5 Secrets to Law School Success From A Top 1L Student

5 Secrets to Law School Success From A Top 1L Student

It’s no secret that law school is hard. No matter your background, you’re in for a challenge, unlike anything you’ve done before. Because the majority of classes are graded on a curve, law school is a competitive environment. To help you hit the ground running from the moment glasses begin, we’re sharing these 5 secrets to law school success from a top 1L student.

5 Secrets to Law School Success From A Top 1L Student

1. Figure Out What Success Looks Like to You

When you begin law school, it’s very easy to get caught up in what your peers are saying and doing. Instead of following the crowd, focus on finding the study habits that work best for you. For example, just because your friend is using a contracts supplement doesn’t mean that you should too. It’s fine to try different methods, but don’t assume that what you’re doing isn’t good enough based on something your peers say.

2. Exams Matter, Cold Calls Don’t

Yes, your professors expect you to be prepared for class. No, this doesn’t mean you should devote hours to dissecting every detail in your assigned readings. One secret to law school success is learning to balance preparation for class with working on your exam outlines. In the vast majority of classes, your only grade is your final exam. To get the grade you want, you’ll need to devote significant time to working on your outline over the course of the semester. Check out these tips on the best ways to study for law school exams.

3. Get To Know People

Law school grades are important, but they aren’t everything. One important piece of law school success is graduating with a new network. With that in mind, get to know your peers. Get to know your professors. You never know who might be able to connect you with new opportunities in the future! For those that might be shy or just unsure about how to network in law school, here is a list of helpful tips to make the process feel natural!

4. Establish A Routine

Balancing reading for classes, preparing for finals, and other responsibilities can be difficult without a good routine. To create a good routine, first, take stock of everything you need to accomplish for the week. Next, create a schedule of when you plan to do each thing. Then, try to stick to it! The more you stick to your routine, the easier it will be. However, don’t be afraid to adjust it throughout the semester! If you’re unsure what your weekly law school schedule should look like, check this out!

5. Make Time For Yourself

If you sacrifice your sleep and your health to get ahead in law school, it will catch up with you. Instead, prioritize caring for yourself. Don’t be afraid to take a break, as it can help you refocus and feel refreshed once you pick up studying again. Most importantly, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Skipping sleep can have a ripple effect throughout other areas of your life, and it won’t take long before it impacts your studies.

Now that you know the secrets to law school success, you have a head start to being a top 1L student. The rest is up to you!

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