Exams test students on their ability to think like lawyers. Students are often asked to advocate for one particular side of a dispute or to give arguments justifying a particular legal policy, regardless of whether the side or the policy is one in which they personally believe. Thus, the exam period can create intensified feelings of frustration for students who have not developed this skill or who do not wish to think that way. The exam period can also be particularly stressful for law students because of the amount of time required to prepare for exams, even for students who have kept up with the reading and have outlined their classes throughout the semester. It is difficult to find a law student who isn't exhausted mentally and physically during exams.
Many students become ill, irritable, or simply impossible to be around.
The exam period heightens the conflict between law school and our obligations to our families and friends. Still, law school exams are an important tool in preparing students for practicing law. In order to have successful careers, lawyers must be able to apply the law to factual situations, to anticipate an opponent's arguments, and sometimes to advocate for a side of a dispute in which they do not personally believe. Practicing lawyers are often in competition with other lawyers in situations where one will win and one will necessarily lose, even though both have worked hard and produced excellent work. There are times when lawyers must work despite the competing demands of families and friends.