Since 1994, Appalachian School of Law has provided a supportive and encouraging environment in which to prepare for a law career. Faculty and staff at Appalachian School of Law act as resources to help all students develop the skill sets that they need to succeed.
To succeed in law school, students must be able to keep up with assigned reading, take effective notes, and prepare efficiently for exams. Students should take notes not only on the reading but also on class lectures. All note taking should emphasize only the most important points. Perhaps the most salient example of this skill is the case brief, which, when done well, includes significant facts, decisions, and rationales.
Students must also be able to synthesize their notes into outlines, which help them make connections between the subject of a particular course and related legal precedent. Many students find it helpful in this situation to focus their attention on learning key vocabulary and on creating succinct visual maps, which in turn solidify connections within the material.
When a student has found a note-taking and information-mapping system that works for him or her, the next step is to use these tools to prepare for exams. Good notes will help students to plan out answers to likely test questions, which they can often ascertain by reviewing past exams and syllabi. The thought processes required to plan answers to such sample questions not only helps students to apply information learned, but also to develop a strategy for success on the actual examination.
To succeed in law school, students must be able to keep up with assigned reading, take effective notes, and prepare efficiently for exams. Students should take notes not only on the reading but also on class lectures. All note taking should emphasize only the most important points. Perhaps the most salient example of this skill is the case brief, which, when done well, includes significant facts, decisions, and rationales.
Students must also be able to synthesize their notes into outlines, which help them make connections between the subject of a particular course and related legal precedent. Many students find it helpful in this situation to focus their attention on learning key vocabulary and on creating succinct visual maps, which in turn solidify connections within the material.
When a student has found a note-taking and information-mapping system that works for him or her, the next step is to use these tools to prepare for exams. Good notes will help students to plan out answers to likely test questions, which they can often ascertain by reviewing past exams and syllabi. The thought processes required to plan answers to such sample questions not only helps students to apply information learned, but also to develop a strategy for success on the actual examination.
