Bar Exam Around the Corner

I know the bar exam is around the corner for many of you. Execute on the plan you have. Do not do anything desperate trying to find the golden key. The search will not yield anything useful at this point. No new materials. It is too confusing for your brain.

It is normal to feel that you don't have everything down. But, you know more than you think. You should have a list of weaknesses and areas that you need to go over. However, do not solely study those areas. Take the time to solidify even more the areas you excel in. That will give you the confidence you need to succeed, even when you get the stumper question. You need to concentrate on confidence building activities.

I am almost hesitant to touch on this but will anyway. Some experts say this is the time to memorize. My memorization method and goal is a little different than the rout memorization that the many advocate (the Barbri herd mentality). I don't necessarily memorize rules verbatim - I memorize in elements. However, if this is your chosen way to memorize, go for it. Experts says to memorize in blocks of 20 words or less. Checklists, short approaches, mnemonics etc. are great. Give yourself a break if you can't remember all of the elements, or all of the words of the rule. You will remember enough to help you write the essay. Just remember that the out of the facts, the issue arises and then perhaps those facts will help you find that missing element. Don't panic. Just work through it.

Be familiar enough with issue clusters just so you can recall which issues are commonly seen together in certain fact patterns. This is partially accomplished by reviewing many essays. Steven Harris has two great books which includes an essay review method that is growing in popularity. I highly recommend it. The two books are Winnin' Time and The Trigger List. February bar takers should look into the two books. Email Steven at calweasel@sbcglobal.net mentioning the repeater blog and ask if there is a combo price still. He'll email you back with instructions and the price if available.

Also have a plan as to what you will do when you are stumped, freeze, go blank etc. Plan on it happening at least once. Have your plan in place so you will know how to get yourself out of it and write a passing answer on that essay. So, here's some advice from what I have read in the past. Make up the rules if you have to. No, not totally fabricating a rule out of the blue. Use your law school education to make up one close the sounds plausible. Remember that the points are in the analysis not the rule, so sound like a lawyer. I have spent too much time agonizing over the rules on the essays in the past to the detriment of the analysis leading to my score coming rather than my bar card . Don't make the same mistake. I don't have Esq on the end of my name because of it.

Do isolate yourself from negative people at this time. You don't need it. But, do go for a walk and get some fresh air and exercise. Mary Gallagher recommends an hour a day of strenuous exercise but this is not the time to start if you are not doing it regularly at this time.

If you do need support and you are a repeater, feel free to check out the California Bar Exam Repeaters Yahoo Group. There are supportive members and mentors ready to help.