study advice for rest of the semester Forum

[mt2165]

Soooooo hey guys, I have about 6 weeks left in the semester (1L) and I'm kind of freaking out but I also realize their is sufficient time to get my shit together. So I realized pretty early on that the typical case briefing/detail note taking method of studying is kinda shit, but I was so anxious about the cold call that I kind of conformed. I've began outlining my own stuff, but because I absolutely suck at paying attention and taking detailed notes, I've been working my way through some horn books and looking at some old outlines to situate myself, I'm planning to crack open the E'E's soon but that almost seems misplaced if I don't have a solid grasp of the doctrinal material. Also I know practice makes (more or less, hopefully more to rise above half the class) perfect, so I know I should rigorously take practice exams. I guess I'm just not sure about what timeline I should follow, should I keep outlining and then tackle E'E's and practice exams simultaneously? Just use old outlines and start applying? I don't know just looking for general advice. Thanks y'all.

Note: I've maybe completed 20% of each classes outline, but that shit takes forever

[victortsoi]

you might not get an A, but if you are, as i suspect, just freaking out because youre a 1L and scared, realize that its totally OK and you have more than enough time to get median or above on your test. You might even pull off an A-. If I could go back in time to 1L, i would just not go to class, read a hornbook on my own time, use an old outline, and APPLY. most 1L classes are serious issue spotters, make IRAC your friend and score those points.

There are some students that will do really well paying attention, making their outlines, and generally working very, very hard. If youre struggling to emulate them, come to terms with the reality that you just cant work as hard as those people and be efficient. This doesnt mean your stupid, or a bad lawyer, or destined to be bottom of the class. Know what works for you, start cutting class and taking practice tests, use a good older outline, and start DOING. you might not get posner on contracts, but you can get the basic concept of promissory estopell and good faith and fair dealing and just bomb your test with it, and do well. Dont run with the pack.

[BigZuck]

you might not get an A, but if you are, as i suspect, just freaking out because youre a 1L and scared, realize that its totally OK and you have more than enough time to get median or above on your test. You might even pull off an A-. If I could go back in time to 1L, i would just not go to class, read a hornbook on my own time, use an old outline, and APPLY. most 1L classes are serious issue spotters, make IRAC your friend and score those points.

There are some students that will do really well paying attention, making their outlines, and generally working very, very hard. If youre struggling to emulate them, come to terms with the reality that you just cant work as hard as those people and be efficient. This doesnt mean your stupid, or a bad lawyer, or destined to be bottom of the class. Know what works for you, start cutting class and taking practice tests, use a good older outline, and start DOING. you might not get posner on contracts, but you can get the basic concept of promissory estopell and good faith and fair dealing and just bomb your test with it, and do well. Dont run with the pack.

Of my 6 doctrinal finals 1L year, only 1 was a "serious issue spotter." And actually, half that test was multiple choice. If I had not gone to class my gpa would have been median at best, but probably worse. I don't think that advice is one size fits all by any means.

I would look at old outlines and use them to supplement your own or at least give you guidance as to what yours should look like. I would use supplements to help fill out info you did not understand from class but basically whatever you gleaned from class should be your guide, IMO. I would also drill as many PTs as possible, although you might want to wait a couple weeks on that. If you can find upperclassman who took your professor and get advice from them that might be a good thing to do.

[NotMyRealName09]

You're more on track than you think. Complete the outline BEFORE practicing anything is what I say. You need to know what you know before you can really understand what you don't. Once you start practicing - take this to heart - recognize what you're getting right instinctively and ignore studying that as hard. Focus on what you are testing wrong on. Just anecdotally, I sensed that people would like a topic and study the shit out of that to the detriment of topics they didn't know, reasoning they'll ace what they like to make up for what they don't. No, law school exams are about getting 60-70% of each topic right. So learn why you're getting certain topics wrong. It hurts. It's not fun. It's hard. But it's how you win. My two cents.

[shock259]

You seem to be in fine shape. Make your outlines now, and draw on the E&E/class notes/other student outlines as needed. E&E's are useful if you aren't understanding something or need a little extra information on a topic, but don't read them just for the sake of reading them. If you get something, great. Put that section in the outline and move on.

Once you finish your outline, start doing practice tests. With model answers. Do as many of those as you can stomach. Fully write out at least the first few you do for each subject. Then just outline then. Tweak outline as necessary. Return to weak subjects. Reference E&E's as needed.

And then just relax when finals roll around. Stop studying, avoid the law school whenever possible, keep the stress level low. You'll be prepared and ready to roll.