They participate in law-related competitions, organize activities, or participate in organizations and clinics. For some the frustrations are too great and they move on to other alternatives. The first year curriculum is near-uniform at all ABA approved law schools. The subject matter, however, will soon seem secondary to the learning of a technique. The technique involves continuous research, narrowing of issues, sorting fact, and preparing alternative theories and arguments.
Most schools use the case study approach.
However, memorizing cases is not what it's all about. The study of law is not an exact science. While some areas of the law are rooted in ancient history, other areas change almost daily. While that teaching style does still exist, there are more and more professors who lecture, form discussion groups, and use only volunteers in class. The schools then group these classes into smaller sections, commonly ranging from 70 to 150, with whom you will have all of your first year classes.