Top 5 Mistakes on Bar Prep to avoid in order to succeed on the Bar Exam.
The Bar Exam is getting closer and by now you should start to feel confident. Your score has improved and you study more efficiently. However, as you are getting used to Bar Prep, here’s a few mistake you should avoid to in order to succeed on the Bar Exam.
1. Focusing your time on what you already know
It is easier to focus on what you are comfortable with, but you should look at what you don’t know yet. A lot of students practice essays that tests an area of the law where they feel the strongest, but it is probably just wasting your time.
First of all, re-reading your outline is a waste of time. You don’t have to read your full outline everyday if you feel you already know the topic. It is a poor way to remember it, instead you should go straight to the point you haven’t understood yet. What if instead of re-reading your notes, you ‘d recite the points by heart?
Secondly, don’t spend too much time on practice if you know the answers. Practice the areas that you don’t understand and take note of all of your mistakes. Then review these notes until you know it.
Confront your weaknesses, it might take more time and drain more energy but this will ultimately help you more efficiently.
2. Relying on essay predictions
Every year it becomes a game to guess what topics will be tested on the essay section of the Bar Exam. It might be attractive to rely on MEE predictions, but if you rely too much on these predictions you might get some bad surprises on the exam.
These predictions aren’t always accurate and every year there is at least one essay that surprise everyone. In sum, you should cover every topic no matter what.
3. Making major decisions or Life Changes during Bar Prep
We all find a way to escape Bar Prep. Some students apply for jobs, others prepare their vacation and some even start a new activity during Bar Prep. There’s no doubt that the preparation to the bar exam is exhausting but it really should get your full attention.
First of all, don’t make big decisions during Bar Prep: it is not a great time to make decision. You are under pressure and you might even have regrets, but most of all, it will take you away from your Bar Prep.
We’re not saying that it is bad to do new things during your Bar Prep, but remember your goals and stick to your Bar Prep schedule.
4. Downplaying the test
“It’s ok, I’ll do better on the next test session” – sure but what will you do to change your score? If you scored poorly at a test session, you must learn from your mistakes and change the way you do things. What did I do wrong? Was I tired on the test? Problem of memorization? Find out and change what is not working for you.
Moreover, you’d be wrong to think that the MPT is not an important part of the Bar Exam. Things never go as expected and you should be prepared in case of surprises. If you failed on the MPT, you should definitely practice more, rather to think that it’d be fine on the exam.
5. Freaking out
You look at all the assignments left on your Bar Prep and you feel completely overwhelmed. The Bar Exam is massive, but now is not the time to watch some random cat videos.
Everything will be over soon, so take a big breath a go back at it. Take it easy, break your day into sessions and focus your thoughts on learning rather than on failing. There’s tips to study more efficiently or to survive Bar Prep altogether.
If you are still freaking out and want to boost your performance on the Bar Exam, consider a Tutor! Feel free to reach out to us to discuss how we can help you.
Conclusion
That was our Top 5 Mistakes on Bar Prep to avoid. Now, don’t panic. You still have time before the D-Day and remember that you are not alone. If you score doesn’t improve, ask yourself what you are doing wrong. It is not too late to change your habits and suceed on the Bar Exam!
Ultimately, we are here to help. We offer competitive outlines that gather your Bar Prep course, textbooks and other materials into a single outline. Find out about our Essay Attack Sheets which are pre-established rules and issues to be applied to your essays! Save some time and memorize them! Finally, we know the Bar Exam, simply contact us with any question and we’ll make sure to help you!
