Many students look for ways to make bar prep more efficient — and less lonely — by joining a bar exam study group. When done right, a study group can be a powerful tool to help you succeed. But when done wrong, it can add stress and waste valuable time. Below, we break down the pros, cons and practical tips for making your bar exam study group work.
Pros of a bar exam study group
It makes bar prep less lonely. Bar prep can feel incredibly isolating, especially if you’re in an asynchronous course. You may have been used to seeing classmates and professors daily during law school — and now you’re studying alone, watching lectures and grinding through material solo. A study group gives you a sense of community and connection. It’s also reassuring to hear that others are struggling with the same tough questions or scoring less than perfectly on practice exams.
It helps you talk through tough concepts. If something isn’t clicking, discussing it with others can help. Study group members might explain a topic from a different angle, offer mnemonics or share strategies that make a concept finally make sense. These kinds of insights can be game changers when you’re stuck.
Cons of a bar exam study group
It can increase anxiety. Being around anxious people can ramp up your own stress. Some group members might talk about how much they’re studying; how little they’re sleeping or how well (or poorly) they’re scoring. While they may be venting or seeking reassurance, this can leave you feeling worse — and more distracted.
It’s easy to get off track. Even with the best intentions, study groups can devolve into off-topic chats. Before you know it, you’ve spent an hour talking about vacation plans or Netflix instead of reviewing MBE questions. Without structure, it’s easy to waste time you can’t afford to lose.
How to make a study group work for you
If you’re going to join (or start) a study group, set it up for success from the start.
Keep it small. Aim for four to five people. Too many voices can make it hard to stay on task; too few might not give you enough perspective.
Choose members thoughtfully. You want people who will come prepared, stay focused and contribute meaningfully — not just vent or dominate the discussion.
Set an agenda. Don’t just show up and “wing it.” Decide ahead of time what the group will do: review a set of MBE questions, work through a practice essay together or discuss a tough topic. A clear plan keeps things focused and makes the time worthwhile.
A bar exam study group can be a valuable part of your prep — as long as it’s structured, intentional and filled with the right people. With a little planning, it can help you stay motivated, clarify difficult concepts and make the process a little less overwhelming.
