How I Study for Finals in Law School

Wow, can you believe we are done with classes and now in finals week? You should be extremely proud of yourself. For those of you who already completed your finals for the semester, YAY for You! You did it! For those of you who still have final exams to take, fear not, you will do well! You got this! To help, I have outlined below how I typically study for finals in law school. This is also the last blog for this semester! I’m so thankful for all the feedback I’ve been getting, the support, and the comments that fellow students have replied with. The whole purpose of my blogs is to inform, encourage, and support my fellow classmates. Hope this helps!

Finals Study Week:

Review Outlines in order of the first final exam that is approaching: 

- Go back to the very beginning and read through the outline from start to end;

- Take notes on a separate notepad while doing a read through since repetition is key;

- Highlight important points and anything you know will, without a doubt, be on the exam;

- Take breaks after every couple pages you review; and

- Make sure to note any concepts you still have a hard time understanding and seek help.

- I will typically take one full day just to review my outlines for classes.  

Make Flashcards in order of the first final exam that is approaching. The Flashcards entail:

- Major Topics of the class;

- Write the topic on the front;

- Write the definition and forgetful details about that topic on the back; and

- Study all the Flashcards once all them are done for that one particular class.

- I will typically have about 50 flashcards by the end, per class.  

Take Practice Exams in order of the first final exam that is approaching: 

- Posted on the MSLAW website are final exams for classes from past years;

- Try to do at least two (2) practice exams per class;

- Try to take them under timed conditions; and

- Take them as if you are taking the real final exam, meaning no notes. 

- Take advantage of them because it is great practice!

Week of Finals:

- Review your Flashcards --> Quiz yourself and set aside the flashcards you have memorized and                 focus on the ones you haven’t memorized fully.

- Review Outlines --> Actively read through your outlines and make sure you understand all the                 concepts you took notes on.

- Review your Practice Final Exams --> Go over your practice answers to the practice exams you did         and compare answers with your friends. 

- Watch Review Videos --> Watch videos to help you understand concepts you’re still not confident             about. Repetition is key, so reading your outline, studying your flashcards, and watching review                 videos will all be helpful. 

- Have Confidence --> You got this! You made it this far and you can finish successfully!

I’ve found this method to work for me and if you think this will be something that will work for you, please do it! Along with doing the above, in order to prepare for your finals, be sure to be kind to yourself and not be hard on yourself. Law school is hard. Law school finals are hard. Make time for yourself to take mini-breaks in between studying. Make time to enjoy yourself, because that will allow you to also enjoy the process. Hope a little insight into the way I study for finals has helped you! Wishing you a beautiful and blessed Holiday Season!