Exam Prep I

Exams are just around the corner -- no matter how much you have studied, and how carefully you have outlined and done practice exams, once you get to the exam, you must be in the moment. What does this mean? You must respond to what your professor asks of you, and not what you want your professor to know (and by answering the professor's questions, you will be showing what you know). If you have prepared properly, you will be able to identifying the issue in the facts and connect the facts with the rule.

With just a few weeks to prepare, there are a few things you should remember:

1. Make sure to get enough sleep. Cramming and staying up all night doesn't work for law school exams. You have enough time to study and sleep if you plan accordingly, and plan in advance!
2. Make sure to eat -- don't forget to take study breaks to eat, and don't forget to eat before you walk into an exam. It is hard to concentrate when your stomach is growling.
3. If you are an evening student, it might be beneficial to take some time off during finals to study, especially the day of the exam. This time off will prove important and beneficial because you want to be as free from distractions as possible.
4. Make sure you have all of the necessary supplies - do you have pens that actually write; do you need pencils for a Scantron; do you have your exam number; are you going to use earplugs; etc. If your exam is open book, does the material you are planning to bring into the exam comply with the professor's guidelines and specifications?
5. Now is also the time to ask your professor any outstanding questions you have about the substantive law; you do not want to wait until the last minute to fill in any holes or gaps that you might have in your understanding.
6. And of course, make sure to allow yourself enough travel time to get to your exam!

The weeks leading up to exams can be very stressful -- make sure to stay away from those that add to your stress and anxiety. Your final exams are the culmination of all your hard work this semester, and you want to put yourself in the best possible situation to show your professor exactly how hard you have worked all semester.

Check back here in the coming weeks for more test taking tips and strategies, and, as always, stop by our offices (Suite 314) if you need additional help or have questions -- we are here to help.