I’ve been spending the past few days checking out an iPhone/Android app called Critical Pass. It’s a great way to supplement your preparation for the MBE.
How does it work?
At its core, Critical Pass is a set of flash cards for the seven MBE subjects (Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Property, Torts, and Civil Procedure). The numbers of available flash cards varies from 41 cards for Contracts to 71 cards for Criminal Law and Procedure. For the most part, each card corresponds to separate legal issue. The app doesn’t include cards on every legal issue that could appear on the MBE, but it covers the most frequently tested areas of the law.
How much does it cost?
A set of 380 Critical Pass flashcards costs $149.99. This includes one year of mobile app access for Apple and Android devices. See here for more information.
Who will benefit from using it?
Critical Pass is geared towards people who don’t go anywhere without their phones, which I’m willing to bet is pretty much everyone studying for the bar exam. The real benefit to Critical Pass is that it literally gives you the law at your fingertips. You can review legal issues that you’re struggling with, highlight particular rules, and star items to return to later. The app will also quiz you on the cards of your choice. There’s a lot of value in finding a way to make use of those few free moments while waiting for the bus or for the judge to enter the courtroom (on second thought, maybe that last one will have to wait until you pass the bar).
On the other hand…
Critical Pass isn’t for everyone. At $149.99, it’s pretty expensive as far as apps go. Critical Pass breaks down the MBE rules into one area of the law per card, and that simplicity can be helpful to some studiers. Plus, Critical Pass offers the convenience of a stand-alone app that comes with highlighting and saving capabilities. These features make it particularly suited for the digital generation. But make sure you check it out before you purchase so you can feel good about spending money on it. Check out the app here.
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Did you find this post helpful? Check out some other great articles:
- What are Bar Exam Graders are Really Looking For
- Steps to Making Your Own Bar Exam Schedule
- Are You Wasting Time Studying for the Bar Exam
- What are You Waiting For? It’s Time to Study for the Bar Exam

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