Law school exams will vastly differ between subjects and professors, but the way you prepare is key. Here is an explanation of the different types and some tips to help you prepare.
Closed book with open code book
Essay 3-4 hours
For this type of exam, you should still create an outline and be sure to memorize as much of it as you can. You might get to use your code book so integrate that into your outline. Also, tabs are your best friend. You don’t want to waste time flipping through a code book when you just could have tabbed it. Check with your professor about what notes, if any, you can have in the code book. The key here is to take a lot of practice exams. If your professor doesn’t provide them, go online to find some. We encourage you to check out BARBRI 1L Mastery, or BARBRI 2L/3L Mastery as well.
Open book, open notes
Essay 3-4 hours
You can use your book but it’s unlikely you will ever use it – unlike the closed book with open code book exam type. Your notes and outlines are the most useful things here. If your school allows it, try to pre-write the rules as you would on the exam and have them in your outline. Double-check with your professor if this is okay to do. Typically you cannot just copy and paste the materials into your exam-taking software. As a general note, you want all of your outlines done a few weeks before finals, and if you update them weekly, you can get there. Doing this will also help you create an attack outline for quick reference of those things you want to find fast during the exam.
Open universe
Essay and/or multiple choice 3-4 hours
These types of tests can be dangerous. We say this because of their “open nature.” First, because its “open,” professors usually require a more developed answer since you have a variety of tools available, including the Internet. It’s also a dangerous exam type as it can easily provide a false sense of security. Sure, looking something up can be helpful, but it can also be a time suck. Beware and prepare like you would for a typical open book/note exam. Anything out in the universe is just a bonus.
Open universe, take home
8 hours within a 24 hour period
Think of all of the resources you have like one big, very comprehensive outline and figure out the best way for you to use them to create the most well-developed answer properly. Plus, practice using everything together. If you don’t have a good plan, you might get overwhelmed and distracted during the test. Then those eight hours just became four. Also, think about when it’s the best time for you to take the exam. Some people think better in the morning, others in the evening. Consider when you’ll want food and any breaks. After all, eight hours is a long time to be hungry.
In addition to our experiences and advice regarding these different exam types, you may also want to check out these high-level final exam taking tips. Then you’ll be good to go when the time comes.