It’s socially acceptable to shit on math. It’s politically incorrect to dislike “travel” or “dogs.” And it’s considered weird and risky to not sign up for a big bar prep course by the end of your third year of law school.
Let’s start by addressing that last one about bar courses.
Unless you were already exposed to the idea of alternate paths, you probably naturally assumed that you needed to go with a bar prep company after graduation. The question was framed as “what’s the best bar course” rather than “should I?” You were bombarded with offers from the usual suspects since day one.
So it’s not your fault. Also, there’s nothing wrong with using a course per se. I’m 100% for educating ourselves.
It’s just that you don’t NEED a course. You don’t NEED a tutor. You don’t have to spend $10,000 or $4,000 or anything close to that (besides registration fees) every time you take this test. (I’ll show you how below.)
I’m not wagging my finger saying you must or mustn’t enroll in a bar prep course. The right investments will pay off. I’m just saying you can think about it and consciously decide for yourself.
Start by checking for any internal narratives you may have about what you need to buy to prepare for the bar. Here, I’ll help you reexamine the default assumptions born from “big bar” lobbying by answering these questions:
- What are the drawbacks of “big box” bar programs?
- What can you do instead to address these drawbacks?
- What are the benefits of big bar courses?
- Should you sign up for one? (It depends)
- How do you prepare for the bar exam without a prep course or a big budget?