I have to admit that I'm at a pretty low point. 1L exams start next week and I'm feeling pretty confident about them, but for some reason I'm down in a broad sense. Maybe it's just the stress piling up, but I haven't had a good smile in a week or two now. How are you folks holding up?
Posted Nov 30, 2011, 7:58 AM UTC
Just wait for the post exam crash, now that will be a down feeling. At least for me. I always coming out thinking it was the worst exam period ever, but it eventually turns out fine.
Take a break, even for a day if you have to. Should really help.
Btw I am currently a 3L.
Everyone takes this shit way too seriously, and it's toxic.
You're really right. I've never been like this before during exams, and I'm not really all that worried. The environment is super tense though.
I just started dating someone I really like. It's tough to find time, but I get a lot of good smiles.
My boyfriend just sent me homemade chocolate macarons. Morale boost x4082.
I feel like I'm going to be the most well educated homeless man in the city after I graduate. Exam schedule is awful with 3 exams in 2 days, then 2 exams in one day a week later. But I'm doing a kickass internship next semester so that helps.
Urgh. My first exam is this afternoon. I'm not particularly worried about it, cuz it's Con Law, and Con Law is kinda my thing.
But I have Evidence on Friday, and I feel like I'm no where near prepared for it. And I don't have enough time even if I don't sleep between now and then.
The stress is building, there is not enough caffeine in the world, and I'm sure I'm starting to drive my boyfriend crazy.
It gets better... sort of?
I feel like the task is enormous - but that it is doable. Now is not the time to start doubting myself. The stress is there. The uncertainty over whether I can retain all the information is there. But I am actually ready to get the show on the road. My first final is Monday (contracts) and I think that I will feel better after I get one out of the way.
Read the fact patterns thoroughly, notice all the issues, apply the correct rule to the issue, compare/contrast with the fact pattern. I keep telling myself that it can be done - just have to do it.
Morale? Flagging. I've definitely noticed that I've been more irritable and in general more unhappy. But I make sure to take breaks, enjoy a good christmas ale or winter warmer or the like. I'll take a break to watch South Park tonight (I assume there's a new episode?) and I'm going to enjoy a good cigar tomorrow. I've also gotten onto a normal workday schedule now that my classes aren't meeting, and that helps. Work a 9-6 day, take a long dinner break, then work another hour or two off and on during the evening. Sticking to the structure keeps me from going crazy. Also, the knowledge that there's an awesome school wide rager that will be going on by the time I finish my last exam in two weeks.
Our first exam is two weeks from yesterday. I got really stressed out Monday/yesterday so I actually decided to take some time off, get some sleep, and mentally relax before finishing my outlines and starting practice exams.
I worked all through Thanksgiving break so I'm lucky 2 out of 3 of my outlines are about 75% to 90% done. Most of my peers however are in the library just getting rolling on theres.
But yah don't stress. We're almost there brother.
shit.
1L anxiety was bad. I remember how much it sucked. But I have to say 3L anxiety is worse. Actually, there isn't much anxiety so much as hopelessness and despair. Even at a good school with a good scholarship and being near the top of my class I graduate in May with no realistic job opportunities... Sadly, your morale will probably get lower as you progress and school and realize what a colossal mistake law school was.
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You think your down now? wait until after on campus interviews next year. All anyone will talk about is how mediocre their grades are and how shitty the job market is. Best of luck; hang in there, and I have to second Fachoina, the first breath you take after your last exam of the semester is literally the best you will ever take. edit: their -> there, and other grammar/formatting issues
This post made me very sad because it's so true.
I was going to say something similar. You will be exhilarated after your first set of law school exams. Enjoy the process for what it is. If won't be as romantic after this.