Law School Exam Survival Guide

I will say that the title to this blog post is a little bit of a misnomer. There is no such thing as a Law School Exam Survival Guide. It would be almost impossible to tailor an Exam guide to every law student. So here are a few helpful comments and suggestions to those 1L's out there who are just about to take their very first law school exam:

1. This is not an undergrad exam. This cannot be stressed enough. Think more LSAT, and less Spanish 102 Final. You probably will not see this test coming. It probably will feel pretty bad. But there are ways to make yourself feel not as bad and even a little good that you got through the test without keeling over.

2. Who you study with matters. We've all been in study groups and thought, "Wow, this person really know his/her stuff." It may help to ask this person questions and get answers but just remember: this person is not your professor. Only your professor will grade your test. No one else. And since the professor taught the course it would probably be smart to at least send an email to clear up any burning questions you may have. Don't get me wrong, studying with people is very beneficial. It helps you talk out loud about the issues, which in turn will help you type them better. But make sure you understand that people in your study group can be wrong about things. And sometimes you may not be benefiting from hearing other people ask questions. Do what is right for you.

3. Use your study materials. Getting commercial outlines is great, just remember they are not tailored to your particular professor. Your outlines, your notes, your memories; all these things are important when you are sitting down to study. Use them, don't just bank of remembering anything because sometimes your memory will fail you or become cloudy. This is why we take notes. I was told this as soon as I got into law school and it still applies now: You're not as smart as you think you are. Study hard.

4. De-stress when you get the chance. This can happy in many different ways. I will sometimes come home right after a test and work-out just to take my mind off of what just happened. It works for me. Do what works for you. Give yourself breaks and do a few other things to keep yourself balanced (and sane). Becoming super anxious and not sleeping are terrible things to do when you need to be able to analyze fact patterns and make rational arguments.

5. Move on after you're done. Don't sit around and mull how the test went. You have no idea how the test went. No one in your class has any idea how they did. You have another test so move on quickly and don't beat yourself up if you missed something. It happens. Your next professor does not care how you did on your previous exam. They will not take it easier on you. Trust me. Meet the challenge head on and stay focused.

6. Have fun with it. I know this makes no sense. But try with every fiber of your being to enjoy this phase of law school. It's very tough to do but try to see the forest for the trees. This single period will not define your law school experience. Every day you come in and work hard will. Enjoy the opportunity you're given yourself by being prepared and act on it.

(Editor's Note: After taking his first exam of this semester, David needed to vent a little and pump himself up for his coming exams. His efforts are appreciated)

Good luck to all law students currently in their exam period and God bless.

Best,
David