How Hard Is Law School? 5 Differences Between Law School & Undergrad

Law school classes are taught differently than undergrad classes, which means some students find the courses and material more difficult to grasp.

Undergrad learning tends to focus on memorization, short-term memory, and development of critical thinking skills. Courses tend to use didactic teaching methods (instructional or lecture-oriented). The things you memorize may or may not be relevant to your major.

Law school exercises your critical thinking skills, and focuses on long-term memory recall and application of knowledge. Law courses tend to use the Socratic teaching method (self-teaching through discussion and Q&A).

Here are some things to keep in mind when moving from undergrad to law school:

1. Every piece of information could be relevant to a future course or case - it’s unlikely you’ll learn something and never use it again.
2. Law students are expected to argue multiple positions, and accept that a “right” answer may not exist.

Studying in law school requires a different approach than studying in undergrad. The law is extensive, and you need a comprehensive, practical understanding of the materials. It’s going to take more than memorizing notes (which is often the approach for undergrad). For many students, this makes studying in law school harder.

If you’re struggling with the material, there are options for academic assistance, including:

• Study groups
• Supplemental materials
• Law library resources
• Past exams

Very often, law school classes don’t provide grade-able material throughout the course. That means they’re less forgiving if you get a bad grade on the few they DO give out. You may even find that the final exam is your only grade in the class.

Some law professors grade strictly on a curve, meaning the grade you earn is relative to the grade your classmates earn.

So, many law students feel it’s much harder to get good grades in law school than in undergrad. Grades also matter more in law school, since employers may review individual grades as well as overall GPA during the interview process.

Law schools are full of intelligent, driven, strong-willed students, so it might feel like you have to make more of an effort to stand out. Rely on the hard work that got you to law school

Get in the habit of dressing and acting like an attorney, for a few reasons:

1. You never know who may show up to your classes. Your next employer could very well be watching the school for potential talent.
2. Success is often a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you dress like a lawyer and act like a lawyer, it’s easier for you and others to see yourself as a lawyer.

Many law school students are working and commuting rather than living on campus. That means less free time and more stress to get everything done in one day.

You may need to re-prioritize your life, at least while you’re in law school. Make sure your family, friends, partner, and job are aware of your new schedule and needs.

Last but not least, remember to factor in some getaway time to keep yourself sane. Self-care is an underappreciated secret for law school success!