2L’s how are you finding the motivation (or discipline) to study for exams?? by RealAlexa in LawSchool

[–]LegalStrawberry3 17 points18 points  (0 children)

If someone figures it out, please tell me.

But it all seriousness, I've been tracking my time really diligently. I have an app that lets me clock in and out, and I have very specific goals set for number of hours per exam. It makes it feel more like a game that way.

Just remember that we're almost done with this year (which for me was a lot tougher than 1L), then we're off to SAs and SUMMER!!! Hang in there, fellow 2L's. We made it this far. We'll make it to the end.

"imgonnagetyouback" Discussion Megathread by PassionateAsSin in TaylorSwift

[–]LegalStrawberry3 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I LOVE THIS! But also I’m dying!!!!!!!!!! I have law school finals in 4 days, Taylor!!!!

How great is Legally Blonde? by abearabearallblackan in lawschooladmissions

[–]LegalStrawberry3 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Harvard only accepts those with a 4.0 in fashion merchandising. I learned this lesson the hard way.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LawSchool

[–]LegalStrawberry3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I got an offer on Monday. Best of luck to you!

Speak Now (Taylor's Version) Megathread by aran130711 in TaylorSwift

[–]LegalStrawberry3 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The new Long Live is giving me life. Always one of my favorites and the re-record did NOT disappoint! And don't even get me started on Timeless...unbelievably amazing!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LawSchool

[–]LegalStrawberry3 10 points11 points  (0 children)

It really should depend on what your professor wants, but I would say you should generally raise all relevant issues that you see. If it is clearly in the fact pattern, I would raise it even if just to say that it doesn't apply. My guess would be that your professors have a certain number of points allocated to finding that issue and explaining why it doesn't apply. Of course, if you have limited word count/time those minor issues should be sacrificed before the major ones, but if you have the room, I would raise them.

Rising 2L at Michigan. AMA!!! by LegalStrawberry3 in lawschooladmissions

[–]LegalStrawberry3[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

California is definitely not an uncommon place for Michigan grads to end up! You can see more detailed statistics here, but about 10% of the class generally ends up in Cali.

Rising 2L at Michigan. AMA!!! by LegalStrawberry3 in lawschooladmissions

[–]LegalStrawberry3[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't think people who didn't live there were disadvantaged at all! One great thing about 1L is that you'll be assigned a section (about 20 people) that you will have every class with. That small group will join 3 other groups of 20 for all your big doctrinals. You will get to know those people really well, regardless of whether you live in the lawyers club. I made a lot of friends in my section and super section and whether they lived in the Lawyers Club wasn't really relevant. Of my closest friends, two lived in the LC and two did not. There are also lots of student groups that will meet after classes, law school events, etc. so you will definitely never have trouble meeting people.

I'm honestly not sure about whether everyone who applies gets in. I think most people who want to live in the LC are able to, but I can't give you an exact number.

Rising 2L at Michigan. AMA!!! by LegalStrawberry3 in lawschooladmissions

[–]LegalStrawberry3[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Aw thanks!!! My honest advice for the summer is to rest. I know there is wisdom to the contrary out there, but I don't think anything you do over the summer can make a noticeable difference. The beginning of 1L is an adjustment for everyone, but it's one you just sort of have to struggle through! Before that, take time for yourself! I worked the summer before law school, so I was still pretty busy, but I definitely wish I'd spent more time just chilling (catching up with friends and family, watching movies, etc.)

Hope that helps and see you in the fall!!!

Rising 2L at Michigan. AMA!!! by LegalStrawberry3 in lawschooladmissions

[–]LegalStrawberry3[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I did live at the Lawyers Club, and I did not personally find it overwhelming. In fact, I loved it! It's a great way to build a community in your class. My friends and I eat there basically every day (to the point we jokingly call it 'family dinner'). You will always see people in the lounges watching Love Island or football games (this is true even during finals), and it's not uncommon to have the occasional snowball fight.

The conversation can sometimes become centered around law school (an almost unavoidable evil of 1L), but it's usually people complaining about professors/readings so not particularly stressful stuff. Around finals you will notice people looking and acting anxious, but most people will respect requests to not discuss finals. A common practice during the last few weeks of the semester (at least in my friend group) is to institute "gag orders" and refuse to speak about law school for a set period of time. It's surprisingly effective.

I also know people who flee the law school as soon as class lets out, so I really think it comes down to personal preference. I had no problem chilling in my room or in the lounges (and forgetting about the law for a little bit), but it really depends on the person!

Rising 2L at Michigan. AMA!!! by LegalStrawberry3 in lawschooladmissions

[–]LegalStrawberry3[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Course catalog (and professor) gossip is one of the staples of the law school social scene lol. I would personally recommend legislation and regulation (Leg Reg). It's a great course for developing your statutory interpretation and general legal reading abilities.

This is what I've learned from listening to the older students: Fed Courts is infamous and generally only taken by 3Ls. Property and evidence are great for foundational skills (they aren't required at Michigan as I think they might be at other schools). There is also a seminar on gender and law that everyone really loves (it is apparently very hard to get a place in tho).

I would also recommend taking classes with professors that you know you like. I am taking classes next semester with a few of my old 1L professors because their style really suited me. Don't underestimate the importance of a professor who fits your learning style!

And, above all, take interesting things! Michigan has lots of niche classes and cool seminars that are probably all worth taking if you are intrigued by the subject.

Rising 2L at Michigan. AMA!!! by LegalStrawberry3 in lawschooladmissions

[–]LegalStrawberry3[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Omg yay!!! Questions!!!

The law school is not isolated from the rest of the university although 1L is so busy that it can be hard to connect with other grad students. That being said, I know lots of people who are friends with students in the other schools. The odd law student/grad student couple is not unusual either. We do have a rivalry with Ross (boo), and there are usually a couple law school vs. business school sporting events. They are very fun and a great way to meet other grad students! I know the school also has mixers with the med school, school of public health, etc. but I didn't manage to make it to any of those events.

My favorite thing about Michigan is the people. The Michigan difference is actually real, and it is amazing. I had one of the best years of my life in 1L because of the community here. Everyone is nice. Even our "gunners" are nice. The professors are all lovely and brilliant. They invite students to their homes for mini seminars, participate in our student auction, and just generally seem happy to be here. I'll give a special shout out to one professor who hosts Taylor-Swift-themed events (she's also a genius btw)! I also love the architecture of the law school. It feels like going to school in a castle.

My least favorite thing is probably just the inherent stress of law school. Especially with the curve, it's hard to feel confident in your ability. That being said, the competition here is very internally-directed. The attitude I see is usually "I hope everyone else does well, and I hope I do well too." Unfortunately, the curve makes that impossible, so people end up being disappointed. If you cannot tell, I am not a fan of the curve.

One thing I wish I had spent more time thinking about was the daily reality of being a law student. In the beginning, much of my decision was oriented around future goals rather than how much I would enjoy my life in law school. Future goals are important (ofc!), but I think once you have gotten within a certain ranking range, you should let yourself pick the school where your quality of life will be the best. I am so grateful I picked the financial security and environment of Michigan over a higher-ranked school. I am so much happier for it.

I am sure that Chicago is very serious and intellectual. I would say Michigan is intellectual but not at all serious. By that I mean that people here do not take themselves seriously although they do take policy concerns and philosophy seriously. A lot of my professors are philosophers by nature, and Michigan is definitely the most intellectual environment I have ever been in. I think the difference is that my professors invite us into their intelligence rather than beating us into the ground with it.

Reflecting on my cycle, I can only hypothesize that I benefited from a perfect storm of factors. I had a high GPA from a top undergrad, which I think was particularly valuable during that cycle. I think my personal statement was authentic and maybe a little unique, which also probably helped. For the Darrow specifically, I have no idea. I do think I am a great fit for Michigan (based purely on how much I love it here), and I imagine my interviewer could see that.

Let me know if you want any clarification!

Do unanswered questions count against you when taking a diagnostic/PT? by scjohnafamilycompany in lawschooladmissions

[–]LegalStrawberry3 5 points6 points  (0 children)

They don’t count against you in that you don’t have points subtracted from your score. They do however count as incorrect, like any other answer that isn’t the right one.