Michigan 1Ls/2Ls/3Ls taking questions Forum

[NZA]

okay so i just read one of the threads about 0L summer prep (http://www.top-law-schools.com/law-scho ... .html#prep) and I DIDNT DO ANY OF THIS. am i 100% screwed? ugh.

No. I'm a 0L, too, so don't take my word for it, but everyone I've talked to has said that summer prep can be a waste of time.

That having been said, I've done LEEWS and GTM and LSC, and I have to say, they were only marginally helpful. I'd recommend picking up copies of GTM and LSC, but LEEWS was a sad waste of time.

ahhhh all the acronyms are freaking me out, what do they mean?? HOW did i miss this 0L prep subculture

Lol, it's totally cool.

LEEWS = Something, I honestly have no clue.

GTM = Getting To Maybe

LSC = Law School Confidential

The other book that people talk about frequently is 1L of a Ride, but I haven't read it.

The thing is, GTM and LEEWS are concerned almost solely with doing well on exams, so if you read it by December, you'll be fine (and I'd be more than happy to loan you my copy when we're in Ann Arbor! ). So honestly, you shouldn't worry too much about it.

As far as LSC goes, it basically covers everything from applying to law schools (which is completely useless to us now) to OCI (which is not yet relevant). So there's basically two or three chapters about 1L and pre 1L that are useful, the TL;DR of which is:

• Have your resume and your cover letter prepared now, so you don't have to worry about it during the school year.
• Use a complicated highlighting system to take notes in your book.
• Brief all cases.
• Set a regular daily schedule and stick to it.

In other words, aside from a few tips, it's not that helpful. The highlighting system he recommends is really, really anal and weird, and I could see it confusing/screwing a person more than helping them. The case briefing section is vaguely useful, I suppose. Anyway, definitely worth a read just to get an idea of how a person COULD approach notes, outlining, etc.

Anyway, I'd also definitely be willing to loan it to you, as well! Honestly, you're not missing out on too much. The biggest thing you can do, now, is probably get your resume and a cover letter ready. And if you have any more specific questions about LSC or anything, just PM me or whatever.

[agora139]

okay so i just read one of the threads about 0L summer prep (http://www.top-law-schools.com/law-scho ... .html#prep) and I DIDNT DO ANY OF THIS. am i 100% screwed? ugh.

No. I'm a 0L, too, so don't take my word for it, but everyone I've talked to has said that summer prep can be a waste of time.

That having been said, I've done LEEWS and GTM and LSC, and I have to say, they were only marginally helpful. I'd recommend picking up copies of GTM and LSC, but LEEWS was a sad waste of time.

ahhhh all the acronyms are freaking me out, what do they mean?? HOW did i miss this 0L prep subculture

Lol, it's totally cool.

LEEWS = Something, I honestly have no clue.

GTM = Getting To Maybe

LSC = Law School Confidential

The other book that people talk about frequently is 1L of a Ride, but I haven't read it.

The thing is, GTM and LEEWS are concerned almost solely with doing well on exams, so if you read it by December, you'll be fine (and I'd be more than happy to loan you my copy when we're in Ann Arbor! ). So honestly, you shouldn't worry too much about it.

As far as LSC goes, it basically covers everything from applying to law schools (which is completely useless to us now) to OCI (which is not yet relevant). So there's basically two or three chapters about 1L and pre 1L that are useful, the TL;DR of which is:

• Have your resume and your cover letter prepared now, so you don't have to worry about it during the school year.
• Use a complicated highlighting system to take notes in your book.
• Brief all cases.
• Set a regular daily schedule and stick to it.

In other words, aside from a few tips, it's not that helpful. The highlighting system he recommends is really, really anal and weird, and I could see it confusing/screwing a person more than helping them. The case briefing section is vaguely useful, I suppose. Anyway, definitely worth a read just to get an idea of how a person COULD approach notes, outlining, etc.

Anyway, I'd also definitely be willing to loan it to you, as well! Honestly, you're not missing out on too much. The biggest thing you can do, now, is probably get your resume and a cover letter ready. And if you have any more specific questions about LSC or anything, just PM me or whatever.

Thanks so much for this synopsis! i feel a lot better i'll probably get them all so i can start obsessing over them sooner rather than later. A general question for cover letter and resume preparation--what should a law student resume look like? I have my one from the application process, but I'm assuming I'll need to do more than update my education info before i send it out.

[logan]

No. I'm a 0L, too, so don't take my word for it, but everyone I've talked to has said that summer prep can be a waste of time.

That having been said, I've done LEEWS and GTM and LSC, and I have to say, they were only marginally helpful. I'd recommend picking up copies of GTM and LSC, but LEEWS was a sad waste of time.

ahhhh all the acronyms are freaking me out, what do they mean?? HOW did i miss this 0L prep subculture

Lol, it's totally cool.

LEEWS = Something, I honestly have no clue.

GTM = Getting To Maybe

LSC = Law School Confidential

The other book that people talk about frequently is 1L of a Ride, but I haven't read it.

The thing is, GTM and LEEWS are concerned almost solely with doing well on exams, so if you read it by December, you'll be fine (and I'd be more than happy to loan you my copy when we're in Ann Arbor! ). So honestly, you shouldn't worry too much about it.

As far as LSC goes, it basically covers everything from applying to law schools (which is completely useless to us now) to OCI (which is not yet relevant). So there's basically two or three chapters about 1L and pre 1L that are useful, the TL;DR of which is:

• Have your resume and your cover letter prepared now, so you don't have to worry about it during the school year.
• Use a complicated highlighting system to take notes in your book.
• Brief all cases.
• Set a regular daily schedule and stick to it.

In other words, aside from a few tips, it's not that helpful. The highlighting system he recommends is really, really anal and weird, and I could see it confusing/screwing a person more than helping them. The case briefing section is vaguely useful, I suppose. Anyway, definitely worth a read just to get an idea of how a person COULD approach notes, outlining, etc.

Anyway, I'd also definitely be willing to loan it to you, as well! Honestly, you're not missing out on too much. The biggest thing you can do, now, is probably get your resume and a cover letter ready. And if you have any more specific questions about LSC or anything, just PM me or whatever.

Thanks so much for this synopsis! i feel a lot better i'll probably get them all so i can start obsessing over them sooner rather than later. A general question for cover letter and resume preparation--what should a law student resume look like? I have my one from the application process, but I'm assuming I'll need to do more than update my education info before i send it out.

There are examples of resumes and cover letters on OCP's student career toolkit:

http://www.law.umich.edu/careers/studen ... -25-10.pdf

[NZA]

Thanks so much for this synopsis! i feel a lot better i'll probably get them all so i can start obsessing over them sooner rather than later. A general question for cover letter and resume preparation--what should a law student resume look like? I have my one from the application process, but I'm assuming I'll need to do more than update my education info before i send it out.

Man, you're asking all the questions I've been asking lately!

http://www.law.umich.edu/careers/studen ... resume.pdf

--LinkRemoved--

At the end of the MLaw OCS doc, there are links to Duke's, Yale's, and GULC's websites for info on resumes and cover letters.

And yeah, I'm totally redesigning my resume from the one I used to apply to law school (taking out HS edu info, adding my latest employment, rephrasing my duties and descriptions to sound more relevant, etc.).

ETA: Also...if you'd like, I'd be down to exchange resumes/cover letters with you!

[agora139]

Thanks so much for this synopsis! i feel a lot better i'll probably get them all so i can start obsessing over them sooner rather than later. A general question for cover letter and resume preparation--what should a law student resume look like? I have my one from the application process, but I'm assuming I'll need to do more than update my education info before i send it out.

Man, you're asking all the questions I've been asking lately!

http://www.law.umich.edu/careers/studen ... resume.pdf

--LinkRemoved--

At the end of the MLaw OCS doc, there are links to Duke's, Yale's, and GULC's websites for info on resumes and cover letters.

And yeah, I'm totally redesigning my resume from the one I used to apply to law school (taking out HS edu info, adding my latest employment, rephrasing my duties and descriptions to sound more relevant, etc.).

ETA: Also...if you'd like, I'd be down to exchange resumes/cover letters with you!

SO HELPFUL. thank GOD for TLS (though, to be fair, probably wouldn't be freaking out without TLS either ). thank you so much!

[logan]

.

[er doctor]

okay so i just read one of the threads about 0L summer prep (http://www.top-law-schools.com/law-scho ... .html#prep) and I DIDNT DO ANY OF THIS. am i 100% screwed? ugh.

No. I'm a 0L, too, so don't take my word for it, but everyone I've talked to has said that summer prep can be a waste of time.

That having been said, I've done LEEWS and GTM and LSC, and I have to say, they were only marginally helpful. I'd recommend picking up copies of GTM and LSC, but LEEWS was a sad waste of time.

ahhhh all the acronyms are freaking me out, what do they mean?? HOW did i miss this 0L prep subculture

Lol, it's totally cool.

LEEWS = Something, I honestly have no clue.

GTM = Getting To Maybe

LSC = Law School Confidential

The other book that people talk about frequently is 1L of a Ride, but I haven't read it.

The thing is, GTM and LEEWS are concerned almost solely with doing well on exams, so if you read it by December, you'll be fine (and I'd be more than happy to loan you my copy when we're in Ann Arbor! ). So honestly, you shouldn't worry too much about it.

As far as LSC goes, it basically covers everything from applying to law schools (which is completely useless to us now) to OCI (which is not yet relevant). So there's basically two or three chapters about 1L and pre 1L that are useful, the TL;DR of which is:

• Have your resume and your cover letter prepared now, so you don't have to worry about it during the school year.
• Use a complicated highlighting system to take notes in your book.
• Brief all cases.
• Set a regular daily schedule and stick to it.

In other words, aside from a few tips, it's not that helpful. The highlighting system he recommends is really, really anal and weird, and I could see it confusing/screwing a person more than helping them. The case briefing section is vaguely useful, I suppose. Anyway, definitely worth a read just to get an idea of how a person COULD approach notes, outlining, etc.

Anyway, I'd also definitely be willing to loan it to you, as well! Honestly, you're not missing out on too much. The biggest thing you can do, now, is probably get your resume and a cover letter ready. And if you have any more specific questions about LSC or anything, just PM me or whatever.

Is it just me or are LSC and GTM totally unreadable? I couldn't get through more than one chapter without wanting to throw them both in the compost bin.

[GMVarun]

Do not worry about 0L Prep. Substantive prep (that is trying to learn torts by reading the E and E or something) will do you no good. Law exam writing prep is useful in that in can focus your attention on what's important, but you should and can do that anyways without doing the so-called prep. I do recommend reading the threads on here for doing well in law school, and I do not think Leews or GTM will hurt you, but you should not feel like they will give you an advantage or disadvantage. I think it is helpful to have an approach going into law school but being willing to be flexible and change it as necessary. For me, it was important to focus on exams from the beginning and not worry about cold calls, excessive class prep, excessive note taking, etc. But it takes a while to be able to understand what matters so be willing to try different things.

Leews stands for Law essay exam writing system and you can easily find it for free on the internet if you do some digging. It's like a 9 hour audio course that is accompanied by a short 40-50 page pdf.

[Yeshia90]

I don't feel like reading through the previous 40 pages, but I'm sure this has been asked: how many of the "optional" essays did you guys write, which ones, and, from talking to your peers and whatnot, how important are they?

[NZA]

Is it just me or are LSC and GTM totally unreadable? I couldn't get through more than one chapter without wanting to throw them both in the compost bin.

First, I love that you said compost bin.

Second, yeah...I thought that the author of LSC seemed like (and I use this term with a small bit of affection) a complete prick. His tone was such that I imagined him constantly yelling in my ear, "Do exactly what I'm tell you to do or you WILL fail." And honestly, a lot of the advice he has in his book is covered by being a TLS browser/regular, IMO.

GTM I actually didn't mind so much, though. I kind of enjoyed parts of it.

[er doctor]

Is it just me or are LSC and GTM totally unreadable? I couldn't get through more than one chapter without wanting to throw them both in the compost bin.

First, I love that you said compost bin.

Second, yeah...I thought that the author of LSC seemed like (and I use this term with a small bit of affection) a complete prick. His tone was such that I imagined him constantly yelling in my ear, "Do exactly what I'm tell you to do or you WILL fail." And honestly, a lot of the advice he has in his book is covered by being a TLS browser/regular, IMO.

GTM I actually didn't mind so much, though. I kind of enjoyed parts of it.

I figured if I throw them in the trash they're gone but at least if I throw them in the compost bin they might become useful as fertilizer for my tomatoes.

[Bronte]

0L prep is unnecessary. And I've never heard it mentioned IRL at Michigan.

[doinmybest]

0L prep is unnecessary. And I've never heard it mentioned IRL at Michigan.

+1

TITCR

Honestly, it will not help you.

[yurishima]

Sorry to derail any previous conversations, but this is a pressing concern:

I know I'm late to the game (was holding out (in vain) on NYU waitlist), but I've just now committed myself to UM. Housing??? Coming with wife, so no LQ; Northwood among most desirable apartment complexes (Woodbury, etc.) filled; obviously running out of time. I checked UM's off-campus housing site--not helpful.

What do you all suggest?

And as a side note, any bridge/tarot players? I'd love to get me some bidding on.

[03121202698008]

Sorry to derail any previous conversations, but this is a pressing concern:

I know I'm late to the game (was holding out (in vain) on NYU waitlist), but I've just now committed myself to UM. Housing??? Coming with wife, so no LQ; Northwood among most desirable apartment complexes (Woodbury, etc.) filled; obviously running out of time. I checked UM's off-campus housing site--not helpful.

What do you all suggest?

And as a side note, any bridge/tarot players? I'd love to get me some bidding on.

At this point, Craigslist and call some of the more outlying complexes (Harbor House, Lakewood Village, etc.)

[Cubyfan21]

I will be a 1L in about a week, and I am wondering if I should buy all my books new for the first semester, or buy online used/new books. Any suggestions?

[03121202698008]

I will be a 1L in about a week, and I am wondering if I should buy all my books new for the first semester, or buy online used/new books. Any suggestions?

I bought used and it wasn't a problem. If you're distracted by other's markings, than maybe buy new. FWIW, I bought several books online used that had barely any marks. The ones that float around the school tend to be way more marked for virtually the same price. Check out half.com.

[keg411]

Sorry to derail any previous conversations, but this is a pressing concern:

I know I'm late to the game (was holding out (in vain) on NYU waitlist), but I've just now committed myself to UM. Housing??? Coming with wife, so no LQ; Northwood among most desirable apartment complexes (Woodbury, etc.) filled; obviously running out of time. I checked UM's off-campus housing site--not helpful.

What do you all suggest?

And as a side note, any bridge/tarot players? I'd love to get me some bidding on.

At this point, Craigslist and call some of the more outlying complexes (Harbor House, Lakewood Village, etc.)

Harbor House and Lakewood are filled; at least they were when I called last month.

[er doctor]

I will be a 1L in about a week, and I am wondering if I should buy all my books new for the first semester, or buy online used/new books. Any suggestions?

I'm a rising 1L and have bought all my books used on Amazon for about 50% cover price. Just look around for the "very good" or "like new" books - mine have arrived almost completely unmarked. (Of course, now that I've said this, I will be changed to a different section the minute I arrive in A2...)

[yurishima]

Harbor House and Lakewood are filled; at least they were when I called last month.[/quote]

They still are. What are you doing for lodging?

[03121202698008]

Harbor House and Lakewood are filled; at least they were when I called last month.

They still are. What are you doing for lodging?[/quote]

There are other complexes around. Just make sure they are accessible to the bus line.

[MissLucky]

Hey - any recommendations on a moving company? I am just moving into the LC and have a mini fridge, microwave, few heavy suitcases that my parents and I would need help with - Betty Brigade is what Diane Nafranowicz of LC told me about, but they are pretty steep in pricing. Any other recs? Thanks a lot!

[whirledpeas86]

Hey - any recommendations on a moving company? I am just moving into the LC and have a mini fridge, microwave, few heavy suitcases that my parents and I would need help with - Betty Brigade is what Diane Nafranowicz of LC told me about, but they are pretty steep in pricing. Any other recs? Thanks a lot!

You should post this in the facebook group. If that's all you have to move, you can probably find someone to help you for free/some pizza and beer.

[03121202698008]

Hey - any recommendations on a moving company? I am just moving into the LC and have a mini fridge, microwave, few heavy suitcases that my parents and I would need help with - Betty Brigade is what Diane Nafranowicz of LC told me about, but they are pretty steep in pricing. Any other recs? Thanks a lot!

You should post this in the facebook group. If that's all you have to move, you can probably find someone to help you for free/some pizza and beer.

Seriously, don't hire movers. The LC has carts I believe.

[MissLucky]

Hey - any recommendations on a moving company? I am just moving into the LC and have a mini fridge, microwave, few heavy suitcases that my parents and I would need help with - Betty Brigade is what Diane Nafranowicz of LC told me about, but they are pretty steep in pricing. Any other recs? Thanks a lot!

You should post this in the facebook group. If that's all you have to move, you can probably find someone to help you for free/some pizza and beer.

Seriously, don't hire movers. The LC has carts I believe.

yeah, the thing is I'm on the 3rd floor so carts wouldn't really be of help...