The Bar is what it is and we can debate its ability to assess us, but at the end of the day it’s the hurdle we all have to overcome to be called a lawyer. Here are the things you can control to better your chances of overcoming the hurdle. What you can do as… Continue reading Advice from a 2018 Grad: Essays Are Studying!
With every new, doomsaying headline about the California Bar Exam, it’s only natural to think—as I did—“Can anyone pass?” The answer is yes. I graduated in May 2018 and passed the July 2018 exam, and learned the following lessons along the way. Remember what works for you. I used a big-box bar review program. I… Continue reading Advice from a 2018 Grad – Remember What Works for You and Have a Plan
On November 18, 2016 at 6:00pm, my entire plan for my law school education and career came to a screeching halt. I typed the numbers in once…and the name was not on the pass list. I tried it with leading zeroes…and the name was still not on the pass list. After a few different combinations,… Continue reading Shar Giridharadas – Class of 2016 – Practice
Tips for Passing the Bar: (1) Build substantial breaks into your study schedule to prevent burn out Many people who have taken and passed the California bar will tell you that building a study schedule and keeping to it is key to ensuring that you complete your course work, build the essential skills required to… Continue reading Jennifer Hom Chen – Class of 2016 – Reach Out to Mentors, Family, and Alumni
I made a few good decisions during law school that helped me succeed on the bar exam on my first try. I reached out for help early and often, especially when it came to legal writing and analysis. My first year, I constantly asked for feedback even when I did well. After my first year… Continue reading Christine Doelling – Class of 2016 – Eliminate Distractions
My name is Yue Liu. I graduated in May 2015. English is not my native language. I took the California Bar Exam in July 2015, February 2016, and finally July 2016, a few days before my US visa expired. I took the bar exam three times and passed on the third attempt. The process of… Continue reading Yue Liu – Class of 2015 – Valuable Lessons
I tend to be a bit random in my thinking, so below is a list of factors I found important in my Bar preparation: NUTRITION: I experimented with different breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to figure out what would maximize my ability to focus and concentrate. Also, I wanted to avoid food coma or unnecessary sugar/insulin… Continue reading Robert Im – Class of 2014 – Take a Mental Refresh
1) I think the best advice I can give is that if you are successful in law school, you should continue doing the things that made you successful. So, for example, if you are someone that makes your own outlines to study for finals, then you should do the same during bar prep instead of just relying on… Continue reading Deepa Sharma – Class of 2016 – Memorization
The best advice that I can offer future California Bar takers is: 1) take as many Bar classes as possible, 2) take a commercial Bar Exam preparation course, and 3) study every day during the summer before the bar exam First, I would recommend taking as many Bar classes as possible while in law school. You… Continue reading Kristin Williams – Class of 2016 – Study Every Day and Take Bar Courses
Take Advantage of Free Resources During law school I developed stress management techniques that I feel reduced my anxiety and enhanced my test taking abilities. Attending the meditation group and free yoga classes at school helped me to develop the stress management techniques. Do What Feels Right Because law school is so expensive, taking the… Continue reading Paris Strachan – Class of 2016 – Self Care