How hard is the bar exam to become a lawyer ?

Hi Matthew,

The bar exam is pretty challenging. I, along with everyone else I know who is now practicing law, spent the whole summer after law school studying for it because it covers so many subjects. Studying and passing the bar is very feasible but you have to study a lot for it so you know how to answer the questions. I think pretty much every state has a multiple choice examination (the MBE) and an essay portion ( where you have to write multiple short essays). I know that Texas also has a short answer section as well. I think the vast majority of states, including New York, have bar exams that last for two days. Texas, California, and I think Utah have bars that last for 2.5-3 days. Since all the exams last for so long you have to know the correct answers (as best as you can remember) and how to pace yourself so your mind does not get tired during the exam. Just like any other test you take you will definitely want to take lots of practice exams. You will also want to invest in other books called supplements to help you grasp legal concepts.

While the bar exam is challenging just know that if you work hard you can definitely pass the bar and become a licensed lawyer in whichever state(s) you wish to practice. Do not feel overwhelmed and intimidated by all of this. Just continue to believe in yourself and know that you can pass the bar exam if you decide you want to be a lawyer.

Hi - I agree with the above. I studied the summer before for my bar exam (California). No matter how you study, whether indepedent or with an agency like Barbri, you need to have a plan and be a bit structured since there is so much material to cover.

Part of the prep is studying and understanding the material, but I think the mental preparation is almost as important. It is a lot to take a 2 or 3 day test, so part of the preparation is preparing yourself to get through that. It can be very stressful just thinking about sitting in a room and taking a test for that long. People tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves. The trick is to learn to ignore that kind of thing and just focus on taking the test itself. It's also to remember (and this is the best advice I got while studying for the bar) that you aren't trying to get a perfect score, just pass.

You will need to focus on stress and time management. In order to manage stress you have to manage your time wisely. <span style="background-color: transparent;">You have to set a routine for yourself and stick to it for the most part. Once you get into the groove of a routine it will be much easier for you to manage your time and have enough time for everything you need to do (including relaxing). Make yourself to-do lists on a weekly basis, use Google calendar or a planner to keep track of events, deadlines, and due dates. In addition to setting a routine and sticking to it, plan out relaxing activities into your day. Or set aside a time, after everything is done for the day, that you can have "me" time. I have also personally found it essential to not only find time for myself but also make use of that time in a way that is best for me and my holistic wellness. I have found the HeadSpace app to be an essential tool in helping me relax and generally feel more relaxed throughout the day, Guided meditation, even if you have a busy schedule, will make you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the day as a whole (not just when you have the time to relax and focus on that "me" time).</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Set a routine.Use Google Calendar.Set aside Me TimeWrite weekly to-do lists and use a planner.Find a peaceful and restful activity that will help you feel relaxed.</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Here is how to be successful in them:</span>

1. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Stay on track - do assignments early, finish things a head of time, and be aware of all of your deadlines</span>
2. <span style="background-color: transparent;">do all the the assignments and read all of the coursework required- do not cut corners</span>
3. <span style="background-color: transparent;">use Google calendar to keep track of deadlines</span>
4. <span style="background-color: transparent;">communicate with your professor early if something comes up</span>
5. <span style="background-color: transparent;">do not be afraid to ask for an extension if you need one</span>
6. <span style="background-color: transparent;">study, and study a lot! you don't have regular class sessions so you will need to put in more work at home.</span>
7. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Do your best and genuinely try hard to give it your all.</span>

The best way to score high on the test is to Google search an online program or book that will help you study. Once you find an online lesson plan for success you can use it as a road map for studying. Otherwise, find a book to help you study and spend 45 mins a night reading through it and studying. Depending on when you test is, the first thing you will want to do is organize a studying schedule for yourself. Target studying certain sections of the test and divide them up by the weeks/months you have until you have to take it.