Acing a class using (almost) only an outline Forum

[foundingfather]

Any 2L/3L's care to share experiences where they relied mainly on an outline for a class? Considering doing this. I've come across a ton of outlines for one of my classes where they're all nearly identical. I also have more than a decade's worth of past exams I can review. The readings take forever and I'm really trying to be as efficient with my time as possible.

Has anyone aced a class like this? Maybe I should read and just skip taking notes - relying on my outline for this purpose only?

[lawhopeful10]

Generally all that will matter is how well you take exams. I never took notes outside of class and just paid attention to what my teachers thought was important and practiced exams. Making your own outlines I think is a good way to learn the material but if you feel comfortable just doing it from old ones go for it.

Edit: And since it looks like you are looking for past anecdotes I finished top 3% after 1L year.

[foundingfather]

Generally all that will matter is how well you take exams. I never took notes outside of class and just paid attention to what my teachers thought was important and practiced exams. Making your own outlines I think is a good way to learn the material but if you feel comfortable just doing it from old ones go for it.

Edit: And since it looks like you are looking for past anecdotes I finished top 3% after 1L year.

Thank you. I will probably still make my own outline to learn the material like you said - maybe I'll add in some class notes to the outline I already have and go from there.

More anecdotes are welcome.

[cookiejar1]

Is this for a 1L doctrinal class? It really depends if you know whether you're great at spotting issues or not. I wouldn't just rely just on an outline without knowing what it takes to get an A first.

[Scotusnerd]

For 1L? Don't do it. Learn how to extract law.

For 2L/3L? Practically essential if you want to maintain your sanity with a crushing workload. It dramatically cuts down on your hours spent if used right. But use your common sense. Professors know the outline game, and know how to mess with it. If you use an outline, make damn sure you attend every class and make sure everything lines up. If they emphasize something in class, make sure you note that emphasis.

[foundingfather]

thank you broz

and yes for a 1L doctrinal class. I looked at some exams and my mind was blown at how the prof applied things from class. I might go back and catch up on some reading - class doesn't seem so boring anymore. The exam makes it almost like a game

[jbagelboy]

thank you broz

and yes for a 1L doctrinal class. I looked at some exams and my mind was blown at how the prof applied things from class. I might go back and catch up on some reading - class doesn't seem so boring anymore. The exam makes it almost like a game

I hate to say it, but I don't recommend cutting corners as a 1L -- especially fall 1L. That includes skipping readings. I often didn't have time to read everything for that day of class, but I'd catch up when possible. And I would build my own outline if I were you based on class notes and cases you've read. Formatting it is a bitch, but I actually believe the formatting process helped me conceptualize the course.

Reviewing exams right now is probably futile and would just be discouraging. By mid-November you should have a stronger grasp of the material and you can begin reviewing exam answers to see how the pieces fit together. With only a little over a month of class you have a very incomplete picture, and a well written issue spotter question will draw on elements spanning the semester.

[Scotusnerd]

I hate to say it, but I don't recommend cutting corners as a 1L -- especially fall 1L. That includes skipping readings. I often didn't have time to read everything for that day of class, but I'd catch up when possible. And I would build my own outline if I were you based on class notes and cases you've read. Formatting it is a bitch, but I actually believe the formatting process helped me conceptualize the course.

Reviewing exams right now is probably futile and would just be discouraging. By mid-November you should have a stronger grasp of the material and you can begin reviewing exam answers to see how the pieces fit together. With only a little over a month of class you have a very incomplete picture, and a well written issue spotter question will draw on elements spanning the semester.

What this guys said. Learn how to do it right before learning to cut corners.

[foundingfather]

will do.

although in my defense some people tell me cutting corners is "doing it right"

[North]

will do.

although in my defense some people tell me cutting corners is "doing it right"

Yeah I did that during 1L. The strategy bets a lot on you being an expert LS exam taker before you've ever taken a law school exam. Having took a swing at that, I do not recommend it. jbagel is right. Learn to grind before you coast.