The bar exam is about far more than just providing students with credentials. In fact, it offers a number of critical benefits. I think one of the most surprising elements of the bar exam itself is that it’s a great equalizer for all those who sit: Students who are at the top of their class can fail and people at the bottom of their law school class can pass. More than anything, success and failure have to do with your overall study process.
Here are a number of lessons that my colleagues and I learned during the process of studying for the bar exam that should help anyone, regardless of where you are in your preparation process.
It provides a comprehensive review of multiple areas of law.
While many law students choose a specialty area to focus on, the bar exam may test as many as 20 different areas of law, many of which you will never touch again once you move on to formal practice. Why do you have to know them? Well, because they’re on the bar. Even if you will never use these elements of law again, it’s critical that you know them before you take the test. Your study practices are key to that because you have to have a strong understanding of all of them, no matter what you’re planning to focus on as you move forward in your legal career.
It tests time-management skills.
On test day, you’re not going to be able to give every question perfect justice. It’s easy to focus more on questions about a subject that you know very well, but in order to do well on the test, you need to put together a good answer for every question, not just the ones that you know best. The bar tests your ability to manage time effectively so that you can answer as many questions as possible.
It tests dedication to a project over the long term.
When you take the bar, you’re not just jumping in and taking the test at the moment. You’ve likely dedicated a lot of time and energy to that test long before you set foot in the room. That same dedication is essential when you start practicing law. By taking the bar and scoring well, you’re able to display your ability to dig in, work hard, and put your time and energy toward whatever project you may be assigned.
Tips for Test-Takers
While the act of taking the bar can offer its own set of benefits, of course, as a test-taker, you want to do everything in your power to pass. These tips will help you succeed as you study for and take the bar.
Develop a plan and stick to it: As I mentioned above, studying for the bar is a long-term commitment. You aren’t going to do well if you go at it haphazardly. Instead, develop a plan that will help guide you through your studying—and stick to it.
Use technology to personalize your studying: You may not know the areas where you’re struggling until you have the chance to take a practice test or work through a study platform. By using the right study aids, you can personalize your studying efforts. The right platform can provide you with deep insights into what content you might need extra help with and what you might not know.
Have someone to hold you accountable: Knowing that you have someone else invested in your results can push you to work and study even when you don’t feel like it. It’s easy to decide that you’re not going to work when no one will ever know. When you have someone else checking in, on the other hand, you’re more likely to keep working your hardest.
Do “one more” task a day: At the point when you’re ready to give up, convince yourself to do “just one more” thing. Even if it’s just one more 15-question quiz, just 27 more minutes, that’s that much more work completed that brings you one step closer to success.
Don’t get complacent if you’re doing well: When you’re performing well and things are going exactly according to plan, it can be tempting to slack off. If you do, however, you may not get the results you’re looking for.
Revisit a study method that worked well for you on previous standardized tests: If you’ve come this far, you already know what works for you as a student. Go back to those methods that worked well for you in the past and implement them as you study for the bar. For example, be comfortable developing a good flowing legal analysis in the essays portions. For the NextGen bar exam in 2026, the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE®) has emphasized less memorization and more of a greater understanding of “lawyering skills” and “rule-rule-rule.”
Take lots of practice exams: Practice exams accomplish two things. First, they show you exactly where you are. When you know where your strengths and weaknesses are, you can guide your studying accordingly. Second, they get you comfortable with the exam format, which can help when you’re ready to take the test.
If you’re doing well, take a break to reward yourself: Reward yourself for good work. Take a short break or take some time off. Remember, however, to get back to studying soon so that you don’t jeopardize your progress!
Try your best to maintain work/life balance: While it can be difficult to fit everything in, keep in mind that you don’t want to burn out before you even have the chance to take the bar. Instead, make sure you leave time for the other important things in your life, such as family, hobbies, and anything else that “fills your cup.”
The bar is an essential rite of passage that tests skills and habits. It will definitely benefit you in your career, not just by providing you with that vital certification, but by offering you its own set of skills. With these tips, I hope you find it easier to prepare for and pass the bar.
