TheSeaLocust's 1L Anxiety Meditation Retreat & Spa Forum

[Br3v]

So far, I've managed to keep my "don't do anything Sundays" intact. I've taken up rock climbing at a nearby gym, which is pretty great because there's no way to focus on anything except climbing while you're doing it, so my Sunday routine is wake up->read Cracked->climbing->Gordon Biersch->poker->TV/video games/fun reading. Next week might be the end of it, since my final (open, graded) memo is due a week from tomorrow, but I'm really hoping I can get everything done by Saturday night. I need that day off.

Of course, I still have plenty of reading this week, and I have to make my outlines for Civ Pro and Torts. Did my reading for tomorrow, but wasted most of Saturday being hungover and useless. Can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving. I'll have to do homework, but being at home and spending time with friends sounds miles better than hanging out in my room trying to understand jurisdiction and the UCC.

That's pretty cool you dedicated a whole day like that. Good planning.

[AllDangle]

So I plan on having my remaining reading and outlines done by Monday, which is two weeks before my first exam. That's enough time for hypos/actually studying for exams right?

[brotherdarkness]

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[Frothingslosh]

Are we supposed to also be worrying about informational interviews and reaching out to prospective firms and stuff? There's a ton of people that are already starting excel spreadsheets and talking to people. I'm worried that my plan of "worrying about school first" is going to screw me over if everyone else is super gung go about it. :/

[brotherdarkness]

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[nickb285]

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[Easy-E]

Are we supposed to also be worrying about informational interviews and reaching out to prospective firms and stuff? There's a ton of people that are already starting excel spreadsheets and talking to people. I'm worried that my plan of "worrying about school first" is going to screw me over if everyone else is super gung go about it. :/

I don't think anyone is gonna give a shit if they don't have grades to show. Spend your time understanding the material and building your outline.

[chem!]

I nearly drove myself insane (not joking) working on my memo, but it's finished and turned in. I just read it.

First exam is Ks. Closed-book. FML.

[stillwater]

I nearly drove myself insane (not joking) working on my memo, but it's finished and turned in. I just read it.

First exam is Ks. Closed-book. FML.

Closed book exams are the best. Also, I noticed no real difference between closed and open book. You should know everything already anyway.

[nickb285]

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[brotherdarkness]

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[chem!]

Also, I noticed no real difference between closed and open book. You should know everything already anyway.

Every time someone casually mentions that exams aren't hard as long as you know every bit of material cold, it gives me whatever the exact opposite of reassurance is.

You'll be surprised at how much you know.

I have a long way to go in contracts.

Upon further reflection, a better reply is that you would be surprised at how much I DON'T know in contracts.

[Easy-E]

Just got my first open memo back, B. I'm okay with it I guess, I just don't get the writing style. Makes me even more stressed about this one I'm trying to cram into 3 days. Whatever.

[stillwater]

Also, I noticed no real difference between closed and open book. You should know everything already anyway.

Every time someone casually mentions that exams aren't hard as long as you know every bit of material cold, it gives me whatever the exact opposite of reassurance is.

You'll be surprised at how much you know.

absolutely this. youll surprise yourself if you've been diligent.

[JDot]

Just got my first open memo back, B. I'm okay with it I guess, I just don't get the writing style. Makes me even more stressed about this one I'm trying to cram into 3 days. Whatever.

The first memo I wrote in the beginning of the semester I got a B. The second memo I wrote (which we got back last week) I got the second highest grade in the class. The biggest advice I can give you is to meet with/email your professor as much as you can so you can pick their brain and clear up any questions. The only thing that changed in the month between the 2 memos I wrote was my knowledge on how to specifically tailor my paper to exactly what my professor was looking for.

[sublime]

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[thesealocust]

It's up to you - working from other people's can be effective. Having said that, it's hardly wasted effort to make and rework your own - that's very active, deliberate learning/studying. It takes a while, but it's exactly the kind of thing you should be doing to master things.

In the end, you'll be best by working the way you feel is most efficient and effective for your personal learning style. Don't let other people, or other people's choices, freak you out.

[nickb285]

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[chem!]

How I'm feeling about school the last few days:
--ImageRemoved--

I know that feeling all too well.

[Easy-E]

Hey quick question, what do you guys do when you have absolutely no idea what you're doing on a memo and can't even figure out how to begin approaching it and it's due Friday? I'm on scholly, so I'm thinking drop out and become Optimum cable technician.

[06102016]

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[sublime]

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[06102016]

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[sublime]

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[thesealocust]

You not only don't need to work 24/7, you couldn't if you wanted to (NB: remember these words come bar exam studying time). Take time off and set realistic expectations of yourself, or else you'll have unhelpful amounts of guilt piled on top of the unavoidable gnawing sense of inadequacy.

I'm going to repeat myself here, but it's very important, so I'm going to do it after a carriage return and in bold:

Success will not be determined by who studies laws the longest, hardest or most thoroughly

Or as Glannon more artfully puts it, your success will be based on who can best display "sophisticated application of basic doctrine."