Taking A Law School Final At Home

Taking A Law School Final At Home

Quarantine and lock-downs forced law students and professors to adapt law school classes to a virtual setting. Though the daunting final exam that will make up all (or most) of your grade has not been abandoned, the method by which the exams are administered has been altered. As students come back to the classroom, in-person exam administration is not always coming back with it. Even with communities opening up at this point in the pandemic, you still might find yourself forced to take a law school final at home, and it’s important that you know how to set yourself up for success.

Taking A Law School Final At Home

Schedule All Your Exams

Take-home tests are often set for a date range in which you can take the test. Because of this flexibility, students who are not scheduled will find themselves cramming four exams into the last two days of the finals period. Don’t fall into this trap! Schedule specific dates and times for each of your finals and stick to it. Space the tests out so you have time in between each exam to focus on the upcoming exam as well as time to shake off the prior exam.

Coordinate With Housemates

Unless you live alone, be sure to coordinate your test-taking time with the rest of your household. Planning to take an exam at 5pm when roommates are coming home from work, kids are running around and hungry for dinner, or the dog is barking at every passing car is a perfect way to lose your focus. Notify everyone that shares a space with you about your upcoming exam schedule.  This will allow you to make the necessary adjustments to you can have a quiet and undisturbed environment to take and finish up an exam.

Set Up Your Space

Do what you can to create a space where you can focus without distractions.  Make sure you have everything you need to complete the final exam within reach.  Additionally, check your wifi connection and make sure your laptop is charged.  Check and make sure your course materials are nearby (if you can use them!) prior to starting your final exam.  Try to declutter prior to the exam.  This will help keep your mind from wandering!

Be Relaxed, But Not Casual

One of the often-unnoticed benefits of taking an exam in a classroom is the level of professionalism that you naturally assume because you’re surrounded by your peers and in an academic setting. Though you are at home and can get away with uncombed hair and slippers, be careful not to treat the exam as casually as you are dressed. Wake up with plenty of time to “get ready” for your day so you are fully alert and engaged. Don’t bring extras like a bag of chips or a blanket into your testing space. Allow yourself the calmness that being home may afford.  However, at the same time, try to stay away from the informal tendencies that will detract from your best efforts on the exam.

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