Law School Life – Balancing Work and Play
It's tempting to think that law school will be just like revisiting your undergraduate days – full of lazy evenings spent hanging out with friends over a cold Pepsi. However, while you'll certainly make new friends and have your share of fun at law school; expect to work much harder at your school work than you ever have before. In law school, expectations are higher and your course load will be much heavier. But don't despair – it is possible to balance law school work you your personal interests by being prepared. Here are a few tips:
Different Types of Education
One of the hardest things for new law students to adjust to is the fact that the type and method of education you'll receive is very different from what you experienced as an undergraduate. In most undergraduate classes, you sat and listened while your professor spoke – maybe taking notes on occasion. However, in law school, you'll find that you're expected to participate actively in every class – which can be a challenge for shy or self-conscious students.
You may also be surprised by the way you're evaluated in law school. As an undergraduate, you were often rewarded for supporting your opinions well – regardless of whether or not your answer was correct. In law school, you'll find that your opinions are irrelevant – what matters is how well you apply the law to a given situation. You'll also find that exams require you to do more than just recite memorized information – you'll be expected to apply what you've learned in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
Preparation is Key
In order to thrive in this type of environment, you'll need to be more prepared than ever. As an undergrad, you may have been able to procrastinate on an assignment or show up unprepared to an occasional lecture. However, in law school, you won't be able to slide by – you'll be left behind if you don't adequately prepare for each lecture and exam. Here are a few general tips on how to prepare:
- Go to class and take notes every day. This is non-negotiable – unless you're dying or otherwise incapacitated. The more times you hear the material, the more likely you are to remember it and retain it, so don't miss out on these opportunities.
- In general, when your professor assigns a case, try to figure out why he or she included this specific case. Sometimes, the case adds to something the professor has already discussed, while in others, it may refute a point that he or she made earlier. Don't be afraid to disagree with your professor!
- Write your own outlines! It's tempting to divide up the process with a group of people, but you'll find that you understand and retain more of the sections you outline yourself.
No matter how smart you are, you'll need to work harder to prepare for your law school courses than your undergraduate courses. If your school offers it, seek out programs that help build first year student's study skills – you'll learn tips and tricks for studying and be able to network with other students in your position. Law school courses require different ways of thinking and participating in classes, and being adequately prepared is the only way to get the most out of your education.
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