Because class rank is so important to potential employers and for determining such honors as invitations to join the law review, few law schools offer a pass-fail arrangement. Most grade their students by numbers (60 through 100) or the traditional letter standing (F through A). Grading is anonymous at many schools. You will be given a code number around exam time, which will be known only to you and a computer; professors don't know whose blue book they're grading, and other students won't know what grade you received when marks are posted.
First-year grades are based exclusively on one or two writ ten exams (the technique for preparing for and taking these tests is discussed at great length later in this book). The one exception to this is your legal research and writing class, in which you'll be graded on writing projects and an oral presentation.
What are these exams like? Although some professors use multiple-choice and true-false exams, the majority of law school exams are essay tests. You will be given a fact pattern full of all sorts of nasty things-murders, car accidents, breached contracts, kidnappings. You'll be astonished at how much trouble people can get themselves into in the space of one paragraph. And who gets them out of trouble? You, of course. The question will ask: "You be the judge. What is the outcome of the case?" Or perhaps: "You are counsel for X. What arguments would you make on his be half?"
Occasionally some professors will give you credit for class performance, perhaps as much as 10 percent of the final grade, based on your skills in recitation and willingness to volunteer. Some make this extra credit; a few professors will subtract points if you're unprepared although it is rare for a professor to penalize students who had done the assignment but who reached an incorrect conclusion or were simply unable to understand the point of a case.
Here are some ways in which you can ensure that your grades show an improvement and that they speak highly of you when it is time to get that first job:
- Know what your grade will be based upon. Before your class commences your professor will tell you the analysis and itemization of the grading system that is prevalent at your law school. Some schools grade on the final examination paper or on a particular examination - you may find that your school grades you on a combination of both. So it is important for you to find out how you are going to be graded. There are professors who are sticklers for discipline and may add a small percentage of marks to attendance in class and regular participation - a clear understand will help you organize and structure your studies accordingly.
- Prepare well for your examinations. Evaluate and review other examinations given by your professor and get an idea of the type of questions he is likely to ask. Most professors have a set pattern and find it hard to deviate from their predetermined model. While reading case studies and writing assignments and briefs analyze the importance with specific focus on the likelihood of encountering them in the examinations.
- Take a voluntary examination on questions that you may encounter. This will be of immense value if you have fared poorly in your examinations. Request your professor to review your effort and ask him or her to make suggestions. Take those suggestions seriously.
- Professors welcome students who show commitment and go the extra-length to seek recourse to their problems. Talk to past professors and ask them where they thought you were going wrong in class and ask for their wise counsel on how to overcome your weaknesses. Talk to your current teachers and tell them you want to improve and excel in their classes - the only difficulty is you don't know how and would they be so kind enough to admonish and guide you on the best way forward.
- Students have a habit of sharing their notes because of the camaraderie and bonhomie they share. It always pays to remember that your association with your new found friends will last as long as law school and beyond that there is a fiercely competitive world that awaits you. Be very careful about lending notes. Your generosity may lead to your 'friend' outscoring you in the examinations and all because of the notes that you lent him. Moreover, students living together share their innermost secrets and it is quite likely that your friend and you may be envisioning the same career prospects.
- Organize the way you study. Have a separate binder for every class and keep loose sheaf papers and dividers that will ensure that one set of papers do not get mixed with others. If you are computer savvy, then use your laptop and make separate folders for each class. You don't have to go through lots of information whilst searching for a particular piece of information if you have them sorted out and properly identified and labeled.
- Each class has a portion, a syllabus that needs to be covered. Be conversant with it and red it thoroughly. Know what is expected of you. All project, their last dates of submission, assignments and dates of tests and examinations should be clearly written down either in your file or electronic datebook. It is the height of foolhardiness to be caught unawares about a date that was announced well in advance or one that is clearly mentioned in the student's handbook.
- Granted that you are at an age when dating would be more fun than studies. Where socializing and going to the movies would be much more preferable than slogging and agonizing over legal battles that concern strangers and are so painful to relate to. But the time to socialize is later. Complete your reading and writing assignments and then think of taking in the latest movie. It's better to fret and agonize now than at the time of the examinations - if you follow this advice, your friends will wonder how rested and relaxed you are feeling when they are distressed and tormented over the impending examinations.
- If you are lagging behind in your study schedules, don't wait to ask for help until you catch up with the rest. It never happens. Neglected assignments pile up and soon you find that you are way behind in your work. Be regular and punctual or you will be regularly playing catch-up with your more meticulous colleagues and this will also reflect negatively on your grades.
- Form a study group or join one that meets regularly. Organize few meetings yourself. This will project you as one who is keen on studying and will keep all members and you along with them on your toes. Moreover, you will all learn from one another and this will help you things you may not have learnt if you went solo.
- What is the true test that you have managed your study time well - it is in being able to sleep blissfully the night before the exams, instead of burning the midnight oil cramming for the examinations.
