Be realistic about how much time it takes to prepare for class, how much time it takes to do your legal writing assignments and even how much time it takes to do life tasks like going grocery shopping or working out. A study schedule only works if it reflects what actually needs to be done each week.
Also, take a step back and look at the semester as a whole. Map out your weeks in your calendar. When are exams? When do you want to start your outlines? When can you start taking practice exams? Do not be the student who does not know when their exams are for the semester. Make sure these important dates are on your study schedule and on your mind throughout the semester.
Constantly update your study schedule. If you get sick, re-work your study schedule so you can get caught up and back on track. Check in with your study schedule weekly to make sure it is still working for you.
If you are more productive at night, work at night. If you are more productive in the morning, work in the morning. If you work with your personal preferences, you’ll find you’re more productive. However, make sure you are actually focused during these times. Do not check social media or e-mail, unless the email is from us of course!
Get rid of your cognitive worry by having a set time when you will work on things. Thinking about that every day is stressful and requires mental energy. Why would you do that to yourself? It is far easier to just decide that you’re going to read at night after dinner, and for half a day on the weekend.
List your Tasks. Make a numbered list of tasks you need to get done and re-prioritize (re-number) it as necessary. Calendar rewards for yourself so you can stay motivated. Take one weekend afternoon off each week if you finish all of your work and studying. Cut down the time you spend reading and bump up the time you spend figuring out how all the topics you’re learning fit together and could be tested on an exam.
Law school, unlike legal practice and life in general, tends not to generate emergencies. Believe it or not, you have it easy right now! Imagine when opposing counsel sends you a long document and then makes an argument that you must come up with response because time is of the essence. At the start of the semester, you know when classes meet, when assignments are due, when exams are scheduled. Set up a calendar for the semester, with these known law school dates, as well as known dates from real life, like holidays, family events, etc., understanding that unforeseen circumstances may arise. That’s the big picture. Then fill in the details, breaking each course into smaller, doable tasks. Your syllabus and our advice will help you here.
LST – Law School Tutor assists students in achieving high grades during law school, in order to ensure that they have better academic opportunities during law school and better job opportunities after law school.
For more information, please contact LST at info@law-school-tutor.com