Improving Second Semester Law School Performance

Now that second semester is starting up, you may want take a moment to analyze your study and exam taking habits to see how you can improve. For advice on how to do so, see How to Change Second Semester: Reviewing Exams and Other Hints for Success from the St. Louis University School of Law Academic Support Services Department. The article’s suggestions include:

• Looking at past exams and figuring out what you did wrong. Talk to the professor about the exam.
• Going to the Academic Support Office for help. Cleveland Marshall has many Academic Support Programs available, including one on one assistance and group study programs.
• Using study aids for the general understanding, but not as the “source of all wisdom”. The library has many useful study aids available, such as the “Examples and Explanations” series and the Lexis “Questions and Answers” series. The library’s research guides list study aids for particular subjects. Don’t forget about CALI interactive tutorials, which have quiz questions to confirm your understanding.
• Reading ahead to reduce stress.
• Analyzing the conditions under which you study best, and what you have to do to understand the material.
• Finding a tutor or study group.