How I Passed The Bar Exam On My Fifth Try
How I Passed The Bar Exam On My Fifth Try
A student who recently passed the bar exam in Michigan on her fifth try wrote this post. Below, she details what she changed to get her passing score! So, if you have failed the bar multiple times, there is always hope!
How I Passed The Bar Exam On My Fifth Try
After my 4th try, I was determined to make my next attempt the last time. So, I decided I needed to work harder AND smarter. Here are a few of the major things I did which led to my success.
1. I reached out for tutoring help.
To begin, I decided to work full time and get tutoring from JD Advising. The tutoring helped improve my score immensely. Doing something different than a commercial course was a critical part of my success.
2. I took time off of work.
I found that it was very difficult to balance both work and studying. Therefore, I took off work for 1 month prior to the exam date. So, if you can, please take off work. You would be able to focus better and reduce as much stress as you possibly can.
3. I reviewed previous exams of mine to identify where I needed help.
Another step I took was to review my previous exams and learn from my mistakes, while improving on my strengths. One of my weaknesses was the MBE. So I decided to focus most of my practice this time on MBE practice. My main practice book was the Strategies & Tactics for the MBE 6th ed. This book was highly recommended by others as the best. I can personally attest to that as a true statement. If you read the Strategies and tactics before each subject and do every single question and study the answer key, you will improve your MBE scores. The questions are past MBE released questions from the NCBE. When I took the bar this July 2016, I saw a lot of similar questions I had practiced on the Strategies and Tactics book. As a result, my MBE scored went up 11 points. And I passed!
I didn’t neglect the written portion of the exam. However, I did focus on what my weakness proved to be in past exams.
4. I changed my study environment.
Next, I decided to mix up my study environment. I studied at different Library locations, cafes and at home. You have to switch it up or else you may find yourself unmotivated or stuck in your thinking. Every study day comes with a new challenge. Changing environments made a huge difference in the emotional rollercoaster of studying for the 5th time.
5. I made myself think positively!
Lastly, but most importantly, I kept holding on to my faith and positive thinking. I prayed a lot, continuously spoke positive affirmations like “I will pass the July 2016 bar exam with a 136 and above.” I repeated this every single day. And it finally manifested into reality, I did pass the July 2016 exam with a 136. There is power in faith, positive thinking and affirmations. I passed the bar exam on my fifth try! If you have taken the bar exam many times, there is hope!
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