The bar exam is next week and bar studiers are experiencing a variety of emotions. Please keep in mind that you worked hard in the weeks and days leading-up to this point. Now, it is time to take care of yourself so you can perform at an optimal level.
Rest. Sleep is a tool to help you feel refreshed for the exam ahead and to help improve your memory. With sleep, you can strengthen memories and skills you practiced while awake. Memories of incorrect answers to essay or MBE questions become memorable fact patterns.
In the alternative, do something else you find relaxing such as watching a movie or your favorite TV show, meeting-up with a non-law school friend for lunch or an activity, or just lounge around. Remind yourself that you have put in a lot of work and it is okay to rest a little.
Prepare. If you are flying or driving to the location of your exam, pack your belongings and pack your car early. Ensure that you have the essential items but also consider packing one or two things that bring you comfort.
Map-out your route to the testing site and determine how much time to allow but also consider alternative routes.
Layer your clothing in such a way that you can adjust to changes in temperature (extreme cold and extreme heat) throughout the testing period.
Have cash on hand as you might need it for parking, lunch, or other emergencies. Have a plan for where you will have lunch.
Have a plan for how you will address stress, anxiety, and stay focused prior to the exam, during the exam, and after the exam. Think of how you will refresh for the next day.
Visualize yourself sitting at the table, taking the bar exam, and passing the bar exam.
Meet the challenge. This is an exam you are likely to feel unprepared for regardless of how much time and effort you devoted to the process. Trust your process and your intelligence. You are capable of reading and following directions so you know what to do. You have completed hundreds of practice questions so you can do it. You have compartmentalized and organized information in a number of ways so you can retrieve information.
You own and only have control over your experience so stop comparing yourself to others. Be optimistic! Stay forward looking! You have the Academic Support and Bar Preparation educator(s) at your law school cheering you on. You can do it, truly. (Goldie Pritchard)
