Student Secrets to Success

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"By the time finals roll around, I'm usually pretty burned-out on reading. Therefore, I turn to study aids like audio tapes, video tapes, and electronic CALI lessons. Although it would probably be unwise to rely too heavily upon any particular approach in isolation, they can cumulatively serve as a nice supplement to conventional methods of preparation. After all, the more times you're exposed to something, the more likely it is that you will understand it. Plus, in addition to the increased quantity and repetition, these extra tools can also provide a refreshing change of pace in the quality of your studying. It can be surprisingly helpful to hear or see something presented in a new way...sometimes, that's what it takes for the light-bulb to illuminate. The library often has resources like this available for free check-out. The library also has another highly valuable tool that is worth looking into: prior exams from Chapman professors with sample answers. Related to this theme of "learning through avenues alternative to reading," I would most strongly suggest frequent visits to your academic fellows and/or constant verbal communication with your colleagues. A good study group goes a long way."

--Brandon Love, Class of 2007

"The work load in law school is likely to be unlike anything you have ever had to deal with before. The reading can become very tedious, but whatever you do, do not fall behind!! If you succumb to the temptation to skip reading, even if only for a day or two, you may never recover. That ominous note aside, I think it is crucial that you make time for yourself. Going for a run, spending time with friends, watching TV -- whatever it is that makes you happy -- will make the time that you spend with the books much more productive and help keep you motivated. Also, put extra effort into your LRW class. There are frequent grumblings about this class during the first year, but I cannot stress enough how important it is that you are a proficient legal writer (which is very different from any writing you have ever done before). Your exams will all be at least partially essays, and bringing what you learn in LRW into your exams will boost your grade, as you will be able to communicate your answers quickly and clearly. Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest around final exam time. I had a penchant for pulling the all-nighter prior to exams in undergrad, but I had to fundamentally change my routine when I came to law school, because the exams are more demanding. You need to be sharp for the exams, not sleep-deprived and running on caffeine!!"

--Brandon Sylvia, Class of 2008

"Enough sleep, a day for myself, and plenty of video games. This trifecta has helped me keep my sanity throughout the school year when all three are unavailable during finals. As busy and as hard as law school gets, a little time for myself and a Gameboy has helped law school still be enjoyable."

--Catherine Parsons, Class of 2007

"I think the most important thing is to find a study regimen that works for you and make sure to factor in study breaks! Although it might be tempting to try to knock out all the reading in one fell swoop, it hardly ever works out that way. Inevitably, you’ll come to a point where you just aren’t understanding the material anymore and you find yourself re-reading the same sentence over and over again. TAKE A BREAK! Believe me, you can’t will yourself to finish up that last 5 pages. The force won’t help you, but a half hour break will do wonders. Another important facet of law school is outlining. I would suggest to everyone that everyone make their own outline, but refer to the outlines of others as well. As tempting as it is to rely solely on someone else’s work, you just won’t be as prepared as if you made your own. This is because law school is not simply memorizing facts. If that was the case, then studying other students’, or even commercial, outlines would probably work fine. Instead, law school is about learning the law and then applying it in a way that answers the issues with which you are presented. By preparing your own outline, you learn to organize information in a way that makes sense and will aid you come finals time. Lastly, I would suggest you use the many resources that Chapman as a whole has to offer. There are old finals in the library, most of the professors are very accessible and willing to help, and the Academic Achievement Center hosts a variety of workshops to help navigate the law school experience. Use these to your advantage."

--Fay Katayama, Class of 2007

"The first year of law school is one of the best but also one of the most difficult you will experience. The best advice I can give to a new student is to try not to put too much weight on "what other people are doing." Comparing yourself to others is a sure way to drive yourself crazy. While it may at times be valuable to seek opinions or advice from your classmates, it is most important to figure out what works best for you. It is important to focus on what study methods are the most conducive to your learning style and not those you hear through the rumor mill. Secondly, I've found that a good night's sleep gets me a lot farther than staying up all night just for the sake of putting in hours. The best studying is productive and effective studying. It's easy to study for 12 hours in a day and then feel guilty about not putting in more time. I guess it’s just some strange law student complex. Although it is important to study a lot and to put your best effort forward, it is just as important to take care of yourself.

--Jennifer Boukidis, Class of 2007