As the pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19 continues, states across the country are adjusting their plans for the next administration of the bar exam. Although a few states have opted to offer their bar exam online, most will carry on with an in-person administration with various modifications to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Some states will do so as soon as July 2020, while others have postponed until September or October 2020.
If you plan to sit for an in-person bar exam later this year, this posts outlines some of the additional things to keep in mind while you prepare. The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented crisis that adds stress to an already stressful event, so planning ahead is one of the best ways to manage your anxiety about the test. Here are five steps to take before you sit for an in-person exam during COVID-19.
1. Review your jurisdiction’s rules for exam day carefully
If your state has issued revised rules for the bar exam in light of COVID-19, review these carefully. You will likely be required to wear a face mask and practice physical distancing as you check in at the testing center and while you’re inside the exam room. Also, your state may have revised its rules about permitted and prohibited items in the exam room. Be sure to understand what you can and can’t bring with you to the bar exam and make a packing list for your exam day bag.
2. Find a comfortable style of face mask that complies with your state’s rules
If you’ll be required to wear a face mask during the bar exam, you’ll need to find one you feel comfortable wearing for several hours at a time. As a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that cloth face coverings:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face,
- Be secured with ties or ear loops,
- Include multiple layers of fabric,
- Allow for breathing without restriction, and
- Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
You might want to try a few different styles of face masks before you settle on which type to wear during the bar exam. If your bar exam will take place over multiple days, you’ll want to bring one face mask per day (and extras for your time outside of the testing center). Make sure that you can see clearly over the top of the face mask and can breathe comfortably in the face mask for an extended period of time.
If you wear glasses, a face mask can pose additional challenges — you definitely don’t want to be slowed down by foggy glasses during the bar exam! Try to find a mask with an adjustable metal bar over the nose portion, which can help prevent your glasses from fogging up when you breathe. Some opticians recommend washing your glasses with soapy water or using an antifog spray immediately prior to wearing them with a mask. If you have time before the exam, you may want to consult with your optician about whether you can upgrade your current frames with higher quality lenses that can help reduce fogging. If contact lenses are an option for you, these might be your best bet on exam day.
3. Take a few practice exams while wearing a face mask
One of the keys to passing the bar exam is timed practice under exam-like conditions. For students facing the new COVID-19 reality, this includes taking at least one full practice exam while wearing a face mask. You’ll want to get used to the sensation so that you don’t get overwhelmed or anxious on exam day. You can start by wearing a face mask during timed practice essays or MBE practice and work your way up to a full practice exam closer to the date of your bar exam.
4. Take extra precautions when it comes to your health during bar prep
You should not sit for the bar exam if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 around the time of the exam. This means that you must take extra precautions with your health during exam prep. Try to avoid any non-essential public outings and use a grocery delivery service if this is available to you in your area. Get exercise outdoors in open areas without a lot of people nearby, and take care to avoid any in-person contact with sick people. In addition, follow all guidelines from health authorities about proper handwashing and physical distancing measures. Although you’ll be facing isolation as you prepare for the exam and this might be stressful, you do not want to jeopardize your health during this critical time.
5. Take care of your mental health and minimize exposure to upsetting news
Studying for the bar exam is one of the most challenging undertakings you’ll ever endure, and the team at Bar Exam Toolbox empathizes with the additional stress you’re facing as a result of COVID-19. We encourage you to prioritize your mental health during bar prep so that you can set yourself up for success on the exam. If you can, try to minimize your exposure to upsetting news and focus on the task at hand. You can also try these tips for maintaining a positive mindset while preparing for the bar exam.
Try to stay calm and be prepared
We understand how stressful the COVID-19 situation is on bar applicants and that your plans for the exam might look much different than you initially anticipated. If you can, try to remain calm and focus on being as prepared as you can be for the bar exam. With hard work and dedication, you can pass the exam under these extraordinary circumstances.
Ready to pass the bar exam? Get the support and accountability you need with personalized one-on-one bar exam tutoring or one of our economical courses and workshops. We’re here to help!
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