July is here and panic has set in because the bar exam is fast approaching. What can you do with the time you have remaining to maximize your preparation? Below are a few last minute suggestions from former bar studiers.
Memorizing the Law. Time is of the essence so big picture organization should be your focus. Create a one to two page outline of each subject area with at the most three levels of headings and memorize that information. It makes the information manageable and you can build from there. You can use the information as a checklist to ensure that you are considering all aspects of a subject area and it could serve as a tool to quiz yourself. You can rely on your recall of mistakes on MBE or essay questions to ensure that you revisit nuances and recall specific information.
Exam Time Management. Practice in 3 hour increments. Alternate between morning hours and afternoon hours and practice in the format of your exam. You can use assignments you have yet to complete if you do not have time to use supplemental materials. Determine how much time you will spend reading and outlining your essay answers and how much time you need to write your answers. You can note the time when you will start each essay question on scratch paper or at the top of each essay question to stay on task. How will you monitor your completion of MBE questions? Will you note ¼ of time and ensure that you have completed ¼ of the questions and so on?
Reviewing Subjects. Prioritize how you will review information. Chronological order might not be the most effective and efficient use of time. You might want to identify areas of most concern under each subject area and start there. You might also want to group subjects that go together or could be tested together.
The Last Two Weeks. Create a plan; make a schedule for the days leading up to the exam. What, specifically, are you going to do on each day? What materials do you need to put together for test day? What materials are not permitted in the exam room? Plan to be awake and study during the times you need to be awake and alert on exam day. Consider whether you need to regulate your fluid intake. Adopt a plan and stick to it. (Goldie Pritchard)
