While they can feel stressful, midterms should be viewed as a measuring stick for where you are in your understanding of legal analysis, and where you need to be by the final exam. For many schools, midterms are a small part of your overall grade, so they can be a great way to test your preparation methods and study habits early in the semester.
What can you do now to better position yourself to succeed?
Here is some friendly advice on how to ace your law school midterms:
Understand exam protocol. Read each professor’s instructions for their exam, which will cover how much time you will be allowed, whether or not outlines will be permitted, and how to save and submit your responses.
Create a testing oasis. Secure a space where you will be free from interruptions for the duration of each exam. Make sure your remote testing location has a reliable internet connection, adequate work area, comfortable seating, and good lighting.
Stock up on the essentials. If allowed, gather up your class materials in advance so you’ll be ready. Have a supply of snacks and beverages on hand to stay fueled. Consider investing in a pair of ear plugs as an insurance policy to protect you from unanticipated background noise.
Resist the temptation to bend the rules. Ethics matter. Adhere to time limits and instructions regarding the usage of materials you may refer to.