Everyone’s favorite topic: the bar exam, the greatest two-day exam ever! But really, the most dreaded exam that every law student suffers through in order to put that “Esq.” at the end of their name. Basically, everyone’s least favorite topic to talk about but most important thing to think about. Although law students want to avoid worrying about the bar exam, it is the eventual conclusion of you law school journey, and it is important to consider, especially in your last year of law school. However, law school is this insane time in your life with all of the classes, preparation, studying, and exams. So what is a law student to do? Do you work hard at preparing early? Or is it okay to start late and catch-up later? This is the tale of the two law students and what the difference is in preparing for the exam.
Meet the Law Students!
Student A
The first law student is Student A (SA). This person takes her studies seriously and has been thinking about the bar since 1L year. She wants to prepare early for the bar exam so that she is not overwhelmed at the end of the semester.
Student B
The other law student is Student B (SB). This person also takes her studies seriously but has had a lot going on and has been very busy during law school. Although she doesn’t want to be overwhelmed, it is likely she will not begin preparing for the bar until after graduation.
Taking Bar Exam Electives
Student A
SA researched what topics are on the bar exam in the state she is planning on practicing in. In he 2L and 3L years, SA took a few classes of his choosing and filled the rest of the years with bar exam electives to help prepare early.
Student B
SB hasn’t decided what state to take the bar exam in yet. SB took some general bar exam electives but wanted to take some other courses that interested her.
Signing up for a Bar Prep Course
Student A
SA looked at all of the bar prep companies that were at her law school, looked at online resources and companies, and researched what the pros and cons were to each course. SA signed up for a bar prep course and tutoring at the beginning of 2L year.
Student B
SB hasn’t decided what state to take the bar exam in yet. SB took some general bar exam electives but wanted to take some other courses that interested her.
MPRE
Student A
SA knew about the MPRE and took a prep course to prepare for the exam. She wanted to get the MPRE out of the way so she took it in the summer before 3L year.
Student B
SB found out about the MPRE during her Professional Responsibility class. Since SB was working during the summer, she planned on taking the MPRE in August after the bar exam.
Getting Character and Fitness Examination and Bar Application Information Together
Student A
SA read what was required to disclose to the law school during her 1L year and reported any important information. SA began compiling her information for the bar exam throughout law school so that it would be easier to complete the application and character and fitness exam.
Student B
SB did not realize that the bar application was so lengthy and time-consuming so figured that completing it after graduation would not be a big deal. However, SB was rushed for time when she realized information reported to the law school was incorrect and had to fix it before submitting her application and character and fitness exam portion of the process.
Taking the Bar Prep Course/Studying After Graduation
Student A
Since SA signed-up early, she began preparing during her 3L year to refresh her memory. She also began to prepare early and stayed on top of her lesson plans. SA completed all of the required and recommended tasks in her bar prep course and feels prepared for the bar exam.
Student B
SB scrambled to find a good deal on a bar prep course but finally decided to sign-up for one and paid on time. However, SB was also working after graduation and struggled to stay on top of the bar prep course study schedule. SB had to cram the last few weeks before the exam and pulled numerous all-nighters.
The Day(s) of the Test
Student A
SA looked at the rules and procedures of the testing location and testing day. SA prepared her materials and spent the day before the test getting mentally ready. SA got a good night’s sleep and had breakfast before the test. SA went to the testing location feeling confident.
Student B
SB felt overwhelmed the last few days before the exam. Since SB graduated, worked, then crammed for the bar exam, she felt exhausted. SB went to the testing location feeling anxious and uncertain.
Why does this Matter?
Yes, these examples may be a bit of exaggerated versions of law students who prepare early and who start late, however, this is the daily struggle for law students. You understand the importance of the exam but you also get weighed down by the “now” and getting to the bar exam. There is nothing wrong with being “Student A” or “Student B” in this scenario. You can balance the stress of law school now with the impending future of the bar exam. You are allowed to focus on your life and studies without always thinking about the bar! You get to decide what is right for you and your life. Ultimately, you must remember that this exam determines your future in the legal profession and preparing for the bar is a serious matter. Do you have to do everything at once? No. Something simple, like securing your bar prep course is a great way to start your preparation for the bar. However, you do need to look ahead and think about your end goal. It is easy to get stuck in the “now” and the daily hustle and bustle. If you begin to prepare over time and get mentally ready for the bar exam, you will feel much more confident (and much less stressed!!)
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