You have your class notes, and now the time has come to create your outlines (if you haven’t already started). Whether you love it, hate it or love to hate it, outlining is a crucial tool when it comes to studying for your final exams.
As you sharpen your pencils (or keyboards), let’s review a few tips to help you outline more effectively and efficiently.
Don’t wait too long
While there isn’t a specific timetable for when you should start outlining, you do want to give yourself sufficient time. Students vary on when they prefer to start outlining. Some opt for after a professor finishes a specific topic; others wait until a couple months into the semester. Whatever your preference, know that outlining is a time-consuming endeavor. Keep in mind that your outlines are not only a key tool as you study for finals, but the process of outlining helps reinforce your knowledge and understanding of your class topics. So, it’s best not to scrimp on this exercise.
Look to your class syllabus
There are many ways to outline, and you’ll want to find what works best for you. However, if you need a place to start, look toward your class syllabus. Your syllabus can provide a ‘skeleton’ outline from which you can pull out topics and then input your condensed notes, making sure to emphasize concepts your professor stated multiple times.
Understand how to use your outline
Although your outlines can be largely viewed as your tool for success on finals, remember to view your outlines as a journey and a living document — not as an end product. Your outline will most likely have various iterations. As you revisit and become more familiar with the topic, you can condense in length to the essential components.
Fill gaps with other resources
While it’s highly encouraged that you create your own outlines, don’t be afraid to utilize professional outlines or those of upper-class students. Comparing your outlines will help you fill in substantive gaps and provide guidance on structure. Don’t forget to check out BARBRI 1L Mastery for 1L topics and BARBRI 2L/3L Mastery for upper-level course materials as well.
Create an attack outline
If you haven’t used an ‘attack’ outline previously, think of this as a condensed version of your main outline. Typically, an attack outline will be a quick one to three pages that consolidates your larger outline. This condensed version will help you compartmentalize the information and can be especially helpful for your more complex topics. It will serve as a checklist for the main concepts with bullet points for the most important information and rules that you need to know.
Practice with your outline
Practice tests can be your best friend. Check with your professor to see if they will provide previous exams for your use. You can also utilize law school resources such as BARBRI 1L Mastery and BARBRI 2L/3L Mastery for both multiple-choice and essay-format practice questions.
Practicing with your outline provides many benefits. It helps you learn the material while also giving you a feel for how long you spend on each question. You’ll also have a better understanding of what to have on your outline.
While you practice, ask yourself, ‘Do I forget elements? Do I need a checklist to make sure I hit all the cases? Has the professor walked us through the way they want questions answered?’ Practicing will help bring to light any overlooked areas and show where you could use some additional guidance or resources. Remember to take advantage of your professors’ office hours, study groups (if that fits your learning style) and other opportunities that can help you ace outlining.
Looking for more outlining resources? Review what goes in an outline and more.
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