If you are getting started on bar prep, here are some tips for passing the bar exam the first time so that it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While studying for the bar exam can feel overwhelming, it is very manageable if you stay consistent, focus on the right things and avoid common mistakes.
Focus on learning the law.
Do not rely on passive learning techniques such as reading outlines or rewriting outlines. Instead, focus on active learning techniques like quizzing yourself and seeing if you can recite the rules of law. Your focus should be instant recall of highly tested rules rather than passive familiarity.
Many first-time takers make the mistake of watching a lecture and then going straight into practice questions. That is often a recipe for anxiety. Instead, take time to learn the law before diving into practice questions. You do not need to know every detail perfectly before you start practicing, but you should have a solid understanding of the highly tested rules.
Practice.
It is important to dedicate time to practicing bar exam questions. You should dedicate time every week to practice, even when you do not feel 100% “ready.” Make sure that you are using officially NCBE-licensed questions when you practice. It is okay to use questions invented by a bar prep company, but it is important to use official questions as well.
Reviewing missed questions and coming up with a system for reinforcing material you do not know well enough is also critical. For example, we recommend writing down rules that you do not know in one place so that you can review them later.
Many first-time takers make the mistake of not practicing enough, especially when it comes to the performance test portion of the bar exam. Make sure you are including regular practice of all portions of the exam in your study schedule. Students often spend so much time on the multiple-choice and essay portions that they neglect the performance test portion, even though it can make a significant difference in their overall score.
Get into the mind of a bar exam grader.
The best way to improve your bar exam score is to think like a grader. After you answer essay questions, use the model answer to give yourself feedback. I recommend using a different color font and going through your answer as if you were a grader.
We have seen our students make substantial improvement in their essay scores after consistently “self-grading.” It also improves their confidence going into test day because they know exactly what a “good” essay answer looks like.
Pay attention not only to what rules you missed, but also to whether your organization, analysis and use of facts match what the grader is looking for. Often, students know more law than they think they do, but they lose points because they are not presenting it in the clearest or most organized way.
Structure your day.
Maintain a consistent schedule and take breaks to prevent burnout.
It is also okay to take a half day or full day off per week so long as you are using your study time effectively.
It is a good idea to make sure you are getting enough sleep and enough exercise. Both will help improve your concentration, recall and ability to learn. They will also help increase motivation and decrease anxiety.
Remember that bar prep is not about being perfect. It is about being consistent. The students who pass are usually not the students who study the longest hours every single day. They are the students who show up consistently, practice regularly and stay focused on the most important tasks.
