, and little silicon connector thingys that keep the charger cover attached to your pencil while charging.
Step 3: Download Some Apps
Okay so you have your iPad, your Apple Pencil and your choice of accessories. Time to load it up with some apps!
Note-taking
If you are using an iPad for college, you will want a good note-taking app. I have tried two different ones: Notability and GoodNotes. Eventually I want to write a post all about comparing the two, but for now I will talk about the one I currently use.
I use the most recent version {as of April 2019} of GoodNotes which is GoodNotes 5. I love how organized this app is.
I have a folder titled “Spring 2019” and then in it I have a folder for each class I am taking and then within those folders, I have folders for each exam and then within the exam folders, I have all my PowerPoints and notes for that exam.
Folders in folders in folders!
It is also super easy to add things to the app. I have PDFs of the readings for my political science classes, I have PowerPoint slides for my anatomy class, and I have digital notebooks where I can write any extra notes I may have.
My anatomy notes and study guides for my third exam in GoodNotes 5 A PDF of one of my readings for environmental politics
There are also tons of different types of papers for the notebooks. Various lined, graphing and blank pages and in different sizes. You can also upload your own templates and GoodNotes provides a free PDF of templates!
Before GoodNotes 5 came out, I used GoodNotes 4. Version 4 was not as simple to add things to folders and it did not have as many pen colors to choose from. I like the interface and the customizability of GoodNotes 5 and would definitely recommend that version.
Learning
As I have gone through my various undergraduate classes, I have found some helpful apps for studying and just getting my thoughts out.
The app I have been using for anatomy is called Essentials Anatomy 5 .It is $14.99 on the App Store but it is definitely worth it because I can use it throughout medical school as well.
Essentials Anatomy has a 3D view of the human body and you can add different systems such as the venous or nervous systems and you can isolate different parts of the body like a specific bone or organ. It also gives you some information on the body part you selected
If you follow me on Instagram then you know how big of a Quizlet fan I am! So of course I have the Quizlet app on my iPad!
I use Quizlet on my iPad as opposed to on my laptop when I want to add screenshots or pictures I’ve taken to my flashcards. It is also more portable than my laptop!
This last app is one I am still working with using but it is called Mindly and it is an app for making brain maps. I try to use brain maps to connect topics within one of my classes and I’m still figuring out Mindly.
Drawing
One of the most awesome features of the iPad Pro + Apple Pencil is drawing. Both can detect the amount of pressure that you exert on the pen and the app that really showcases that is Procreate.
I use Procreate for so many different things. I make some of my notes headings on Procreate, I make organ diagrams and I even edit some of my pictures on the app!
Many hand lettering blogs also put out lettering templates and pen templates for Procreate and I have fun playing around with it!
Other Uses
What is so great about the iPad is how versatile it is. One person could use it for school while another person could use it for their art business; it can do so much!
Some other things I use my iPad for when I’m not studying are for watching tv on various apps such as the Food Network app and Netflix. I also have iBooks and the Kindle app for reading books!
And of course I have a few games on there because everyone needs to take a study break at some point!
Well, there you have it! My complete rundown of using my iPad in college! Buying an iPad was one of the best decisions I made when it came to my school materials. I don’t have to buy new notebooks or looseleaf every semester and it gives my back a break from lugging around all those notebooks!
If you use an iPad in college, let me know! I’d love to hear what apps you use and how you like it! Feel free to leave a comment here or follow me on my Instagram at @medicineandmoscato and click the button below to share with your electronics-loving friends!
