When Should I Start Outlining in Law School?

Law students have very different approaches to when they start outlining for exams. 

Some say they only outline right before the exam, while others can't imagine starting without outlining from day one. 

So, which way is better? The answer is: neither! It all comes down to your thinking preference and what you want to achieve with your outline.

Linear thinkers like to break information into smaller parts and connect those parts in a clear, step-by-step way. This helps them really grasp the topic deeply.

Linear students outline while they read, brief and take notes during class. Once they've completed their reading and classes on a topic, they synthesize all that information into a second document that mirrors how they’ll write the topic on the exam. For linear thinkers, this process of creating and refining their outlines is essential for truly understanding each topic. That's why they begin outlining from day one, gathering information as they go.

Non-linear students, on the other hand, like to start with the big picture instead of diving into the details right away. They outline every few weeks after completing all the readings and classes on a topic. Unlike linear thinkers, who create their outlines step-by-step, non-linear students can visualize how everything connects from the start.

Their outlines are often more abstract, allowing them to grasp the overall concept without breaking it down into smaller parts first. For non-linear thinkers, the process of creating their outline after absorbing the totality of information helps them understand the topic. That's why they outline less frequently, focusing on the big picture, and adding details as they progress.

The linear thinker’s outline serves to gather all the detailed information in one place before connecting the dots to form the big picture, while the non-linear thinker’s outline helps articulate the overall concept they already visualize in their mind.

The contrast in thought processes and outline purpose leads linear thinkers to assert, “You’re skipping crucial steps in your preparation if you don’t start outlining from day one,” emphasizing a structured path to knowledge. Conversely, non-linear thinkers counter with, “You don’t need to outline until just before the exam,” reflecting their belief in a more intuitive grasp of concepts that can emerge over time. 

And there you have it—the crux of their difference!