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The Day Before The Bar Exam!

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t’s coming, like it or not. At least 20 years of education culminating with one exam that will permit you to practice law for a living. You’ve spent your entire summer memorizing over 20 subjects, fine tuning your essay writing, and practicing multiple choice questions, and now your immediate future is in the hands of a two or three day test. The pressure can cause even the most even-keeled person a tremendous amount of stress, which is why the day before the bar exam, it is important to consider the following advice, brought to you by our Academic experts:

1. Wake up very early, despite the temptation to sleep in. You will probably be very nervous the night before the bar exam. The earlier you wake up, the more tired you will be the night before the bar exam, which will increase the likelihood of you getting sleep.

2. Engage in light study only. Look at small self-created one sheet notes or note cards.

3. If possible, check out your exam site and plan your route.

4. Pack appropriately by gathering your pens and pencils, timing device (if allowed), snacks and water (if allowed), computer (if applicable) and ensure that your exam ticket and ID are in a safe place. This will prevent any unnecessary stress on exam day.

5. Review timing for essays and for the MBE.

6. As a bonus, on the day of the MBE, if you are a slow starter, do a few questions as a warm up in the AM before the exam.

  • Corinne Simon

    These are all great tips! Warming up on a few MBE questions is a terrific idea!!

    • Miak

      I agree, fantastic idea!

  • Kristine

    Why do they not know that we can’t take pens, pencils, water or snacks?

    • Andrew

      Each state might have its own rules regarding testing conditions.

  • Stipster

    Just a friendly tip. If you want to calm people before storm, may be best not to start your little pep talk with “it’s coming, whether you like it or not. 20 years of education coming down to this ONE EVENT, blah blah blah.” I like the tips but, dude, seriously? Try not to give me a heart attack when I’m trying to remain calm and make sure my ducks are in order.