Bar preparation is in the stretch run. Everyone is turning the corner and trying to finish strong. The goal is to keep up the pace for another week to maximize points on the exam. Understanding the law is important, but the bar exam is as much a test of mental freshness as it is knowledge of the law. Make sure to plan for the next week to be as fresh as possible walking into the exam.
Unfortunately, for a certain percentage of the population, every point matters. I see a decent amount of scores within only a handful of MBE questions of the pass line each administration. Every choice makes a difference. Intentionally make choices for the next week that set you up for success.
Cramming all night, studying while tired, and getting hungry while practicing can all affect performance on an exam. Studying during the wrong time of day or studying while tired decreases cognitive function. The best advice is to get on the same schedule as the bar exam. If you haven’t already, start studying at least 30-45 minutes prior to when the exam will start. You don’t want your brain to start working on essay 2 or 3. Get all the points possible from the start.
Start eating and resting during the same times as the exam. Bodies tend to get on cycles. People like eating near the same time every day. Think about the day that you eat just a few minutes later than normal. Stomachs start to rumble and are distracting. On one of the most important tests in your career, don’t let your stomach get in the way of answering questions correct. Get your body ready for the normal eating cycle. For example, Oklahoma’s essay section starts at 8. Students receive 4 essays with 2 hours to complete them. At the end of 2 hours, there is a break. A similar schedule proceeds throughout the day, with a lunch break in the middle. I tell students to be mentally ready to study by 7:30, eat any quick snack around 10:05, be ready for lunch around 12:15, have another snack at 3:35, and they will finish around 5:45.
Be ready for exam day is important. However, anything that could go wrong, may go wrong on exam day. If you get hungry all of a sudden, be ready with whatever your bar examiners allow in the room. Oklahoma’s essay day schedule is nothing like the MBE schedule, so students adapt a little on day 2 with snacks during the exam. Having a backup plan is always helpful.
The bar exam will be as much a test of mental endurance as it will be knowledge of the law. The best way to be mentally ready for the endeavor is to specifically plan how the day will go and start building study days to mirror exam day. Preparing nearly every detail will put you in the best position for success. Good luck on the exam!
(Steven Foster)
