Raise Your MPT Score In Five Steps: Here’s How!

Raise Your MPT Score In Five Steps: Here’s How!

When preparing to take the bar exam, many students underestimate the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). Some of these students pay the price when test results come out: their score report shows that they failed the bar exam and that the MPT was their lowest score. If this cautionary tale has inspired you to put more energy into your MPT section, you’re in luck because we’re sharing how to raise your MPT score in five steps!

Raise Your MPT Score In Five Steps: Here’s How!

1. Slowly and Carefully Read the Task Memo

Due to the time pressure, many students are tempted to speed-read the MPT task memo and then jump into the other documents in the library. While we understand why students do this, this strategy usually backfires. Our first step to raise your MPT score is simple: slow down when reading the task memo! The task memo is the most important part of your MPT — it provides information on everything you need to do! Instead of racing through it, slow down and make sure you understand the type of task, who the audience and client are, and any other relevant information.

2. Writing Style is Key

The MPT is designed to test your ability to complete tasks that new lawyers are expected to do. While content is key, your style and tone are also important. Make sure that the tone you use matches the type of document you are writing: memos are generally objective and persuasive briefs should be persuasive. To ensure you’re prepared on test day, be sure to practice writing in the correct tone beforehand.

3. Evenly Divide Your Time Between Reading and Writing

If you struggle with time management, there’s a simple way to remember to divide your time between reading your library and writing your response: split the time! Devote 45 minutes to carefully reading and understanding the task memo and the documents in your library. Then, use the remaining 45 minutes to write your response.

If you’re struggling with timing, check out these six tips to improve your timing on the MPT!

4. Review Your Practice MPTs

Taking practice MPTs is not enough to succeed on test day — you also need to carefully review your responses. By comparing your response to the sample answer, you’ll gain valuable insight about what bar exam graders are looking for. For additional tips on how to review your work and make sure you’re on track, here is a step-by-step guide on how to answer an MPT!

5. Safeguard Your Mental and Physical Health

Not only will you need plenty of MPT practice to perform your best on test day, but you’ll also need your mental and physical health. While you may be tempted to skip breaks or cut back on sleep while preparing for the bar exam, avoid this impulse. Taking breaks is an essential way to refresh your focus. Otherwise, you run the risk of burning yourself out!

Here are five tips for dealing with bar exam stress that any test taker can benefit from!

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