Bar Exam Preparation
Tristan passed the 2024 July California Bar Exam on his first attempt.
He credits his success to self-awareness of his strengths, weaknesses, and what would work for him.
He was a glass cannon (super good at the MBE) and not confident about passing, but he was composed and calculated about the whole process.
Let’s see what Tristan went through in his first and only successful attempt.
Continue reading “Pass the Bar by Being Aware of Your Strengths and Weaknesses”Andrew passed the 2024 July Bar Exam on his first try despite the initial anxiety and pressure.
💬 “Severe testing anxiety. Remember throwing up after the first practice bar exam at school because of poor results.”
Whatever doubts you have, it’s going to be worth it if you can overcome them.
💬 “Just wanted to share that I passed in California! Your materials were a massive help in the final weeks of studying and I’m honestly so grateful for your help. My hands are still shaking, it’s been such a rough week and I had a lot of doubts but I’m so glad that this is over.”
Let’s see how he transformed from feeling inadequate and pressured to succeed — to learning to trust his gut and actually succeeding.
(And what Burger King can teach you about bar prep)
Continue reading “From Severe Anxiety to Trusting His Instincts to Pass the CA Bar Exam on His 1st Try”Is it possible to enjoy bar prep?
It’s one of the dryest things a person can do on this planet. (Don’t invite space tourists to try this.) But we retain more and pay more attention when things are enjoyable.
The default, typical, boring approach to bar prep involves sitting still like a statue watching people in a suit drone on as you fantasize about throwing yourself out the window (not your computer though…you already paid the exam laptop fees).
If you’re especially masochistic, you’ll pause the video and make sure to fill in all the lecture notes because you think your Barbri books will be a fine addition to your future library.
This is all surprisingly exhausting.
As a bonus, you’ll also forget 99% of what you listened to. I’d rather watch water boil because at least I’d have something to show for it, like edible pasta. (Did you know the singular form of spaghetti is spaghetto?)
Something people forget to tell you is that you don’t actually have to follow the default.
“Just complete the course! Do all the things! Play it safe and you’ll be fine!”—The National Association of Barbri (probably)
It feels good because you can’t get anything wrong when you just absorb information. You won’t taste defeat, but you won’t taste victory either.
Continue reading “Enjoying Bar Prep: 6 Ways to Make Studying for the Bar Exam More Fun and Effective (Visual Guide)”“L” graduated from law school 20 years ago. He finally passed the New York Bar Exam with a 271, enough to waive into any UBE jurisdiction.
Wow!
💬 “I’ve been waiting years to write an email like this.”
You don’t need to be a legal rockstar. It’s possible to pass the bar exam even if you’re a C student.
💬 “I graduated with a C average and was told that statistically, passing the bar exam would be very difficult for me.”
💬 “I am happy, proud, and relieved.”
Here’s how L made it happen.
Continue reading “Passing the New York Bar Exam After 20 Years (15 Attempts)”Before every exam, a handful of people come out of the woodwork and shamelessly ask about subject predictions for the bar exam.
“Does anyone know the essay predictions?”
“What do you think will be tested?”
“I don’t think ____ will appear on the exam.”
“Anyone think ____ will be tested?”
“I know we’re not supposed to listen to predictions, but…”
“What are ____’s predictions?”
“Here are my MEE predictions!”
Whose speculations are you going to listen to?
If you’re like many bar takers, or if you’re a repeater, you say: “Haha of course I’m not going to rely on the predictions. I shall adequately study all the subjects. You should too!”
And then you panic and look at the predictions anyway.
Did you want me to tell you, “Aww poor baby, don’t worry. It’s normal and happens to the best of us 🥺”?
You SHOULD worry if you’re secretly tempted to rely on predictions… because this kind of thinking is entirely predictable and avoidable. Sweating about predictions is NOT a good place to be and requires intervention.
Also, remember when subjects actually leaked for the California exam in 2019 and people got mad over it? Do you want to know the subjects ahead of time or not? Make up your minds!
Maybe you’re too young to remember ancient history. I’ve been dealing with you people for too long.
Here’s why you should look toward essay/MEE predictions for entertainment value and morbid curiosity only:
(and 3 things you can focus on instead to take control over your studies)
Continue reading “Predictions for the Bar Exam (What to Focus On for Efficient Study)”