Your law school career will span two to four years on average. In your collegiate career, you can expect to take dozens of law school exams. These exams make passing law school feel out of reach, but with the right studying strategies, you can pass with flying colors!
If you’re curious about the secret to passing your law school exams, we’re here to help. Read on to learn our seven core tips for passing your exams.
1. Know the Exam Format
One of the most important factors in studying is knowing the exam’s format. There are several different types of exams that you’ll meet.
Is your exam multiple choice or an “issue spotter” essay? Is your professor letting you use external study sources for an open-book exam?
What about the time limit, or the weight of the exam? Knowing these factors can drastically change your study strategies, so make sure you know!
Ask your professor for clarification on what to expect for the test. Understanding the challenge before you is crucial to know how to face the exam.
2. Organize and Plan Your Studying
Once you know the exam’s format, you should organize your studying routine. Knowing the exam helps you design your studying, but organizing can keep you on top of your tasks.
Consider setting up a schedule of what you’ll study and when. You shouldn’t make this schedule too rigid, as you may find some material easier than others. Leave wiggle room, but make sure you at least know when you’ll start studying.
Do your best to stay organized and keep your tasks in a row. With your schedule set in such a way, you won’t become overwhelmed as quickly. While your schedule material is certainly daunting, it’s nothing you can’t handle!
3. Find Old Exam Archives
Another crucial step is to find examples of what the exams often focus on. Once you know the format, consider looking into any available exam archives to see what the exam may contain.
Doing so can help you better understand the task that you’re tackling. Ask your professor if they have examples of old exams that you can look over. It’s unlikely that your professor will keep the same questions to avoid cheating, but the exams will have similarities.
However, some professors don’t make their past exams available. You can often find mock exams or other examples online. You can also view this resource to find some examples of what you should expect.
4. Prioritize Your Health and Rest
When the studying crunch hits, it’s tempting to study as much as you can. Many students have stories of staying up for days at a time to study all the material.
While all-nighters are tempting, looking after your health is vital. If you’re exhausted by the time your exam comes around, you won’t be as sharp as you need to be.
You should prioritize your health above your schoolwork. Failing health means a failed exam, and running yourself ragged to study will only hurt your efforts.
Keep to your schedule and make sure you’ve scheduled rest and meals. Do your best to eat healthy foods when possible and get adequate sleep.
Scheduling in ways to reduce your stress is important, too! You should reserve an hour or two a day for socializing, your hobby, or taking time away from your books.
Studying yourself into the ground isn’t the best way to pass law school exams. You’ll thank yourself for reserving some time to take care of yourself. Doing so can prevent illness, burnout, stress-related consequences, and more.
5. Don’t Procrastinate!
One of the greatest benefits of making a schedule is that it keeps you accountable. Having this level of accountability can stop you from procrastinating. But if you choose not to make a schedule, you need to stay proactive nonetheless.
Putting your studying off until the last few days will ultimately ruin your studying efforts. For the average law school, a couple of nights of studying simply isn’t enough.
Make sure that you’re giving yourself enough time to adequately cover and understand the material. You may need to take several passes over the material to truly understand.
Studying strategies vary from person to person, but no one benefits from procrastination. Diamonds are made under pressure, but law exams are failed under deadlines! Stay proactive, write a study guide, and keep to a schedule when you can.
6. Know Your Professor
With all the stress of school, we often fail to see our professor as more than a lecturer and source of assignments. Knowing your professor not only will help you network, but it will also help you study!
Taking advantage of your professor’s office hours or communication opportunities can help you understand your work. Consider reaching out to your professor to inquire about your upcoming exam. They can explain their favorite types of exams, what information to cover, and more.
Your professor is an invaluable resource to you in every way. Passing law school is easier if you take the time to connect with your professors.
7. Analyze Your Questions
Finally, when the day for the exam comes, don’t rush yourself. Even if your fantastic studying strategies give you the confidence you deserve, take your time!
Analyze each question and make sure you understand what you’re reading. Take the time to look at the questions from all available angles before answering.
Haste makes waste, and rushing yourself through your exam can make you miss a small detail. Many professors put trick questions in their exams, so don’t fall for the tricks! Study, read, and ace your exams.
Passing Your Law School Exams
Law school exams are the biggest factor in passing law school. With effective studying strategies, you can defeat the many types of exams you meet during law school. Stay rested, organize your schedule, and have a proactive work ethic while you find your favorite ways to study.
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