tips for success in law school

Some professors and or Academic Fellows hold review sessions prior to exams. This is a great way to clarify the issues about which you are confused without having to stand in line outside your professors office. Moreover, helpful tips regarding how to write your exam answers in a way that will earn you the most points are often shared during review sessions.

If your professor distributes a practice question and says that she will review your answer if you submit it by a certain time, DO IT! This is a great opportunity to get your professors input and make any necessary adjustments before your performance is graded.

These workshops cover a number of topics such as outlining, time and stress management, and how to prepare for and write law school exams skills essential to success in law school.

Lots of them. Exams previously administered by your professor are preferable. This will help you determine how your professor drafts his or her exams. The Fowler School of Law Library maintains a number of prior exams prepared by law professors. Whenever possible, select a prior exam for which there is a sample answer on file. This will allow you to check your answer against the sample and evaluate your performance. If there is no sample answer on file, ask you professor if he she will review and comment on your answer. Do not, however, wait until right before finals to ask your professor to review your answer. The earlier you ask, the more likely your professor will have time to review your answer.

Many students complain that they do not have enough time to brief cases, prepare outlines and or take practice exams. Theyre wrong! By planning your time in advance, you will have enough time to meet all of the demands of law school and have time to enjoy some outside activities. If you need help managing your time, see Professor Faulkner.

Again, this is not undergraduate school. You cannot throw a paper together the night before it is due and expect to receive a good grade or for that matter, a passing grade. Good legal writing takes time and lots of editing so start working on your LRW assignments as soon as possible.

Meet with your professors to review your exams after grades have been posted. This is the best way to determine what you did well and what you need to improve.

Law school can be stressful, but there are a number of steps you can take to keep stress to a minimum. Humor is a great stress reliever. Make time for exercise carrying 100 pounds of law books every day doesnt count. Eat fruit, vegetables, and whole grain foods on a regular basis a diet Coke and a package of Ding Dongs are not a balanced breakfast. Dont overdo your caffeine intake; drink lots of water instead. Get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Maintain a life outside of law school. You dont need to give up all of the things you enjoyed doing before you went to law school; you just wont be able to do them as often. Finally, if you think that your stress level is getting out of control, talk about it with your significant other, a family member, a close friend, a faculty member, one of the law school Deans, or Professor Faulkner.

Face it. Only one student can finish at the top of the class. So instead of setting Numero Uno as your goal, focus on doing your very best. Also, be supportive of and respectful to your classmates. It will make for a more positive law school experience for you and your peers.

It is not uncommon for students to be confused about the substantive law covered in their classes, how to prepare for class, how to study for exams, how to manage their time or how to take law school exams. Indeed, it is the rare student who does not have questions about these subjects from time to time, particularly during the first year of law school. If you have questions, there are a number of resources available to you. Every professor holds weekly office hours. The Academic Fellows for your courses also are available to help you, as is Professor Faulkner. Please visit us if you have any questions. Were here to help.