Bar Advisor

Wikipedia for Bar Exam Study?

2012-02-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

While I was checking my Twitter account the other day, I saw a tweet stating that the tweeter had been using Wikipedia to help her understand the outlines provided by BarBri.

This person was justifiably upset that she had spent $3,000 but had to resort to using a free resource to understand concepts that should have been explained in the paid materials.

This got me thinking.

Could you study for and pass the bar using just free resources?

Probably.

The first thing to do would be to acquire outlines for your jurisdiction. Use any search engine and try searching Docstoc and Scribed.

(If you are taking the bar in California or Oregon, you can get my old Oregon bar exam outlines and California bar exam outlines for free.)

Then, you would read through the outlines you get, and use Wikipedia to look up concepts you did not understand in the outlines.

I think this might actually work. For example, here is the Wikipedia entry for Torts. It provides a good survey, and even gets into the elements of negligence.

But, it pays short shrift to the intentional torts. So, look up each one individually. For instance, here is IIED and battery (with complete explanations of the elements).

What about Constitutional law? Here is a wiki providing a pretty good explanation of strict scrutiny. At the end of the wiki, are links to entries about all the other levels of scrutiny (i.e., intermediate scrutiny and rational basis).

Free outlines and Wikipedia, combined with extensive practice of MBE questions, essay questions, and performance tests seems like a possible way to pass the bar exam and save a lot of money.

(Here is where you might need to spend a little money, getting books that have practice MBE questions or signing up for an online service like Adaptibar. If you live in a jurisdiction that does not provide sample essay and PT questions on line, you'll need to find a way to get copies of those, such as buy a used Barbri book or order copies from your state's bar association.)

Conclusion

I obviously have not looked into every topic tested on the bar exam, but it certainly appears that the major topics tested on the MBE have sufficient coverage in Wikipedia to enable successful self-study.

Where this free-system could break down is the state-specific areas of testing.

For example, the California bar exam tests community property. The wiki for community property is good, but maybe a bit too generic. On the other hand, there are entries for Van Camp and Pereira accounting, so if you searched around, you might be able to get all the information you need.

If anyone tries this, leave a comment and let us all know how it goes.

Smarter Review: NY Bar Review Program

2012-01-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

For all of you taking the New York bar exam, here is a guest post from Kobelah Bennah of Smarter Review that might be of use to you.

Take it away, Kobelah....

************************************************************************************

Hello to all the February 2012 Bar Exam test takers out there! Below I discuss some interesting statistics gleaned from New York bar passage rates that may ease your mind as you study for the upcoming exam. Although these trends were gathered from New York statistics, I see no reason these statistics wouldn't apply to other exams being given this February.

First, although that passage rates are just generally lower in February than they are in July (often 30% lower in New York!), don't fret. These statistics are not as gloomy as they first appear, especially if you are a first-time test taker! Your chances are much greater if you are a first-time test taker, especially if you are domestically educated. In New York, the passage rates for first time test takers in February are usually 15% to 20% greater than they are for repeat takers. If you were educated at an ABA accredited law school in the United States, your chances also jump up almost 50% higher than the guy sitting near you who was educated elsewhere. Therefore, if you're about to take the February exam and you are nervous because you've never taken the bar exam before, and you've heard the passage rates are atrocious, don't worry. The fact that you're new to this is a good thing!

BUT if you were foreign educated or this is not your first time taking the bar exam - there's hope for you, too! Retakers, your chances of passing increase by how close you were to passing the exam your first time around. If you were just a few points shy of passing in July, you are much more likely to pass this February. Also, if you just took the bar in July 2011, and are re-taking it in February, there is good news! 90% of test-takers who take the exam for the first time in July will pass by February of the next year. Thus, the second time is likely the charm! Finally, there is great news for all you over-achievers out there. Passage rates correlate pretty strongly with law school academic achievement, and the predictability of this factor only increases if you also consider your undergraduate success. Thus, if you were a rockstar in school, you're likely to rock on the bar exam.

Of course, you should not leave your bar exam success up to chance or statistics, but I talk about some of these trends because they eased my mind when I took the New York bar exam in February of last year. Hopefully these trends will ease some pre-test jitters for you, too. If you're like many February test takers, you may be working full-time, looking for a job, or coming from abroad and, in any of the above cases, you aren't coming straight out of law school with bar-ready material fresh in your head. Therefore, you may not have a whole lot of time or, you may not have a whole lot of money, to devote to studying for the bar exam. The best advice I can give you is to find a fast, efficient, focused, affordable, but complete course that can give you what you need (but not a lot more) to pass the bar.

I found my key to pass the bar at www.smarterreview.com. Smarter Review made it possible for me to pass even when I thought I didn't have enough time to study while working full time at a law firm. I felt so strongly about my bar exam experience that I started out as a Smarter Review student and now I'm a co-owner of the company. As a recent test taker, I urge all February test takers to check out Smarter Review. Even if you're not taking the New York exam, Smarter Review can give you the most boiled down, efficient, simple, yet complete MBE preparation out there. That's half the battle. Anyway, check us out, especially if you're overwhelmed or behind using your current study course. It'll make all the difference.

And to all February test takers, good luck!

Kobelah Bennah

Managing Member

Smarter Review LLC

www.smarterreview.com

[Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/victoriapeckham/491273357/]

Advice for Bar Exam Repeaters

2011-11-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

I just discovered a great series of videos posted by Jessie Zaylia, who passed the July 2011 California bar exam on her third attempt. You can get these videos over at her blog by clicking on this link. If you prefer to stay on this blog, I have embedded the videos below.

This first video discusses her approach to MBEs and PT. She mentions her techniques and some study aids.

The second video is all about essays. Again, she discuss her techniques and study aids. She also discusses her awesome "Don't Talk to Me" T-shirt.

The final video is about bar exam test anxiety. She discusses her decision to use anti-anxiety medication to help her study for and pass the bar exam.

Again, here is a link to Jessie's blog.

Performance Test Help

2011-10-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

If you are having trouble with the performance test portion of the bar exam, you might want to check out this sample PT (PDF) that has been annotated by the tutors over at Bar Exam Doctor.

The PT was written for the 2009 California Bar Exam and received a below passing score of 55. The comments generally suggest more incorporation of "buzz words" and remembering to cover all prongs and elements. This is good advice for all jurisdictions that have a performance test element to the bar exam.

If you happen to be studying for the California bar, why not download a copy of the 2009 PT B question and practice a complete response. Then, compare your answer with the model answer provided by the California bar and the 55 answer from Bar Exam Doctor. You will then see more clearly what you need to work on.

Bar Exam Doctor provides some other same PTs on its home page. Click this link and scroll down a bit.

[Photo]

February 2012 Bar Exam -- Quick Start Guide

2011-09-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of each bar exam cycle, I like to re-post a revised and updated version of my Quick Start Guide. This post provides a summary of what I believe are the most important and helpful posts on this blog.

In my opinion, the bar examination is a test that is as much about your state of mind as it is about how much and how well you have studied black letter law. It is my belief that you need to understand yourself and figure out how to remain calm during the preparation and test-taking process. You need to understand the process of diligent preparation for the act of taking the test before you can study appropriately to learn the information needed to pass the bar examination.

Recommended Reading:

I recommend that you read my posts about general mental preparation before you read the posts about studying for particular segments of the bar exam.

First, read my posts on (1) diligence, (2) anticipation of conditions, and (3) stress reduction. I suggest that you digest the contents of these posts for a week or so before reading anything else.

Second, once you have begun to implement the ideas and suggestions contained in these three posts on mental preparedness, read the posts about studying for the discrete segments of the bar examination: (1) MBE study and test tips, (2) essay writing tips, and (3) performance test tips. (Also, if you are taking the Oregon bar exam or the California bar exam, you might want to check out my Oregon bar exam outlines or my California bar exam outlines.)

Third, be sure to read my posts about why practice tests matter and lessons learned from analyzing the reasons someone failed the bar exam. If you are feeling overwhelmed just by reading this "quick start" guide or because you have just started studying for the bar exam, you should read my post about how the feeling of being overwhelmed will subside as you work your way through your bar exam preparations.

Fourth, consider purchasing my strategy guide for how to deal with bar exam stress, anxiety and fear.

Finally, a few weeks before the start date of the bar exam (and before you make your hotel reservations), I suggest you read my post about how to make the actual test-taking experience a successful one.

Thank you for reading and good luck!

[Photos by ricardo.martins and DAEllis.]

Wills and Trusts Checklist

2011-08-11T17:39:00.001-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the wills and trusts checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Torts Checklist

2011-08-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the torts checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Real Property Checklist

2011-08-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the real property checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Federal Taxation Checklist

2011-08-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the federal taxation (income tax) checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Evidence Checklist

2011-08-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the evidence checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Legal Ethics Checklist

2011-08-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the legal ethics checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam. (Note: Legal ethics is referred to as professional responsibility in some jurisdictions.)

Criminal Law Checklist

2011-08-11T17:31:00.001-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the criminal law checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Criminal Procedure Checklist

2011-08-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the criminal procedure checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Corporations Checklist

2011-08-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the corporations checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Contract Law Checklist

2011-08-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the contracts and UCC checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Constitutional Law Checklist

2011-08-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the constitutional law checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Civil Procedure Checklist

2011-08-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the civil procedure checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Agency Checklist

2011-08-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the agency checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Administrative Law Checklist

2011-08-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the administrative law checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

Secured Transactions Checklist

2011-08-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

I have posted my bar exam checklists before (scroll down a bit after clicking the link), but thought it might be helpful for people googling for specific checklists to post them individually.

Here is the secured transactions checklist I prepared when I took the Oregon bar exam.

How to cram for the bar exam

2011-07-31T05:23:00.000-07:00

Two week bar exam cramming schedule:

[CAVEAT: You should not put off studying for the bar exam until the last minute. If you do, the odds of passing plummet to very low levels. However, if you do need to cram, try the following techniques; they will probably help. This schedule assumes you have only 14 days to study for the bar exam.

Cramming for the bar exam will be very stressful. Be sure to incorporate positive visualization and affirmations at the beginning and end of each day. Try to stop studying at least two hours before your bedtime so that you can “turn off” your bar exam brain and get some good, restorative sleep.]

Day One: get copies of subject outlines for your jurisdiction’s bar exam. These can be outlines prepared by a professional bar prep service (such as BarBri) or outlines made by a sympathetic friend who has been studying for the bar exam for the past few weeks. Skim all of the outlines in 2 hours or less. You have just reviewed all the subject matter in 2 hours. Next, go back through each outline with a yellow highlighter. Highlight all tests, elements or torts and crimes, and multi-part definitions. The idea is that you are highlighting what you will put on your flashcards.

Day Two: enlist someone to make flashcards for you. You may have to pay them. Show them how to translate your highlighting into flashcards. While this person is making flashcards, read through the outlines for the subjects you find most confusing. Try to understand them as well as possible by the end of the day.

Day Three: if your flashcards are ready, review them all day long. Review by subject If they are not ready, start writing flashcards. They must be completed by the end of the day.

Day Four: get copies of practice essay exams and at least some sample answers. Read at least three questions and answers for each subject area. If you can’t get enough samples from your own jurisdiction, go to the California bar’s website and read through past sample questions and answers. The idea with step four is simply to see what issues and fact patterns can get tested. Make note of anything that you see tested repeatedly and be sure to learn those areas well.

Day Five: get copies of practice performance tests. Read though at least three performance test packages and answers. Again, if you can’t find these for your jurisdiction, read those available on the California bar site. Just be aware that most jurisdictions only have a 90 minute performance test, whereas California has 3 hours. So if you are outside of California, your answers won’t have to be quite as detailed. Practice writing one performance test.

Day Six: spend a day reviewing flashcards. Review by subject. Give you brain a chance to learn related topics.

Day Seven: get a hold of MBE questions. If you can’t find a used PMBR or BarBri book, pay the $300 to use Adaptibar or something similar. You could also buy BarMax’s MBE App if you have an iPhone or an iPod. Spend three hours doing a simulated test, and then three hours understanding all the answers you got wrong.

Day Eight: review all flashcards for non-MBE subjects. Review all day long. Consult outlines if you need clarification or additional information about any issue. Stop after 10 hours.

Day Nine: pick four non-MBE essay topics at random; make sure you have sample answers to the questions you choose. Write practice essays under timed conditions. Compare your answers to the samples. Figure out why you left out what you did. Take the rest of the day off.

Day Ten: review MBE subject flashcards all morning. After lunch, do 25 MBE questions for each subject as follows: Do 25 questions, review answers, understand what you missed. Move on to next subject. After you have gone through all 6 subjects, quit for the day.

Day Eleven: read through all outlines again. Try to pick up on any nuances you missed when reading through them on Day One. Review flashcards if you have any extra time.

Day Twelve: do a practice MBE test of 100 questions under timed conditions (i.e., complete the test in 3 hours or less). Review any missed answers. Review MBE flashcards for the rest of the day.

Day Thirteen: review flashcards for all subjects for half the day. Read through essay questions and outline, but don’t write answers. Compare outlines with sample answers to see if you failed to spot any issues. Figure out why you didn’t spot the issues; don’t miss them anymore.

Day Fourteen: determine the 5 main sub-areas that are the most difficult for you (e.g., subject matter jurisdiction, specific intent crimes, hearsay exceptions, etc) and focus on learning those areas. Stop studying at 5:00pm and try to relax.

Day Fifteen: Take the Bar Exam.

[Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kev_ksquared/5571696875/]

More Bar Exam Test Day Tips

2011-06-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

Elsewhere on this blog, I wrote my list of bar exam test day tips. I think the tips are useful, but one anonymous commenter called that post: "Quite possibly the worst advice I've ever read regarding how to take a bar examination."

So, just in case you agree with him/her, I have compiled a list of resources below containing bar exam test day tips:

Top 20 Bar Exam Day Tips from IPassedMyBarExam
The final 5 tips on this list from Lawyerist are about test day.
This post is written in a tongue-in-cheek style, but has some good bar exam test day tips.
Here is a series of postings at All4JDs that has some good thoughts. (Moral of these posts: do what seems best for you.)
Another list of test day tips, though tragically written in italic font.
The second half of this post from Ms. JD has some general test day advice. And another good post from Ms. JD.
This post contains both test day tips and general advice. (Note: for some reason this site plays an electronic version of "Wipeout" in the background. Put speakers on mute before clicking link.)

[Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wurzle/659315/]

Editable Oregon Bar Exam Outlines

2011-06-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

I provide my Oregon bar outlines and checklists in PDF free of charge. Click here to be taken to the free PDF Oregon bar outlines and checklists.

These free PDFs are great, but maybe you want some more control?

Maybe you want to have pre-typed outlines based on BarBri lectures that you can modify as you study for the bar?

Maybe your brain works a little differently than mind did and you want to rearrange the contents of the PDF outlines?

For only $17, you can buy these outlines in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

But $17 buys you a lot more than just outlines. You also get:

A copy of my Oregon bar checklists/attack sheets (in Word format) and
A PDF copy of my book Bar Exam Mind: An strategy guide for an anxiety-free bar exam.

The book alone is a $15-value, filled with powerful tips and strategies to help you stay calm and focus on what matters: Passing the bar exam.

Here is what one Amazon reviewer said about the book: The techniques in the book teach you to be calm, confident, and take away so much of the debilitating anxiety that comes with bar studying.

A July 2011 California bar passer sent me an email before the bar exam to tell me: I purchased your book and read it last night. I already feel relief. I am starting to employ some of your techniques starting today and I am very excited and motivated to get my mind back on track. I just thought you might enjoy hearing how your efforts are truly appreciated. Thank you!

Secure Order Form

Yes! I want Editable Outlines!

I understand that I’ll receive:

All Oregon Outlines in Word format for easy editing
FREE Oregon Bar Checklists/Attack sheets
FREE Bonus PDF of Bar Exam Mind: A strategy guide for an anxiety-free bar exam (a $15 value)

Just $17 right now.

Need to review your shopping cart? View Cart here.

Editable California Bar Exam Outlines

2011-06-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

I provide PDF versions of my California bar exam outlines for free to anyone who wants them. Click here to be taken to the free outlines.

The FREE PDFs are great, but maybe you want some more control?

Maybe you want to have pre-typed outlines based on BarBri lectures that you can modify as you study for the bar?

Maybe your brain works a little differently than mind did and you want to rearrange the contents of the PDF outlines?

For only $17, you can buy these outlines in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

But $17 buys you a lot more than just outlines. You also get:

A copy of my MBE checklists/attack sheets (in Word format) and
A PDF copy of my book Bar Exam Mind: An strategy guide for an anxiety-free bar exam.

Secure Order Form

Yes! I want Editable Outlines!

I understand that I’ll receive:

All California Outlines in Word format for easy editing
FREE MBE Checklists/Attack sheets to help with MBE review
FREE Bonus copy of Bar Exam Mind: A strategy guide for an anxiety-free bar exam (a $15 value)

Just $17 right now.

Need to review your shopping cart? View cart here.

Online Bar Exam Flashcards

2011-05-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago, I learned about Flashcarddb.com. It provides an easy way to make online flashcards that you can access whenever you want. You can also search the existing database of bar exam flashcards and practice with any of them. When you practice with the cards, the site keep statistics tracking how well you are doing.

While I think it is better to make your own flashcards, if you can find a well-crafted set of flashcards at Flashcarddb.com, it could save you a lot of time. And, if you are comfortable reviewing flashcards on a computer, you don't have to lug around pounds of cumbersome index cards.

Here is a sample of cards available for the bar exam (sorry, the embed link would not let me shrink the window to fit fully in this column):

CA Bar Exam flashcards from sethreagan on FlashcardDB.
.