Failed with Barbri or Themis: What Should I Do Differently?

Failed with Barbri or Themis: What Should I Do Differently?

Failing the bar exam is a challenging experience, especially after using a well-known prep course like Barbri or Themis. However, it’s important to remember that a setback can be a stepping stone to success. If you failed with Barbri or Themis, here are steps you can take to change your approach and increase your chances of passing on your next attempt.

Failed with Barbri or Themis: What Should I Do Differently?

Analyze What Went Wrong

The first step is to critically assess what didn’t work for you during your initial preparation. This reflection should be thorough and honest, as it will form the foundation of your new study strategy. Here are some questions to guide your analysis:

Questions to Ask Yourself if You Failed with Barbri or Themis

1. Effectiveness of the Course:

1. • Did the commercial course help me?
   • Did I follow it closely? If not, why?
   • Were the lectures, outlines, and practice questions helpful?
   • Did the practice materials resemble the actual exam?

2. Study Time and Productivity:

1. • Did I dedicate enough time to studying?
   • Was I efficient and productive during my study sessions?
   • Did I tackle difficult subjects or avoid them?

3. Practice Exams:

1. • Did I take enough practice exams under test-like conditions?
   • Did my scores improve over time?

4. Score Analysis:

1. • Where was my score the lowest and highest?
   • Which essay topics or MBE subjects did I struggle with the most?

5. Personal Well-Being:

1. • Was I burnt out or anxious?
   • Did I struggle with timing during the exam?

Answering these questions can help you pinpoint areas that need improvement. For instance, if you found the course materials unhelpful, you might benefit from exploring alternative resources like our Bar Exam Course for Repeat Takers, which includes a live component that most other bar review courses do not offer. You may also consider private tutoring.

Start Studying Earlier if You Failed With Barbri or Themis

Many repeat takers feel the pressure of balancing work and study. Starting your preparation earlier can alleviate some of this stress. Even if you have other commitments, beginning your studies ahead of time can help you manage your workload more effectively. This approach allows you to cover more material without the anxiety of running out of time.

Tips for Early Preparation

• Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study sessions well in advance. Allocate specific times for different subjects and stick to your schedule. A structured plan will keep you organized and ensure you cover all necessary topics. Check out this 45-day study schedule here. You may want to start earlier than that, but you can modify the schedule to fit your needs.
• Set Realistic Goals: Break down your study goals into manageable chunks. This will make the process less overwhelming and allow you to track your progress. Setting daily or weekly targets can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to stay on track.
• Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Even if you can only study for a short time each day, regular sessions will add up. Make studying a habit by incorporating it into your daily routine. Consistent effort over time is more effective than cramming.
• Use Effective Study Techniques: Engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing information in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or creating flashcards for targeted, specific areas. One of the reasons people report that they failed with Barbri or Themis is that they were doing too much passive learning (watching lectures, for example) and not enough memorization and active learning.  Active learning helps reinforce your understanding and retention of the material.
• Incorporate Breaks and Self-Care: Taking regular breaks and prioritizing self-care can prevent burnout. Schedule short breaks during study sessions and ensure you get enough rest, exercise, and relaxation. A healthy mind and body are crucial for effective studying.

Change Your Approach

If you repeat the same study methods, you’re likely to get the same results. It’s essential to modify your approach to maximize your chances of passing. Here are some strategies:

Explore Different Study Materials

• Try New Resources: If you failed with Barbri or Themis, consider other resources like our Repeat Bar Exam Taker Course, which offers tailored materials and a live component to enhance your preparation.
• Private Tutoring: Personalized tutoring can address your specific weaknesses. Our private tutoring sessions are tailored to your individual needs, providing focused support and guidance. Students see huge improvements after using private tutoring.

Enhance Your Study Techniques

• Active Learning: Engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing information in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or creating flashcards. Active learning helps reinforce your understanding and retention of the material.
• Practice Under Exam Conditions: Simulate exam conditions as closely as possible during practice exams. This can help you get used to the pressure and improve your time management skills. Practicing under timed conditions will make you more comfortable and confident on exam day.

Advantages of Being a Repeat Bar Exam Taker

While it’s easy to focus on the negatives, being a repeat bar exam taker has its advantages. Recognizing these can help you maintain a positive outlook and leverage your experience.

You Are Not Starting from Scratch

• Retention: You already have a foundation of knowledge. Revisiting material will be easier this time around. Your familiarity with the subjects will allow you to build on what you already know rather than learning everything from scratch.
• Experience: You know what to expect on exam day, which can reduce anxiety and improve your performance. Having experienced the exam environment before, you can better prepare for the logistics and emotional aspects of the test day.

Valuable Information at Your Fingertips

• Score Analysis: Use your previous score report to identify strengths and weaknesses. This data is invaluable for creating a targeted study plan. Analyzing your scores can help you focus on areas that need improvement and reinforce areas where you already perform well.
• Essay Requests: If possible, request your previous essays to understand where you went wrong and how to improve. Reviewing your past essays can provide insights into common mistakes and areas for enhancement.

Improved Efficiency

• Study Smarter: With a better understanding of what works for you, you can streamline your study process to be more efficient. You can avoid unproductive study methods and focus on strategies that yield the best results.
• Resilience and Perseverance: Overcoming the challenge of retaking the bar exam builds qualities of resilience and perseverance, which are valuable throughout your legal career and beyond. These traits will not only help you pass the bar but also navigate future challenges in your professional life.

By reflecting on your previous attempt, starting your studies earlier, changing your approach, and recognizing the advantages of being a repeat taker, you can improve your chances of passing the bar exam. For more resources and personalized support, explore our Bar Exam Course for Repeat Takers, which includes a live component designed to provide targeted and effective preparation. Even if you failed with Barbri or Themis, with the right strategy and mindset, you can achieve your goal of passing the bar exam.

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