The Bar Exam: November 2010

If you learn you have failed the bar exam, particularly if more than once, the most important thing you can do is to CHANGE your study habits and plan. You made it through law school so you are certainly smart enough to pass the bar exam. In all jurisdictions, the bar exam is a standardized test. You must learn to give the examiners the material in the manner in which they expect to see it. For example, IRAC will work on the essays.

Ask yourself the following questions.

Did I honestly study as much as I know I could have?
Did I practice essay questions under test conditions?
Did I practice MBE questions under test conditions?
Did I practice the MPT under test conditions?

If is important to KNOW the substantive law but DO NOT rely solely on the lowest level of learning which is rote memorization. There are four (4) levels of learning: (1) rote, (2) understanding, (3) application and (4) correlation. Your study plan MUST strive to reach the higher levels of learning. You MUST learn to apply the law and you do that best by practicing, practicing, practicing.

Besides the academic exercise you MUST go through, it is equally important to remove any and all distractions. You should seriously consider studying anywhere other than at home, near a refrigerator, telephone, family, friends, etc. You need to be studying in an environment that helps you avoid the temptations of going to the kitchen, turning on the TV, etc.

Finally, even if you are not the athletic type, add a little aerobic exercise, i.e., walking or anything else that works for you to your daily routine. You need the oxygen replenishment and that time can be used to ANALYZE a fact pattern you just worked on.

Many of us spend way too much money on tutors, courses or study aids when what you need most, is discipline.

Whatever you do, DO NOT QUIT. You can and will pass the Bar Exam when you are ready to be serious about applying the basic principles I mentioned above.

Good Luck!