With finals rapidly
approaching, it is time to implement my 4-step end of semester routine.
Step 1. Schedule time
off. As an evening student, the tension between work and academic
priorities peaks during exam season. I ask for time off strategically,
such as the day before and the day of an exam, as well days during reading
period. Fortunately, this year I am able to take a few weeks off between
my year-round position and my summer position, allowing me to focus wholly on
my studies.
Step 2. Outline. Professors teach material over the
course of four months (or more for year-long classes). It is impossible
to remember every detail from every class, which is why law students typically
outline their courses before finals. Outlining is a way to review,
organize, and shorten material on paper before exams. This ensures
material is fresh in your mind.
Step 3. Memorize. I create a long outline that has
notes and details covered in class; then I create a short outline that I
memorize nearly verbatim. The short outline lays out a structure for me
to use when responding to exam questions and helps me remember important points
from my long outline.
Step 4. Practice. Many
professors have previous exams available for students. Even if they
don't, they often make sample exams available or recommend supplements with
practice questions. Practice is essential for me to be able to complete
an exam efficiently and thoroughly. Since many exams are designed so that
a well-prepared student needs the entire allotted time, there is little room
for trial by error, reorganization of answers, or excessive time spent remembering
the rule.
While I generally follow these rules, sometimes I adapt them
based on the exam format and time constraints for studying. So when I am
asked how I prepare for finals, my answer, like my answer to most law-related
questions, is that "it depends."
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