Exam Advice from Bitter Lawyer

I couldn’t disagree more about the study group comment, but I thought this post contained a good point or two about keeping exam prep manageable and in perspective (go read the comments there too):

I just started law school.  I’m a little freaked out about finals.  I know it’s early, but I want to do everything in my power to get good grades.  Are there any tricks I should know about?

Um…go to class, take notes—and make sure you review previous years’ exams.  Studying last year’s essay questions is way more important than joining some lame, self-important study group where everyone’s trying to impress each other.  You should also talk to some cool (and smart) second years and see if you can check out their study materials/outlines.

One more tip: Avoid all-nighters and self-proclaimed legal geniuses at all costs.

What other advice do you have on exam prep?

Some of my other thoughts:

• My Con Law professor subscribes to the template method, which is to say that when you write your outline (or flash cards) put into it a format that asks a series of questions that enable you to solve the issue in front of you. For instance your flash card for commerce clause problems might include things like: “What is Congress doing here? If, regulating Intrastate activities… Congress can use the Commerce Clause to regulate intrastate activities when… However, if that activity is non-commercial….”
• Use several sources, but try to write your outline from your own notes and textbook first. Then use Emanuel’s or a hornbook to fill in gaps and organize your outline effectively.
• Ask a professor if they’ll let you walk them through your outline or a portion of it. I did this last year with a professor and it was very helpful. Just doing it for one class will give you confidence for other classes too.
• When meeting with your study group, walk through your outline and hone in on the key rules and points. Don’t get side-tracked on rabbit hole questions. Write or review a section, do a few hypos, move on. You’re all busy. So, use that time effectively and don’t be afraid to leave some time to bitch about bad professors and annoying classmates.

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