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Podcast Episode 57: Using Mindfulness Techniques in Your Bar Exam Preparation

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Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Mindfulness is a common buzz word these days, but the reason it’s so popular is that, for a lot of people, it really works. Today, we’re discussing various mindfulness techniques to help you stay calm and collected while preparing for the bar exam, and beyond.

In this episode we discuss:

  • How Alison and Lee got introduced to mindfulness
  • Why should you give mindfulness a try?
  • Common exercises that can help with forgiveness, procrastination, worry, anxiety, and sleep
  • Different apps and courses to guide you in getting started with mindfulness
  • How long does it take to create a new habit?

Thanks for listening!
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Podcast Episode 56: What Are the Bar Graders Looking For?

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Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we’re discussing the specific things bar graders are looking for as they are going through stacks of student answers in a limited amount of time.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Making each important issue stand out so it’s easy to spot since the bar grader is reading your answer quickly
  • Using the facts given in the question precisely
  • Not focusing on extra law that you know, since it won’t bring you more points
  • The pitfall of circular reasoning
  • Using IRAC and CRAC where appropriate, as well as headers and clear paragraphs to give structure to your writing
  • How bar graders can tell if you were panicking, running out of time, or planning as you wrote
  • Practicing and getting feedback so you can get used to how the exam is graded

Thanks for listening!
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Podcast Episode 55: Using the Final Weekend of Bar Prep Effectively

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Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Studying for the bar exam is like a marathon — you need to taper off your training in the final days so you can rest and restore energy. Today we are going through things to do during your final weekend of bar prep.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Setting up your routine to match that of exam day, so your body can adjust
  • The importance of studying in the 3 or 3.5-hour blocks you will be doing the testing in
  • Going to the exam site to figure out how long the commute will take you
  • Spending some time on your weak areas of heavily-tested law
  • Making sure you have all your registration materials and other stuff you’re going to take into the exam room ready
  • Finding a way to distract yourself and clear your head the Monday before the exam

Thanks for listening!
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Podcast Episode 54: Last-Minute Tips for the Performance Test

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Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we are sharing some last-minute tips to help you squeeze out as many points as you can from the performance test portion of the bar exam.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The four different types of PT tasks, and their characteristics
  • How to think about the audience, tone, and organization for each of the task types
  • The difference between the IRAC and CREAC writing approaches
  • Tips for reading and interpreting the materials provided in the PT packet
  • A reminder to carefully read and follow the directions given on the performance test, so you are not losing easy points

Thanks for listening!
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Podcast Episode 53: What to Do if Your Jurisdiction is Adopting the UBE

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Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! As we are seeing more and more jurisdictions switch to the UBE instead of a state-specific bar exam, many bar takers are being put in the position of taking a new bar exam, even if they are repeat takers. So, what does this mean for folks taking the UBE for the first time?

In this episode we discuss:

  • Is it a good thing if your jurisdiction is switching to the Uniform Bar Examination?
  • Resources where you can learn more about the UBE
  • The importance of finding out what is the same and what is different in the UBE and state-specific exams, and building on the knowledge you already have
  • How to do focused practice and get feedback on your writing style
  • Should you forum shop?

Thanks for listening!
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Podcast Episode 52: Avoiding Burnout While Studying for the Bar Exam

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Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we’re talking about how to avoid burnout while studying for the bar exam, and what to do if you feel that you’re already burned out.

In this episode we discuss:

  • What are the signs and symptoms of burnout?
  • The negative effects burnout can have on your bar prep, and sometimes your health
  • Why are so many bar studiers burned out?
  • Tips for avoiding mental exhaustion
  • How to get back on track if you are burned out

Thanks for listening!
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