Everyone's Favorite Time. (Posted by Gabe)

Through the paralegal course and 3 1/2 years of law school, I've taken a lot of finals. In fact, I just had another round about two weeks ago, so I'm fresh off the stress! As you all approach that time again, I thought I'd share with you some finals lessons I've learned over the years. I hope they are a blessing.

The most valuable lesson I have learned is devote my studies, and the accompanying tests, to the Lord. I don't just mean "pray about" your final exams--that is part of it, but I'm sure you're already doing that. I mean really truly, on a core level, remind yourself of why you are taking this paralegal course. I trust that you will come to the conclusion that you are taking this course to bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ. Coming to that realization can be very freeing! Prepare not for your final exam, but to bring glory to God through it.

Second, focus your study time. It is so easy to study scattershot, picking up bits and pieces, but that is not effective in legal courses. A couple weeks out from the exam, identify your trouble spots and really brush up on them, but just days before the course I would encourage you to do a broad review to remind yourselves how all of the rules fit together. It is amazing how many confusing portions of an exam can fall right together when you have the "big picture" of the subject.

Third, have key definitions locked in. It is possible to fudge definitions on an exam, but knowing your key definitions, and being able to repeat them at a moment's notice under the pressure of an exam, will be huge for you. Take the time to really get to know your definitions and elements--almost all of which will be found in your syllabus itself.

Finally, when the exam is done, forget about it. I don't mean forget the stuff you learned--just don't re-hash it to yourself. If you think you've done well, cross your fingers; if you think it has gone badly, dedicate it to God, but either way, move on. Don't waste time and emotional energy doing a "post mortem," especially if you have more exams coming up.

I won't give this next bit out as advice--lest I be accused of failing to follow my own advice--but getting enough sleep before an exam can really make the difference. If you run out of energy two-thirds of the way through the exam, all of your study won't help you, so sometimes it is better to sleep than cram!

May God bless your test-taking!