I’ve fallen behind. How do I catch up?

The first step is admitting that you’re behind. Next, ask for help. If you’re in bar review, consult the course materials, FAQs, or ask one of the reps what to cut to get back on track. Cutting strategically can help you get to where the course now is, and then with any extra time you can fill in gaps. And, they do build in extra time.

Don’t work 15-hour days to make up for “lost time.” You have almost a month left to keep up the pace and you cannot sustain sleepless nights and still be functioning at your best for that long of a time. In fact, you don’t want to do any sleepless nights.

Remember how much you have learned before certain final exams in a few days. You have several more weeks. Focus on all the positives and on getting back on pace. You’ve got this!

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Author: Sara Berman

Sara J. Berman, a graduate of the UCLA School of Law, is a Professor of Lawyering Skills and Director of the Academic Success Program at the USC Gould School of Law. She formerly served as a Director at the Washington DC-based AccessLex Center for Legal Education Excellence.

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