With exams just around the corner, here’s some information on ways to get ready.

Get your laptop ready

- If you are using your laptop to take exams, be sure you have the most current version of the software loaded.
- You should have ExamSoft 8.1 loaded (double click on your softest icon on your desktop to check).
- If this is the first time you’ve taken exams on your laptop, download the software from the website (choose the ’exam takers’ link). Use your SCU ID number and the password that was sent to you by email.
- If you can’t find your password or the email, bring your Access card and laptop to the Computer Support Office on the first floor in the library (between the SmartPrint and Westlaw/Lexis Printer stations) and they will assist you with the download.

Exam prep materials

 - Check out our spring exam tips posting for general ideas on exam preparation.

- We have a wide variety of hardcopy materials in the library - hornbooks, nutshells, and the question and answer series for example - to help you prepare for the content of the exams.
- In addition, we have practice materials to help you prepare to transmit all that information in your head most effectively, whether the exam is essay or multiple choice. - We have an extensive collection of past exams available on ClaraNet which includes an index to allow searches for exams by topic or professor.
- If your professor offers to look at practice exams you’ve tried, take advantage of the opportunity to practice your skills and get feedback.

 

Library hours are extended during the exam period, so come in and see us. Remember, you can reserve conference rooms by phone (554-4072). We also have copies of the exam schedule available at the main desk of the library.

A few exam tips

Here are three tidbits gleaned from my experiences in law school and from the sage advice of 2 & 3Ls when I was a wee 1L:

1. Arrive early, bring your ID and a snack; minimize caffeine if possible to calm your nerves. Get some exercise and/or take a nap after each exam before you start preparing for the next one.

2. Prepare your outlines for the first and last exams first. You will be too tired by the end of the exam period to do that last outline well. If it’s a closed book exam, keep reducing the outline until it’s one page, then memorize that. If it’s open book, index the heck out of your notes or outline (you’ll be able to find stuff fast and will learn more of it in the process).

3. Don’t talk about the exam afterward. Nobody sees everything or even the same things. You don’t have to give a perfect answer to get a good grade, all you do is get yourself rattled. It’s done, move on to the next exam.

Good luck on your exams!