Mindset plays a crucial role in bar exam success. If you lack confidence, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to anxiety and lower scores on test day. However, by taking proactive steps to build confidence during bar prep, you can shift your mindset and set yourself up for success.
Here are five effective ways to strengthen your confidence.
Keep track of your progress — and reflect on it
Bar prep can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to lose sight of how much you’ve accomplished. Take a moment to review all the work you’ve done — the lectures you’ve watched, the essays you’ve written and the multiple-choice questions you’ve answered. Seeing the time, effort and dedication you’ve put in can be a powerful confidence booster. You’re putting in the work, and that effort will translate into results.
Self-grade your work
Many students feel discouraged when they believe their practice scores are out of their control. One way to counter this is by self-grading your essays, performance tests and multiple-choice answers.
When reviewing your work, don’t just focus on what you got wrong — also take note of what you did well. Recognizing your strengths helps you build confidence, while identifying areas for improvement allows you to make targeted adjustments to your study schedule. The more control you feel over your progress, the more confident you’ll become.
Reframe negative thoughts
It’s easy to fall into negative self-talk, such as, “I’m bad at answering multiple-choice questions,” or “I’m not smart enough.” However, these thoughts do more harm than good. Instead, when you find yourself thinking negatively, try reframing them in a positive and constructive way.
Instead of saying, “I’m bad at multiple-choice questions,” say, “I’m improving my MBE strategy with every practice question.”
Instead of saying, “I’m not smart enough,” say, “I am capable and prepared.”
Affirmations like these, especially when used before study sessions, can have a significant impact on your mindset and performance.
Develop a confidence-building study routine
A strong study routine can reinforce confidence. Here’s how you can structure your day for a positive mindset.
Start with a win. Begin your study session by reviewing rules of law you already know, revisiting a practice essay you performed well on or reciting a positive affirmation.
Use visualization. Picture yourself staying focused, understanding difficult concepts and making progress throughout the day.
Track progress constructively. If you score lower than expected on a practice test, don’t dwell on the number alone. Instead, identify the reasons behind the score. Recognizing areas for improvement is a win because it allows you to make necessary adjustments before the real exam.
Incorporate mindset-boosting activities. Exercise, meditation and visualization breaks can improve focus and reduce stress. Even a short walk can reset your mind and keep you in a positive state.
Limit exposure to anxious peers
Surrounding yourself with the right people during bar prep is key. While support from friends can be helpful, sometimes their anxiety can unintentionally impact on your own mindset. If you find that certain conversations or social media interactions are making you more anxious, consider setting boundaries.
Some students benefit from studying with a small, supportive group. Others perform better (and are less anxious) when they study without peers.
Some find that avoiding social media altogether during bar prep reduces distractions and stress.
Ultimately, prioritize an environment that fosters confidence rather than doubt.
Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have — it’s something you can build. By tracking progress, self-grading, reframing negative thoughts, establishing a confidence-boosting routine and protecting your mindset from outside anxiety, you can approach the bar exam with greater belief in yourself.
