This is the season again. As the Bar Exam approaches, many students find themselves about to jump into their bar preparation. This is a critical period which requires strategic planning to ensure a confident and successful performance on the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). In this post, we will explore some of the essential steps that you can take during this timeframe to optimize your preparation and maximize your chances of passing the Bar Exam. Here is what to do two months before the Bar Exam.
What is the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE)?
The UBE is the standardized exam that has been adopted in 40 (and counting) jurisdictions. The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) administers the exam. It has three parts: the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). The Uniform Bar Exam allows you to transfer scores within a certain amount of time from one UBE jurisdiction to another. It was developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) to promote uniformity and portability of bar examination scores.
One of the advantages of the UBE is that the subjects tested are consistent across jurisdictions, which allows for the use of the same study materials regardless of where you take the exam. The core subjects, including constitutional law, contracts, criminal law and procedure, evidence, real property, and torts, are universally tested on the UBE. This means that the foundational knowledge and principles required for success are applicable regardless of the jurisdiction. Study materials such as textbooks, outlines, and online resources cover these core subjects comprehensively, enabling candidates to access a wide range of materials that are relevant and valuable for UBE preparation regardless of the specific jurisdiction. This uniformity ensures that candidates can focus their efforts on mastering the fundamental legal concepts and applying them effectively on the exam. Before diving into your bar exam preparation, there are several key steps to take.
What to Do Two Months Before the Bar Exam?
As you embark on this journey, it’s essential to understand the key steps involved in effective bar exam preparation. From familiarizing yourself with the exam structure to creating a study plan, here are some essential steps you can take to optimize your preparation.
(1) Review and Consolidate
The two-month mark is an ideal time to consolidate your knowledge and review the key subjects tested on the UBE. Take stock of your study materials, class notes, and outlines, ensuring that you have a comprehensive grasp of the foundational principles in each subject area. Focus on understanding the highly tested topics and subtopics while paying attention to any recent changes if any.
(2) Create a Study Schedule
Develop a detailed study schedule that outlines your daily tasks, allocating sufficient time for each subject and skill area. Divide your study sessions into manageable chunks, incorporating active learning techniques such as practicing with sample questions, reviewing essays, and engaging in mock exams. Be sure to include regular breaks to maintain focus and prevent burnout.
(3) Practice, Practice, Practice
Devote a significant portion of your study time to practice questions and simulated exams. Utilize past UBE questions, sample essays, and Multistate Performance Test (MPT) materials to become familiar with the format, time constraints, and question types. Practice under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment and improve your speed and accuracy. Your Bar Preparation should be focused on Practice & Memorization, not on spending time drafting outlines from scratch. If time is an issue, check out our Bar Exam Materials, specifically prepared for law students by attorneys who passed the bar exam in the top percentile. Our materials are designed to save you time and money, while guiding you through your preparation.
(4) Develop Exam Strategies
Spend time honing your exam strategies and techniques. Familiarize yourself with the instructions and formatting of the UBE, including the MPT, Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and Multistate Bar Examination (MBE). Understand the scoring rubrics and prioritize efficient time management during the exam to ensure you can tackle all questions effectively. The Bar Exam is not necessarily about knowing everything, it is about knowing how you are tested.
(5) Seek Feedback
Take advantage of opportunities to receive feedback on your performance. Engage with professors, academic support programs, or bar review courses to submit practice essays, MPTs, or MBE sets for evaluation. Feedback from experienced professionals can help you identify areas of improvement and refine your approach.
(6) Simulate Real Exam Conditions
Approximately one month before the UBE, simulate the actual exam day conditions. Choose a day to replicate the exam schedule, wake up early, follow the exam time limits, and practice the complete exam sequence. This exercise will familiarize you with the physical and mental demands of the actual exam and allow you to make necessary adjustments to your preparation.
(7) Join a Study Group
Consider forming or joining a study group with fellow law students preparing for the UBE. Collaborating with peers can provide valuable support, facilitate discussion, and enable you to learn from different perspectives. However, ensure that the group remains focused and productive, and allocate sufficient individual study time.
(8) Create a Supportive Environment
Establish a conducive study environment that minimizes distractions and promotes productivity. Find a quiet space with good lighting, comfortable seating, and the necessary resources at hand. Inform your friends and family about your study commitments, seeking their support and understanding during this intense period. In addition, prepare your schedule: for example, make arrangements for childcare, inform your employer about your study commitments, and handle any personal responsibilities or commitments that may distract you during your study period.
(9) Take Care of Your Well-being
Prioritize self-care throughout the bar exam preparation period. Ensure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and getting sufficient sleep. Engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or hobbies to help manage anxiety and maintain a balanced mindset.
(10) Set Realistic Expectations
Understand that preparing for the bar exam is a demanding and intensive process. Set realistic expectations for yourself, acknowledging that it will require dedication, discipline, and consistent effort. Be prepared for the ups and downs of the journey, and maintain a positive mindset to stay motivated.
Conclusion
By taking these steps prior to starting your bar exam preparation, you will lay a strong foundation for a focused and productive study period. Remember to stay organized, seek support when needed, and maintain a healthy work-life balance to optimize your chances of success. And remember: we are here for you! Check our materials; send us emails; comment, etc. You are not alone!
