What is a good way to condense collected research?

a-underline the pieces of evidence you want to use.
b-annotate in your books using page markers.
c-take notes on loose-leaf paper or a computer.
d-organize each source by category, such as books or websites.

explanation:

it's important for any number of settings.   but then i'm a retired teacher and my view may be biased.

it certainly will not weigh as a minus when applying to a college, while poor grades always work against you.

other factors are important like what you do to improve the community.  

its everything except for telling nonfiction and using first person