Hi, I’m Lee Burgess, co-founder of the Bar Exam Toolbox and a highly experienced bar exam tutor. If you’d like help passing the FYLSE (aka, the Baby Bar), you’ve come to the right place!
Want to talk to us? Please complete our tutoring contact form, and you’ll immediately have the option to schedule a call with one of the Bar Exam Toolbox co-founders. Click here to get started.
The Bar Exam Toolbox Philosophy
The Bar Exam Toolbox takes a one-on-one approach to test preparation. Our team believes that working with a tutor on an individual basis can help students study smarter by creating targeted test preparation approaches that will lead to better exam results.
Whether you are taking the FYLSE for the first time or are tackling the test again after getting disappointing results, our team can help you navigate the study process and get ready for the next exam.
Retaking the Exam
If you are seeking help after a failure, it is crucial that you work with someone who can effectively evaluate what went wrong in your previous FYLSE experience(s) and empower you to be successful in the future.
We believe students are empowered by learning the best way to study based on their individual needs, by getting detailed and constructive feedback, and by practicing and improving the skills necessary to be successful on exam day.
Because we know that bar takers have different budgets, we offer a range of tutoring and support options, including extended options for those who are working and studying or who face other challenges. Contact us to learn more and set up a call to discuss your needs. Each student receives a custom study schedule, so we can find an option that works for you!
First-Time Takers
Many students who have disappointing FYLSE experiences know that things aren’t going well during their first preparation period. If that is you, we can help you work on your exam-taking skills and give you the much-needed feedback that many people feel is missing the first time they sit for this exam.
Please contact us to learn more and set up a call to discuss your needs.
Our job isn’t just to tell you how to do it — it is to give you the tools to succeed!
We cannot be in the exam room with you. You are the only one who can produce winning results on exam day. We see our role as empowering you by giving you the skills necessary to be the best exam-taker you can be.
- You will feel confident that you know what a good essay looks like.
- You will have your plan of how to attack an essay and get the most points possible.
- You will have a plan for the multiple-choice sections.
- You will even have a plan if you don’t remember the law!
You will have a new set of tools that you can draw upon to make this bar experience a positive one!
We make sure that your study techniques match your learning style
One of the great things about working with us is that we use different approaches to match your learning style. This process really is about getting you ready for the bar exam, not just some imaginary student.
- Do you learn best from flash cards? Outlining? Flow charts?
- Do you struggle with time management?
- Does your writing style need work?
- Is organization a problem?
The key is to use the study skills you already have and build on them based on the requirements of the exam.
What do these programs actually look like?
All full-service tutoring programs include the following:
- One-on-one meetings with a Bar Exam Toolbox tutor
- Detailed feedback on a set number of essays
- Help with the multiple-choice component of the test
- Feedback on your prior bar exam answers (if applicable)
- A customized study schedule with daily goals and a personalized Asana project to manage the process
- Free access to the FYLSE Brainy Bar Bank (Sorted Essay Practice Bank)
- Free access to the FYLSE Writing of the Week (“WOW”) Videos
- Free access to the FYLSE Practice of the Week (“POW”) MBE Videos
- Free access to SmartBarPrep FYLSE outlines
- A discount code for the AdaptiBar FYLSE program
- Frequent accountability check-ins
- Access to our handouts, exercises, and other helpful bar resources
The great thing about tutoring with the Bar Exam Toolbox is that we can make tutoring recommendations based on your individual needs.
So contact us today to talk about putting together your custom tutoring program.
Your Personalized Tutoring Tools
Studying for the FYLSE is tedious enough without searching your email looking for feedback or to figure out what you’re supposed to be working on. You’ll have a personal study schedule, developed in consultation with your tutor to focus on your needs. To make things easy, we’ll set up a personal Asana project for you to use for uploads, feedback, tracking your study schedule, and much more.
Here’s what it looks like:
If you have any questions on how things work, just ask!
Got some questions? Here are some answers!
We’re always happy to answer your questions! You’ll find frequently asked questions below, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if your question isn’t answered.
- Do you provide materials?
When working with us you will get access to Smart Bar Prep’s substantive FYLSE outlines. We think these condensed outlines, combined with the study materials you likely already have (from your school or another bar review course), are plenty of substantive materials. And, it is possible you will also end up making some of your own materials during the study process – it can be a form of active learning! We also provide some study tips and attack plans for various subjects to assist with essay preparation. And you’ll have access to the portions of our popular Writing of the Week (WOW) and Practice of the Week (POW) programs that are relevant to the FYLSE topics. - I have failed once, do I really need a tutor?
If you have failed this exam once, the best thing you can do is change your study habits so you don’t have the same experience the second time. It is heartbreaking to hear students who are sitting for the FYLSE a third or fourth time say they just wish they had worked with a tutor earlier and given themselves a better chance at passing. If you have failed, you need to change the way you approach the exam and create a new plan for yourself. This is exactly what we can help you do. - How is this different from commercial courses?
When you work with the Bar Exam Toolbox, your bar preparation focus is about you — what will work best for you as far as study techniques, writing practice, and scheduling. You are not the same as every other person sitting for this exam and we can help you decide the best way to prepare for this test. Commercial courses do a great job of covering substantive law. We help you turn that substantive law into passing answers. - Do you meet in person?
We have been working remotely with bar takers since 2010. Our students don’t feel that anything is lost by working remotely, even if they are located within driving distance of their tutor. Working remotely is the most efficient way to meet with your tutor because you don’t lose any study time to transportation. We meet with students over the phone, Zoom, Facetime, Skype, etc.. - Do you work with students who receive testing accommodations such as extended time?
Many of our students receive testing accommodations for learning differences, health concerns, or even breastfeeding. It is important to talk through strategies around how best to use your testing accommodations to help you perform at your best. - How do you accept payment?
FYLSE tutoring can be purchased in packages. We accept most major credit cards and checks and are happy to discuss payment plans. Want to know how much a package will cost? Just submit our tutoring form and you’ll be sent the appropriate pricing for first-time and repeat takers. - I’m not sure I need this much help. Do you have other options? Yes! Check out our FYLSE Self-Study program for the tools and support you need to pass studying on your own.
Do you have another question? Contact us and we will get right back to you.
We look forward to helping you find bar exam success!
