Before classes begin, complete enrollment tasks such as submitting transcripts and immunization records for review and making sure any existing education loans have been put in law school deferment status.
Read commercial outlines or hornbooks for each class you are taking, especially required first-year courses such as criminal law, property, legal research and writing, etc. Consider joining a study group if required for your class.
1. Get a good night’s sleep
Sleep is essential to effective studying in law school. Sleep helps you focus and recall what was learned throughout the day, making studying easier overall.
Create and keep organized a planner or calendar before beginning law school, including everything that may affect you such as application deadlines, info session dates and housing options.
Minimize Stress. There’s a lot to do and it will be overwhelming, but you can take steps to lower your stress level. For instance, refrain from spreading unproductive rumors; not only is this unproductive but embarrassing as well; don’t discuss exams after they are over; the last thing you want is for another student or yourself to compare notes, which could leave them second guessing themselves and thus making matters more stressful than necessary.
2. Get a good breakfast
Your early starts to law school studies require early rising. Therefore, fueling your body with nutritious food is key in order to maximize brain functioning, stamina levels and avoid illness.
Your last two years of undergrad should be used to hone strong reading abilities, and to take or retake the LSAT (if necessary). Doing this in time to apply to law school with an ideal score that could translate into admission or financial aid opportunities.
Before choosing a career path, do some research. Begin identifying schools with outstanding reputations in your desired fields of practice. Visit campuses and speak to students, alumni, faculty and staff – this can give you an opportunity to experience how well suited it would be for you.
3. Get a good lunch
Stressful law school environments can often result in unhealthy eating patterns that lead to various health issues, especially if students live far away from their homes and rely on quick, convenient food sources like fast-food outlets for sustenance.
Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates to feel energized and improve memory and focus for studying materials or classes.
Take the time to fill out your applications carefully, thoughtfully and with fresh eyes. Request information from schools and attend any info sessions available to you. Start saving and budgeting now for law school; almost everyone incurs debt; living frugally can reduce expenses and the amount you owe.
4. Get a good dinner
Preparing to study law school requires eating healthily. This could mean eating more fruits and vegetables or drinking more water; both will support optimal brain functioning while providing greater stamina for study sessions.
Take extra steps this summer to ease and enjoy your transition into law school more smoothly and enjoyably from day one. From enrolling in an effective law school prep course (like mine!) or reading up on how to succeed at law school, take time out for yourself this summer to prepare and get prepared.
Once law school starts, be sure to set a budget that you can adhere to. Making a solid financial plan will help ensure your student loans don’t become overwhelming and allow for smooth sailing through law school.
5. Get a good night’s sleep
Before enrolling in law school, there are numerous tasks and obligations to keep in mind, but it’s especially essential that you get enough sleep. Studies have demonstrated how good sleep aids learning and memory retention.
Summer before law school can be an excellent time to build the reading habit and develop critical thinking abilities. Additionally, this time can also be used to make healthier choices such as increasing fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Start law school knowing it will be hard. But with hard work and positive attitude, success is possible – don’t give up after your first round of exams; keep working and studying and you’ll see results soon enough!