What To Do If You Panic During A Law School Exam

What To Do If You Panic During A Law School Exam

Law school exams are notoriously challenging and stressful, and it’s common for students to feel overwhelmed while they prepare for the exam.  But, what should you do if the panic sets in during the exam itself?  In this post, we’ll explore practical strategies to manage and overcome panic during these critical assessments. Read on for some tips on what to do if you panic during a law school exam.

What To Do If You Panic During A Law School Exam

Before diving into the tips, it’s essential to acknowledge that law school exams are inherently stressful. They test not only your legal knowledge but also your ability to analyze and apply that knowledge under time constraints. Additionally, the majority of law school classes only have one final exam.  Excelling on final exams can therefore be crucial to maintaining a desired GPA or landing that one-of-a-kind clerkship. With so much riding on one assessment, anxiety levels can certainly run high!

It’s also important to note that even if you’re not prone to panic, you still might have some uncomfortable moments when looking at your law school exam.  You might notice that a topic does not appear in the way you anticipated it would, or perhaps the professor focuses on an issue you did not feel like you really covered in detail in class.  Having some techniques on what to do if panic suddenly sets in during a law school exam can help you walk into the exam room with just a bit more confidence!

Close Your Eyes and Focus on Breathing

One of the most effective ways to counteract panic is by focusing on your breathing. If you find yourself panicking during a law school exam, try to close your eyes and concentrate on taking slow, deep breaths. Count each inhale and exhale. You can also count the time you inhale and exhale.  For example, try inhaling for eight seconds, hold for four, and exhale for eight.  Even 30 seconds of this practice can significantly reduce anxiety levels, helping you regain control and focus.

Take a Brief Break

If breathing exercises aren’t enough, don’t hesitate to take a short break. Consider stepping out to use the restroom. This break is not just for the restroom but also serves as a moment to step away from the stressful environment. Splash some cold water on your face, look in the mirror, and offer yourself some positive affirmations, or take a drink of water. These actions can help reset your mental state.  If you anticipate that you are likely to panic during a law school exam, you can even add this brief break to your exam approach and plan to step out halfway through.  Make sure you abide by any rules your law school has in place for using the bathroom during a final exam.

Pause and Hydrate

If you don’t feel comfortable getting up and walking away to the bathroom, you can still pause.  Stop typing, look away from your test booklet or computer, and take a sip of water. Having water with you during the exam can be incredibly helpful if you are prone to panicking (and can be useful if the classroom is a bit too warm).  As you hydrate, focus on calming thoughts and remind yourself of your preparation and ability to handle the exam.  Again, make sure you abide by the rules of your law school before bringing any beverages into a testing area.

Use Earplugs

A less commonly discussed but highly effective strategy for managing panic during a law school exam is to use earplugs. The noise of a busy exam room can amplify stress, especially if someone is flipping through pages at a faster pace or typing long before you plan to do so.  Earplugs can help you focus by blocking out distracting sounds. They can also be useful if you have to take a moment to focus on your breathing. Be sure to check with your law school’s policy on earplugs and practice using them before the exam day.

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