Top Law Schools

So basically my midterm was worth 40% of my grade. I thought I did fair on it but I completely, mixed up the analysis on my last question. Long Story short I received the lowest grade in my class-- about 10 points below the median (max points= 40).


Anyways, with the final coming up and being worth 60% am I screwed? I would be satisfied with being average or slightly below for my total grade. But is this even realistically possible given my embarrassing grades on the final?

The final isn't cumulative, and it's short answer.

Basically, my problem was I spotted the issues. I just failed to analyze them fully

The answer is that no one knows and it shouldn't change your next steps in the slightest.

Should prob find ways to manage your anxiety. This is only the begining of a ton of stress to come. Good luck.

I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that because you did poorly on your midterm, you'll have the same result on the final. I know several people my 1L year who did mediocre on finals during Fall 1L (myself included) who ended up above median overall. I think many of us don't grasp the understanding necessary for good analysis until the outlining stage, which will almost always occur after midterms.

mvp99 wrote:Should prob find ways to manage your anxiety. This is only the begining of a ton of stress to come. Good luck.

Super helpful.

Mrs Featherbottom wrote:

mvp99 wrote:Should prob find ways to manage your anxiety. This is only the begining of a ton of stress to come. Good luck.

Super helpful.

Not sure if sarcastic but have you ever had an anxiety attack? It's serious shit and should be addressed now.

use the stress but don't fall into distress.

the facts are what they are and you're still ultimately in control wrt your final, and the finals in other classes. spiraling is the worst thing you can do right now. learn from your mistakes and fix your mistakes. you gotta move forward and don't dwell on this. it's not ideal, but it's not fatal.

Holy shit. You go to a school where you get a midterm AND a final?

That's freaking fantastic.

muscleboundlaw wrote:Holy shit. You go to a school where you get a midterm AND a final?

That's freaking fantastic.

A midterm and final is not at all uncommon. Varies more by class/professor than it does by school.

Really? I thought that one final was common.

Damn. I would love to have a midterm and a final.

CoLolliRol wrote:So basically my midterm was worth 40% of my grade. I thought I did fair on it but I completely, mixed up the analysis on my last question. Long Story short I received the lowest grade in my class-- about 10 points below the median (max points= 40).


Anyways, with the final coming up and being worth 60% am I screwed? I would be satisfied with being average or slightly below for my total grade. But is this even realistically possible given my embarrassing grades on the final?

The final isn't cumulative, and it's short answer.

Basically, my problem was I spotted the issues. I just failed to analyze them fully

You're not screwed, just keep at it. One thing that helped my friends is using the word "because" frequently. Use it like 50 times in your exam. It will force an application of the rule

"sandy is guilty of tort BECAUSE xyz. she may have a slight chance of prevailing in her defense BECAUSE 123"

Seriously, use because like every other sentence and you should be good.

Well, that and knowing the actual material.

CoLolliRol wrote:So basically my midterm was worth 40% of my grade. I thought I did fair on it but I completely, mixed up the analysis on my last question. Long Story short I received the lowest grade in my class-- about 10 points below the median (max points= 40).


Anyways, with the final coming up and being worth 60% am I screwed? I would be satisfied with being average or slightly below for my total grade. But is this even realistically possible given my embarrassing grades on the final?

The final isn't cumulative, and it's short answer.

Basically, my problem was I spotted the issues. I just failed to analyze them fully

You are going to be ok! Just make sure you analyze the issues fully this time around using whatever template your professor gave you when he/she reviewed the midterm. You've put your finger on the problem with your exam, which is the toughest part. Your performance previously isn't going to be a predictor unless you make it one by not changing your approach. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just trying to psych you out. You are in control of how you prepare for and take the test and can therefore create a different outcome.

Separately, make sure you take time to address your anxiety. Meditate. Exercise. Set up a routine for test day and run through it in the days preceding the test. Know you are not alone. Plenty of other people start off on the wrong foot and redeem themselves at the finish line .