If you are a “July 2020” Bar taker I have no words. I put July in quotes, because I’m not even sure how to refer to this Bar Exam Administration.
I have no words for what you are going through. The constant uncertainty and constant changes. The constant anxiety.
I have no words for how exhausted you must be. Some of you have been studying almost 6 months. If you took bar prep courses in your final semester, maybe even longer. Also, on behalf of all bar prep professors, I apologize. I always encourage my students, especially the students who are also working full time or have other non traditional circumstances, to start early. Easier to start early and then take breaks, than to start late and not have the time to take breaks. But I didn’t forsee this. Even when I knew the bar would be delayed until September, I encouraged students to start early. Again, better to be better prepared and then study less each day, or take days off, than run out of time. But the burnout is now real, and I have no words.
I have no words for the stress you are under. Not just from studying, but we are all stressed. We are going through a pandemic, and that adds so much uncertainty and anxiety to all of our lives. But for you, it adds even more. The regular stress of bar studies, as well as uncertainty of when you’ll be able to practice, and find a job. The extra anxiety of not knowing exactly what this administration will look like.
I have no words for any of it.
Usually when students ask me for advice, I am confident I have at least some small bit of sage wisdom to impart. I’ve been prepping students for the Bar Exam for over a decade, almost 14 years. In fact, this Bar, whatever it is, will be the 27th Bar Exam in which I’ve helped students prepare in some capacity. But it’s the first time I have no words.
Sure, I can still give you advice on how to memorize rules. (Hint – do it in small bits of time, 5 minutes, not an hour. Another hint – try to remember concepts, not verbatim words) I can still give you advice on the Bar Exam itself, like spend more time practicing than trying to memorize every last rule.
But this Bar Exam is different. The format is different. The anxiety is different.
And I can’t give advice on how to get through this. On how to stay motivated. On how to not cry. On how to keep going when so much is uncertain.
So many of you also have other aspects of your life causing you anxiety. I’m asked how to prioritize the Bar Exam when you are worried about finances, or a loved one’s health, or taking care of a child. I don’t know. I just don’t have the words.
But know that I see you, and while I can’t fully understand what you’re going through, I do know you are going through much more than you should. And while I have no words, and have no advice that has been tried and true, I can offer some thoughts:
- Be kind to yourself. More than usual. I always tell my students this. I try to stress that failure is part of learning, and that you know more than you think you do. But it’s more important than ever to truly remember that.
- Take time for self care. The burn out IS real, and you need to take breaks. And take care of yourself, whatever that means for you.
- The Bar Exam does not define you. If you fail this Bar Exam, or decide not to take this administration, neither of those things define you, or the type of attorney you will be.
Above all else, do what is best for you in these circumstances, and don’t let anyone else judge. I know I can also speak on behalf of all Academic Support Professionals when I say we are thinking of you constantly, and wishing we had the words.
(Melissa Hale)
