How To Prepare For The Bar Exam

The bar exam is widely considered one of the most difficult professional examinations. In fact, the passage rates for first-time test takers often falls below 50%.

The bar exam will ultimately make or break your way into the legal profession as it is one of the requirements for being admitted to the bar and authorized to practice law. 

So if you’re feeling pressured, anxious, and worried—that’s okay. It’s normal to feel a lot leading up to the big day. But that’s also why preparation is key. How do you study? Where do you start? When do you study? Are you even studying enough? 

Here is a quick guide to how you can prepare for the bar exam— from setting up a study plan to getting ready before the week of it. 

CHeck Out Our Examp Prep Guides

Our mentors support law students in their preparation for success in law school and bar exams by providing crucial classroom resources such as outlines, mnemonic memory aids, and references to other helpful materials.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF A BAR EXAM

The bar exam is a multi-day examination that all aspiring lawyers must pass to be licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. The purpose of the bar exam is to evaluate whether a law school graduate possesses the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to safely and competently practice law.

The bar exam generally consists of three key components:

• Multiple-choice questions (MCQs): Covering a wide range of legal topics, these questions test your ability to recall rules and apply legal principles. You'll need to analyze facts and identify the best answer.
• Essay questions: These require you to analyze and apply legal concepts and rules to hypothetical fact patterns. Essay questions test your ability to identify legal issues and provide a reasoned, analytical response.
• Performance tests (PTs): These evaluate your ability to perform lawyering skills like drafting contracts or legal memos, gathering facts, and assessing arguments. PTs are practical exercises.

While this general structure is consistent, the bar exam varies considerably between states. Some states place more emphasis on essays whereas others test heavily on MCQs. Certain states like California include PTs while others rely solely on essays and MCQs. You'll need to understand the exact requirements and subject areas tested in your specific jurisdiction.

How To Prepare For The Bar Exam From Start To Finish

There will never be a one-size-fits-all preparation plan, what works for others may not work for you. Use the following as guidance rather than strict guidelines:

1. Set Up a Study Plan

Some recommend beginning studying at least two months before the exam, if not earlier. Take a good look at your current schedule and obligations to determine how many hours per week you can dedicate to bar prep. 



Mark your exam date in your calendar and work backwards to map out a prep schedule, blocking off dedicated study time. Leave some buffer room for unexpected life events and disruptions. And finally, don't let the preparation creep up on you - plan it intentionally from the start.

How To Create A Bar Exam Study Schedule

With your prep timeline set, break down topics and assignments week-by-week. Aim to balance studying for the multiple-choice and essay sections. You may choose to focus on memorization and multiple-choice first, then apply that knowledge through practice essays. 

Or intersperse both approaches weekly. Ensure your schedule allows time for full exam practice tests. Don't overschedule yourself, either. Build in flexibility for rest, assessments, and modifications. Use a calendar to map out your schedule and hold yourself accountable.

Things To Help You Study

Are you more of a visual learner? A memorizer? Research bar prep courses, books, flashcards, and other study aids to determine what will work best for your learning style (we’ll go over this more below) Look for updated materials that are aligned with recent exams in your state. Consider supplementing a prep course with an MBE practice question bank. Some law graduates create their own materials based on reviewing past exams. Choose resources wisely to avoid wasting money and time. Seek input from those who recently passed the exam in your state. Prioritize quality over quantity when selecting prep materials.

2. Bar Exam Study Techniques and Strategies

To succeed on the bar exam, you need more than just memorizing - you need to engage in active learning techniques that will ensure you fully understand and can apply the law. Here are some you can apply:

Active Learning Methods

Rather than just passively reading outlines or notes, engage with the material in a more dynamic way. Active learning techniques require you to retrieve and apply information, which strengthens understanding and retention. Consider using:

• Flashcards: Create digital or paper flashcards to quiz yourself on key concepts and definitions. The act of recalling information cements it in your memory.
• Practice questions: Work through multiple-choice and essay questions on each topic, even before you start taking full practice exams. Identifying areas where you struggle will show you what needs more review.
• Flow charts and diagrams: Visually map out complex processes and relationships between legal concepts. Condensing information graphically can aid memory and understanding.
• Teaching concepts to others: Explain legal doctrines and analytical frameworks to classmates or study partners. Teaching material requires a thorough grasp and strengthens comprehension.
  

Focusing on High-Yield Topics

Bar examiners have limited time to test a huge body of material. They concentrate on doctrines and rules most essential for an entry-level attorney. Identify these high-yield topics through practice tests and prior exams. Then devote more review time to mastering these crucial areas.



For instance, Constitutional Law covers a broad area, but tests tend to focus on freedom of speech, due process, and equal protection. Similarly, prioritize understanding negligence, torts, evidence, and contracts for the Multistate Bar Examination.

3. Try To Do Practice Exams

After covering the core concepts and high-yield topics, turn your attention to practice exams. Take full-length practice tests in exam-like conditions to evaluate your mastery and primed your brain for the real test. Mimicking the real experience is crucial.

Time yourself strictly and refrain from checking external sources when answering questions. Take tests under timed conditions in a quiet space free of distractions. Critically review your performance after each exam, identifying areas of weakness to guide further review.

As test day approaches, ramp up the number of practice exams you take. Stick to a regular schedule, like one test weekly in the months before the exam and then one every few days in the final weeks. You want loads of practice applying concepts under timed pressure.

CHeck Out Our Examp Prep Guides

Our guides assist law students in preparing to succeed in law school and bar exams by offering essential classroom resources, including outlines, mnemonic memory guides, and links to other helpful materials.

4. Maintain Your Health and Wellness

Passing the bar exam also demands focus, stamina, and resilience. Taking care of your physical and mental health during bar prep is so important. This is what will get you through all of the days before and after the bar exam. While the bar exam can make you feel pressured, don't let the intensity of studying lead to burnout. 

Eat balanced meals full of brain-boosting foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, eggs, fish, and whole grains. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid relying too heavily on coffee, energy drinks, fast food, or other unhealthy options - they'll lead to crashes in energy and focus.

Aim for at least 30 minutes per day of cardiovascular exercise like jogging, biking, or swimming. This gets oxygen pumping to your brain and helps manage stress. Even taking brief activity breaks to walk around or stretch can re-energize you.

Get enough sleep each night - most adults need 7-9 hours. Lack of sleep impairs cognition, concentration, and memory. Establish a consistent pre-bed routine and avoid screens before bedtime.

5. The Week Before the Exam

The final week before the bar exam is a critical time to review material and mentally prepare for the big day. Here are some tips to make the most of the last days before test day:



• Review highly tested topics and problem areas
• Take at least 2-3 practice exams under timed conditions
• Thoroughly review practice exams to identify weaknesses
• Focus review sessions on addressing weak areas
• Make condensed review sheets/flashcards for quick refreshing of memory
• Get together with study groups for group review

As for logistics (have everything ready beforehand!):

• Confirm exam location and arrival time
• Organize folders/binders for exam materials and notes
• Gather necessary documents like ID, pencils, water, medication
• Print admission ticket and exam instructions
• Plan clothing, food, and travel arrangements for exam day
  

Conclusion

After months of intense preparation, the bar exam will soon be here. All your hard work and dedication is about to be put to the test. Now is not the time to second guess yourself - you've put in the hours hitting the books and mastering practice questions. You've crafted and stuck to a smart study plan. You've passed practice exams and hammered essay approaches. In short, you've done everything possible to put yourself in the best position to pass the bar on exam day.

Believe in yourself and the effort you've put in. Walk into the exam room with your head held high, ready to demonstrate your legal knowledge and analysis skills. While the test will push you, dig deep and have faith in your preparation. Stay positive and shake off any self-doubt. You've got this!