09 May 2024

Bar Exam Breakthrough: Your Guide to Taking the Bar

Author: Melissa Freimark

Embarking on the final leg of your law school journey is no small feat. Congrats on navigating through countless case readings, briefings, and late-night study sessions to get this far! However, the ultimate challenge lies ahead: the Bar Exam. With July test dates looming, it’s time to start preparing if you haven’t already!
Even if you're enrolled in a Bar prep course, supplementing your studies with extra practice questions is essential to bolster your chances of success. Moreover, implementing strategic study techniques is pivotal in ensuring you pass the exam.

Here are some actionable strategies to use as your guide to taking the bar:

Craft a Tailored Study Schedule:

Use a calendar to map out a study plan that aligns with your strengths and weaknesses. While adhering to the structure provided by your Bar prep course is advisable, change the schedule to maximize your productivity. Some students swear by outlines, while others prefer study guides, viewing lectures, or practice questions. We recommend a mix of all the tools at your disposal and making sure you don’t just cram! Proper spacing, timing and repetition while interleaving the various subject matters can really help you absorb the material.

Prioritize Timed Practice:

The Bar Exam is a race against time, with 200 multiple-choice questions demanding swift and accurate responses. Engaging in timed practice exams enables you to refine your time management skills and hone your analytical prowess.

Tap into Expert Resources:

Leverage Steve Emanuel's renowned Bar Review Materials, such as "Strategies & Tactics for the MBE" and "Strategies & Tactics for the FINZ Multistate Method," to gain valuable insights into navigating MBE questions effectively.

Strategic Learning:

Identify and flag challenging concepts, but refrain from fixating on them indefinitely. Recognize when to pivot and allocate your time and energy where it's most impactful. Utilize outlines to maximize the time you spend on various topics and cases.

Nurture Your Cognitive Well-being:

Prioritize self-care during intensive study periods by maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep. Avoiding all-nighters is crucial, as quality rest enhances cognitive function and memory retention.

Plan Ahead for Exam Day:

If travel is required for the Bar Exam, plan your accommodations, travel time and dining options in advance to minimize stress. Opt for quick-service eateries with healthy options and ample seating to optimize your lunch break during the exam.

Looking for additional study tools? Check out our Bar Review Series, which cater to a variety of learning styles and include things like actual recent MBE test questions, tips on how to analyze the questions, subject matter summaries and essay preparation. We know that prep for the Bar Exam, let alone the exam itself, is one of the most grueling experiences in your career. When you do pass the Bar exam, you can look back and be proud of what you accomplished with practice and preparation!