The First Year (1L)-First Semester

The purpose of this blog is to give incoming students an idea of what to REALLY expect in law school. I wish there was a book, an article or a blog that could have better prepared me for the experience. The following is a list of things that I wish I would have known before my 1st semester began:

#1: Law school is NOT for the faint of heart. It's hard. You are going to feel overwhelmed within the first week.

#2: Your first semester grades are very important. Your GPA is calculated from this semester and  if your GPA is low, it is extremely hard to bring it up.

#3: The first semester also determines whether you are selected to join Law Review. Law Review is a scholarly journal written and published by law students on legal issues. This is a prestigious honor for a student to receive. It is almost guarantees you a job offer upon graduation by most large law firms. (salaries at these firms can start in the six figures) Not to mention, it is a great way for your professors to get acquainted with who you are. Most professors know the names of the students on Law Review.

#4:  This is not college anymore. Meaning your old (college) study routines should be revised ASAP. The course materials, your notes and your textbook are not the only study materials you need. Outlines are KEY. Good outlines and study guides from second and third year students who have done well in your particular courses. Side Note: It's a guarantee that several of your classmates ALREADY have outlines, flash cards, and old practice exams. They are just not sharing.

#5: Your exams are graded against your classmates. Only a small percentage of students are going to make an A. After grading the class exams your professor selects one that closely resembles the course exam key and uses this exam to grade all the others. Side Note: Your final exam grade is your grade for the course.

#6:  Following the release of course grades some of your classmates will not return for a second semester.