Study Tip: Take a Break!

Taking the exam is one part, but studying for it is another. Here is my tip: KNOW WHEN TO STOP! Despite your desire to study 24/7 in order to absorb all the material know when to take a break. You mind becomes less efficient after time so take a quick mental rest. This could involve anything from taking a walk outside for 20 minutes, washing the overflowing pile of dishes in your sink, giving a friend, relative, or loved one you have not spoken with for several weeks a quick call, or even a quick nap. The point is to let your mind decompress for a short time. Do not think about the legal material at all as the point of this exercise is to let your mind switch gears for a bit. At the end of your quick break I hope you'll feel somewhat refreshed and ready to tackle another bit of your outline.

When it is late at night go ahead and let yourself sleep instead of trying to slog through the material for another hour. Being as well rested as possible during finals will help you during your study periods and when taking the exams themselves. Being well rested allows you to comprehend the material much better. I believe it is better to have 80% comprehension of 70% of the material than to have 60% comprehension of 90% of the material. Every professor I am aware of prefers a more in depth analysis of fewer issues than a cursory analysis of most of the issues. Of course, if you know there are possibly more issues, but are running out of time, do mention them at least. It lets the professor know that you do see those issues.

Finals are a marathon, not a sprint. Please know how to pace yourself to reach the finish line.