The thought of starting law school can be a pretty intimidating feeling for some, if not most, people. The hardest year of law school is the first year. Why? Law school has a reputation of being a cutthroat experience with all work and no play. During the first semester, the amount of work will be overwhelming; it is nothing like undergrad. For some students, this will be your first time being ranked and compared to your classmates, making it a competitive experience. Then there is the fact that your grade pretty much relies on one exam. Law school will be your most challenging academic experience yet, but it will also be one of your most rewarding experiences. Once you learn the ins and outs of law school, you will realize that it is not as scary as it seems. Here are six tips for surviving your first year of law school.
Figure Out Study Habits That Work for You
Are you someone who likes to study alone, or do you prefer a study group? Can you be productive at home, or are there too many distractions? Figuring out the environment that helps you focus the most is beneficial. Also, when it comes to studying, remember that not everybody studies the same. The most popular method of studying in law school is making an outline with everything from lectures, casebooks, and the professor’s slides and then reviewing the outline. This approach might not work for you. Do not be afraid to try a more uncommon method of studying like flashcards or other methods.
Go to Class Prepared
This seems pretty obvious, but you would be surprised at how some people do not show up prepared. Yes, there is a ton of reading and briefing, and you might be tempted to skip some of the reading but don’t do it. Law school professors do not play! Some professors will mark you absent if they call on you and you are unprepared. Other professors will call on you every class, after showing up unprepared. Besides dealing with the professors, do you really want to have to stand up in front of your whole class and admit that you slacked off?
Get to Know Your Professors
You do not have to get to know your professors personally, although it will definitely help with letters of recommendation and possible internships. Get to know what your professors expect from you. Each professor is unique and has different preferences. Most professors want you to write in IRAC format, but others will want a slight variation. When it comes to calling on you, some professors want you to summarize the case, while others will ask you questions about the case and want you to answer. If you learn what each professor wants, it will make your life much easier.
Use Resources
If your professor offers an extra review session, go to it! This will allow you to learn about what your professor expects on an exam and to help you understand the material better. If your professor offers extra credit, do it! You may not want to do extra work, but extra credit can improve your grade if you are on the border of two grades. Make sure to take advantage of reviewing old exams that your professor may have posted or passed out. If your school offers a writing lab, go! Finally, invest in outlines from publishers. These outlines explain the laws and cases in simplified terms.
Find A Balance Between Schoolwork and Free Time
Yes, law school is a ton of work, but you will go crazy if you do not find a balance between school and your personal life. The motto, “Work hard, play hard,” fits perfectly with law school. To avoid being overwhelmed by school, do not procrastinate. Procrastination will only stress you out and make school life take over your entire life. Make a schedule and stick to it. Plan when you are going to do certain assignments and readings. Also, plan your free time. If you plan everything, you will be able to find a balance between school life and your personal life.
Have Confidence in Yourself
Last, but not least, have confidence in yourself. Your first year of law school will be challenging and at times cause you to doubt your abilities; but, if you were not capable of overcoming the challenges, would you even be in law school? The admissions board saw potential and capability in you. Do not let the pressure get the best of you. You may want to succumb to the pressure, but fight it. The rewarding feeling you will have after passing your classes will make every negative feeling you experienced worth it.