Themis Bar Review Hangout - July 2014 Exam Forum

[Gotti]

Ummm I looked ahead and...why do we have to watch/read Federal Civ Pro lectures and outlines if it's not on the bar?

What state are you taking? At least for CA, both FRCP and CA are testable in the essays. Took a quick look at the outline and the sheer number of grey boxes highlighting "distinctions" is terrifying.

Oh that makes sense then. I'm taking NY. I didn't look into it, but I'm sure that's the reason.

[blue920]

Hi all, taking the NY/NJ exams (though only doing Themis for NY). I'm glad I checked in here, I can't believe I was watching the videos at normal speed! Especially since I just hit torts with its 80-page handout (and Sherman, who I like but talks very slowly).

I've been reading the outline and taking notes, then watching the videos and filling out the handout. I like this because I'm pretty familiar with the material before I hit the videos, but it is time-consuming. I might try moving through them faster so I have more time for review and flashcard making.

The first couple weeks have been...interesting. I was lucky my first 3 topics were subjects that I've taken (to an extent) within the last year - constitutional law, family law, and professional responsibility - so I was very familiar with them. But now I've hit torts, which I really haven't studied since 1L, and I am ready to die. Ugh.

How's everyone doing with study locations? I've tried out 3 different libraries within the past 2 weeks and ended up back at the first one. I'm back at home for the summer and my law school library is 2 hours away, and it has spoiled me. The libraries I've tried out were eliminated for lack of internet, outlets, and quiet, and also for being too depressing to study in. The one I ended up at seems like it'll work, even though I think the wifi is only good on the main level. But if that knuckle-cracking kid sits down at my table again...

[Genuine4ps]

Out of curiosity, how much time are all of you studying each day on average? I was under the impression that we should be doing 4 hours or so at this stage in the game, and I just don't see how its possible to spend that amount of time and still be able to get through all the material each day. And I haven't even started creating outlines/flashcards.

[dudnaito]

Out of curiosity, how much time are all of you studying each day on average? I was under the impression that we should be doing 4 hours or so at this stage in the game, and I just don't see how its possible to spend that amount of time and still be able to get through all the material each day. And I haven't even started creating outlines/flashcards.

4 hours? AHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAAHA

6-8 for me, but i've been studying the LONG outline hardcore. I have access to all of the MBE/MEE summary outlines as of 8 hours ago, so i've been devising a new study plan which "should" exponentially increase my efficiency. Either way, i'm still probably gonna do at least 6-7 just cause, otherwise, it'd feel like i'm slacking and honestly 6-7's not that bad. I still get tons of Z, TV, a little socializing, and a good gym session every other day or so. Then again, I am not a smart man.

[Lasers]

Out of curiosity, how much time are all of you studying each day on average? I was under the impression that we should be doing 4 hours or so at this stage in the game, and I just don't see how its possible to spend that amount of time and still be able to get through all the material each day. And I haven't even started creating outlines/flashcards.

i've been doing 3-4 an day, too.

but apparently, this isn't close to enough.

[Lasers]

Why the f do they have me doing a real property essay before I've reviewed any of the material? I've reviewed community property. maybe it's a typo? I'm confused maybe it's time for me to step away from the bar prep stuff for a bit. i feel like i'm going insane.

this is true for me as well. the reason for this is we're both apparently behind by a few days from their intended schedule so the graded essays show up on the schedule even though we haven't reviewed real property yet.

the graded essays can always be turned in through the flex study section, though, so i'm just going to complete it a few days later than it says on the schedule.

[071816]

Why the f do they have me doing a real property essay before I've reviewed any of the material? I've reviewed community property. maybe it's a typo? I'm confused maybe it's time for me to step away from the bar prep stuff for a bit. i feel like i'm going insane.

this is true for me as well. the reason for this is we're both apparently behind by a few days from their intended schedule so the graded essays show up on the schedule even though we haven't reviewed real property yet.

the graded essays can always be turned in through the flex study section, though, so i'm just going to complete it a few days later than it says on the schedule.

ahh i see. i think i'll do the same. on a side note, i just finished bombing a community property essay.

[Genuine4ps]

Out of curiosity, how much time are all of you studying each day on average? I was under the impression that we should be doing 4 hours or so at this stage in the game, and I just don't see how its possible to spend that amount of time and still be able to get through all the material each day. And I haven't even started creating outlines/flashcards.

4 hours? AHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAAHA

6-8 for me, but i've been studying the LONG outline hardcore. I have access to all of the MBE/MEE summary outlines as of 8 hours ago, so i've been devising a new study plan which "should" exponentially increase my efficiency. Either way, i'm still probably gonna do at least 6-7 just cause, otherwise, it'd feel like i'm slacking and honestly 6-7's not that bad. I still get tons of Z, TV, a little socializing, and a good gym session every other day or so. Then again, I am not a smart man.

Are you putting in this much time in on the weekends as well? Is it too damn much to ask for Sundays off

[dudnaito]

Out of curiosity, how much time are all of you studying each day on average? I was under the impression that we should be doing 4 hours or so at this stage in the game, and I just don't see how its possible to spend that amount of time and still be able to get through all the material each day. And I haven't even started creating outlines/flashcards.

4 hours? AHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAAHA

6-8 for me, but i've been studying the LONG outline hardcore. I have access to all of the MBE/MEE summary outlines as of 8 hours ago, so i've been devising a new study plan which "should" exponentially increase my efficiency. Either way, i'm still probably gonna do at least 6-7 just cause, otherwise, it'd feel like i'm slacking and honestly 6-7's not that bad. I still get tons of Z, TV, a little socializing, and a good gym session every other day or so. Then again, I am not a smart man.

Are you putting in this much time in on the weekends as well? Is it too damn much to ask for Sundays off

As a friend of mine texted yesterday when asked what another friend should say for a job interview, "Just say, "Sabbath??? Pshhhhh I wouldn't observe that because it makes it harder to get back to work on Sunday."

Seriously though, I'll just take a random day "off," whenever i feel like it, which is more like a day off every other week. I'm kinda depressed by how much work there is, but I can't say that I'm bored either. All of this is virtually new territory for me. You're talking to a guy who graduated from a T-20 and the Dean of Students hugged him during graduation ceremony in front of hundreds of people, because she's basically been cheerleading his non-class attending ass for 3 years to barely graduate... i'm dead serious. She sent me a congratulatory letter that apparently noone else received too lol. I'm like that lovable mentally challenged scamp apparently.

Basically, what i'm trying to say is my standards aren't the same as yours. I'm literally trying to make up for at least 2 years worth of law school studies. Principles of law that are at least familiar to you are completely alien to me. If nothing else, I feel like i should study at least 10 hours a day to really clinch it. Praise the sun I'm taking Illinois where Themis has a 95% passage rate.

I should be fine except that this will be the least fun, least alcohol-inducing World Cup ever. SIGH... my dreams

[iLoveFruits&Veggies]

How's everyone doing with study locations? I've tried out 3 different libraries within the past 2 weeks and ended up back at the first one. I'm back at home for the summer and my law school library is 2 hours away, and it has spoiled me. The libraries I've tried out were eliminated for lack of internet, outlets, and quiet, and also for being too depressing to study in. The one I ended up at seems like it'll work, even though I think the wifi is only good on the main level. But if that knuckle-cracking kid sits down at my table again...

I'm doing horrible with the whole study location thing... I'm not near my law school either, and I tried studying at another university library the other day and although it was nice, the amount of time spent getting there, parking and getting settled just didn't seem worth it. On top of that, I could hear people sneezing & coughing which worried me...

So I'm back at home in a nice quiet area, but completely distracted by my adorable kitties, the endless dashes to the kitchen for study snacks, the constant re-heating of my coffee and looking outside at how beautiful it is! Just so hard to sit still! Oy!

Where's everyone else studying?

[puttycake]

I'm studying at home. It's working okay so far, though the distractions are many.

[jigglypuffdreams]

I'm studying at home still. I can dress like a slob, get to set my laptop away from me and listen to the lectures without any headphones, really fast internet, unlimited coffee and bathroom breaks without worry, and that's pretty nice. Maybe when I'm done with all the lectures I can start experimenting with other study locations. Also my parents are convinced I should study outside or study by the pool outside at my apartment complex. Kind of think it might be fun to wear a bikini and go read an outline outside one day, but we'll see. I think I'll save that for when I start feeling like too much of a hermit.

[puttycake]

I'm studying at home still. I can dress like a slob, get to set my laptop away from me and listen to the lectures without any headphones, really fast internet, unlimited coffee and bathroom breaks without worry, and that's pretty nice. Maybe when I'm done with all the lectures I can start experimenting with other study locations. Also my parents are convinced I should study outside or study by the pool outside at my apartment complex. Kind of think it might be fun to wear a bikini and go read an outline outside one day, but we'll see. I think I'll save that for when I start feeling like too much of a hermit.

I make myself run errands every day, just so I remember how to leave the building.

[dudnaito]

[quote="jigglypuffdreams"]I'm studying at home still. I can dress like a slob, get to set my laptop away from me and listen to the lectures without any headphones, really fast internet, unlimited coffee and bathroom breaks without worry, and that's pretty nice. Maybe when I'm done with all the lectures I can start experimenting with other study locations. Also my parents are convinced I should study outside or study by the pool outside at my apartment complex. Kind of think it might be fun to wear a bikini and go read an outline outside one day, but we'll see. I think I'll save that for when I start feeling like too much of a hermit.[/quote

As someone who lives in a tourist island, I have tried this... and failed utterly. The distractions of watching bikini'ed girls is too great. Then again, i suppose you wouldn't be prone to my distractions of watching bikini'ed girls who would be you unless you're distracted by you, yourself???

[Tanicius]

I don't work at all on the weekends. I thought the Themis COO guy specifically told all of us that we're not intended to study on weekends, we just are supposed to review some stuff and "carry forward." I know the daily scheduler thing puts stuff on weekends but I've just been ignoring that and letting it carry over to Monday.

[iLoveFruits&Veggies]

I don't work at all on the weekends. I thought the Themis COO guy specifically told all of us that we're not intended to study on weekends, we just are supposed to review some stuff and "carry forward." I know the daily scheduler thing puts stuff on weekends but I've just been ignoring that and letting it carry over to Monday.

There's nooooooo way I can skip the weekends. Sooooooooooooooooooo overwhelmed with the amount of material to memorize and the short amount of time to do so. And some subjects, like contracts, are as though I'm learning them for the first time. It's amazing how much I've forgotten since 1L

[blue920]

There's nooooooo way I can skip the weekends. Sooooooooooooooooooo overwhelmed with the amount of material to memorize and the short amount of time to do so. And some subjects, like contracts, are as though I'm learning them for the first time. It's amazing how much I've forgotten since 1L

I agree, I just finished the MBE torts lecture and was so glad to be done...and I still have the NY distinctions one to go. I don't remember most of this stuff - I guess just write "reasonable" a lot?

And now I'm watching the MBE torts workshop and he's talking about memorizing the many negligence rules "just like you had to do for your first-year tort exam." I think I speak for most of us here when I say we've never had to memorize these rules because we had a huge outline! Though I actually like these workshops.

[Gotti]

I started a week late like a dumbass and because Themis readjusts, I'm not exactly BEHIND, but the program just made my schedule REALLY crazy starting from the 2nd week (tomorrow onwards). I also only get friday, july 4 off, but not the 5th or 6th (which I will be taking off anyway, obvi), so i'll have to get ahead. don't even know if that's possible with this crazy schedule.

The first week has been slow except for yesterday when I did about 9-10 hours of real studying.

I'm lucky that my building has a solarium with tables that doesn't really get too crowded and where everyone is quiet and working on something or the other, so I'm studying there for now. Our rooftop is closed for construction but only for about 2 more weeks, and I'm probably going to get too jealous of watching people chill outside in the beautiful weather and drink, so I'll probably go to some nearby school's library to study.

[Xifeng]

I started a week late like a dumbass and because Themis readjusts, I'm not exactly BEHIND, but the program just made my schedule REALLY crazy starting from the 2nd week (tomorrow onwards). I also only get friday, july 4 off, but not the 5th or 6th (which I will be taking off anyway, obvi), so i'll have to get ahead. don't even know if that's possible with this crazy schedule.

The first week has been slow except for yesterday when I did about 9-10 hours of real studying.

I'm lucky that my building has a solarium with tables that doesn't really get too crowded and where everyone is quiet and working on something or the other, so I'm studying there for now. Our rooftop is closed for construction but only for about 2 more weeks, and I'm probably going to get too jealous of watching people chill outside in the beautiful weather and drink, so I'll probably go to some nearby school's library to study.

Yeah I'm in the same boat, plus we haven't even graduated yet, so that weekend is out. At least it's not giant 4 hour videos? Ugh.

[Genuine4ps]

I don't work at all on the weekends. I thought the Themis COO guy specifically told all of us that we're not intended to study on weekends, we just are supposed to review some stuff and "carry forward." I know the daily scheduler thing puts stuff on weekends but I've just been ignoring that and letting it carry over to Monday.

Did he actually say that?

Something that I think we're all forgetting is that directed study is set up for us to complete 100% of the course, which is something that I think few people actually do. I also don't think Themis insists or even expects us to complete the entire course.

[Tanicius]

I don't work at all on the weekends. I thought the Themis COO guy specifically told all of us that we're not intended to study on weekends, we just are supposed to review some stuff and "carry forward." I know the daily scheduler thing puts stuff on weekends but I've just been ignoring that and letting it carry over to Monday.

Did he actually say that?

Yup. Also, Themis's "study break" YouTube video says they expect you to work 9-5 five days a week "you know, like a European job."

[jigglypuffdreams]

Yeah the directed study is kind of insane, especially if you're working ahead or do something out of order. I had a weekend without internet access, so I read a few long outlines and marked those off. Then one day they asked me to watch 26 freaking videos in one day. So I just watched one set of videos instead. I have days where I do more, but there's no real reward for working ahead, they just assign you more stuff. So on days where I'm busier or can't handle all the tasks, I just drop one on my own. I kind of wish there was an option to choose your own days off or tell them in advance "hey, can you make the weekends less busy instead of randomly making wednesdays and thursdays less busy?" but for now rebelling against the direct study autoscheduler seems to work.

[Tanicius]

Yeah the directed study is kind of insane, especially if you're working ahead or do something out of order. I had a weekend without internet access, so I read a few long outlines and marked those off. Then one day they asked me to watch 26 freaking videos in one day. So I just watched one set of videos instead. I have days where I do more, but there's no real reward for working ahead, they just assign you more stuff. So on days where I'm busier or can't handle all the tasks, I just drop one on my own. I kind of wish there was an option to choose your own days off or tell them in advance "hey, can you make the weekends less busy instead of randomly making wednesdays and thursdays less busy?" but for now rebelling against the direct study autoscheduler seems to work.

Agreed 100%. The inability to mark off vacation days is incredibly annoying, especially because the scheduler wants to back-load your calender, which is retarded if you're expecting to have to take the entire week of July 4th off. It won't give you any of that material in advance, and instead will push the entire week's material into the next two weeks after it, in effect giving me an impossibly large workload for those last two weeks. I asked Themis if there was a way to program my desire to start a week early into the schedule and make it assign me real, substantive work for that first week. Sorry, but no dice, they said.

[dudnaito]

Yeah the directed study is kind of insane, especially if you're working ahead or do something out of order. I had a weekend without internet access, so I read a few long outlines and marked those off. Then one day they asked me to watch 26 freaking videos in one day. So I just watched one set of videos instead. I have days where I do more, but there's no real reward for working ahead, they just assign you more stuff. So on days where I'm busier or can't handle all the tasks, I just drop one on my own. I kind of wish there was an option to choose your own days off or tell them in advance "hey, can you make the weekends less busy instead of randomly making wednesdays and thursdays less busy?" but for now rebelling against the direct study autoscheduler seems to work.

Yeah, furreal, they need a better coder or something.

[LSATmakesMeNeurotic]

If you print out that schedule they sent at the beginning of the course, you can use that to see what you "should" be working on for that day and then work ahead in that order, marking things off in flex study as you go. You won't be able to mark off the review tasks but everything else should work so that way, the thing isn't backloading you.