How To Handle Bar Prep During The Summer

How To Handle Bar Prep During The Summer

So you’ve finally graduated law school and summer is here! Time for a vacation? Not quite.  For July Bar Exam takers, prepping for the bar exam typically begins shortly after graduation.  Here are five tips to help you handle Bar prep during the summer.

How To Handle Bar Prep During The Summer

1. Celebrate

If you’ve just finished law school, please remember to take time to celebrate and enjoy the moment.  Graduation from law school is a huge accomplishment! Enjoy the fact that you have completed three years of difficult academics and demanding internships. Compared to three years of hard work, a couple of months of bar prep is certainly doable. Before you throw yourself into the world of bar prep, take a moment to relax, celebrate with the people who care about you, and congratulate yourself. That way, you’ll go into bar prep energized and proud of your accomplishments.

2. Make a Schedule That Works For You

The “traditional” bar prep period is about eight-twelve weeks of all-day studying. For many students, studying for the bar exam is like a full-time job.  But, if you have a family to take care of during the summer or a job you need to make ends meet, you might need to consider a more personalized study schedule. We’ve discussed some options for this in a prior blog post.  Some students begin bar prep a bit earlier, so they can be sure to account for these other obligations in their study schedule.

3. Be Clear with Family and Friends

During summer, school is out, the weather is warm and sunny, and people are ready to meet up with friends and relax.  It’s sometimes hard to explain to those who care about you why you can’t attend the annual campaign trip or meet up as much as you would like to.  Share your study schedule with your friends and family, and try to stick to it. Let them know when you’re ready to take a break.  Maybe you’ll keep Saturdays free, but the rest of the week is a no-go. Maybe you’ll be ready to unwind with your friends after 6 pm, but before that, you’ll be doing practice questions and not answering calls or texts. Remember, those who have stuck with you on this journey want you to do well on the bar exam.  Don’t hesitate to let them know how they can help in the process (even if it might mean rescheduling that camping trip)!

4. Take Advantage of the Weather

Just because you’re studying all day doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside. Take your outlines out into the sunshine for a while. Recite rule statements to yourself while you’re in the pool. You can certainly enjoy the summer weather without missing out on study time!

5. Plan Activities for the Family While You’re Studying

If you have kids to worry about during the summer, be sure to plan ahead plan ahead (which you’re probably used to doing anyway!). Look up summer camp, lessons, or other activities that they might be interested in so you can dedicate some time to your studies. Ask for help with child care when you need it. See these tips on preparing for the bar exam with kids!

It is possible to study for the bar exam, fulfill your personal obligations, and still have some summer fun (especially after the bar exam!). Good luck!

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