Why You Shouldn’t Wing The California Performance Test

Why You Shouldn’t Wing The California Performance Test

The California Performance Test can often stand between test-takers passing or failing the California Bar Exam. In this post, we cover why you should devote some serious time to practicing (and not winging!) the California Performance Test.

Why You Shouldn’t Wing The California Performance Test

Memoranda/Briefs Reign Supreme

The format of the California Performance Test remains a mystery until applicants see the problem for the first time on the bar exam. With that said, it’s common for the task at hand to include writing a brief or memorandum. Many times, applicants are asked to craft a memorandum to a “supervising partner” for their review. Similarly, the California Performance Test is also known for having students draft a persuasive brief to be filed in a fictional court. Knowing frequently tested topics ahead of taking the California Performance Test can ensure great use of bar prep time. With enough practice beforehand, drafting a memorandum or brief on the day of the exam will feel familiar, and increase your likelihood of receiving a high score! Getting familiar with the structure, using case law effectively, and striking an appropriate tone are all hugely beneficial to your performance on the California Performance Test.

Timing Issues

Timing is often the greatest enemy of an applicant tackling the California Performance Test. Like we mentioned above, many students dedicate at least an hour and a half to the performance test. However, it’s not uncommon for students to take two hours to complete the performance test. For those that choose to “wing” the California Performance Test, timing is often their downfall. While it’s true that the instructions, file, and library contain everything you need – those things take time to read. Many applicants read through these materials at least twice. Sure, everything you need is in front of you, but did you realize beforehand how to efficiently use it all? Those who practice the California Performance Test as a regular part of bar prep are more efficient, accurate, and concise in their writing.

It’s A Real-World Simulation

The California Performance Test simulates a task that you would receive as a first-year associate. Of course, the clients, courts, and case law are all fictional. However, the types of assignments applicants are asked to address are similar to real-world assignments for young attorneys. For those who held a clerkship or summer associate position throughout law school, the California Performance Test will feel familiar. However, for students that did not, the California Performance Test may be their firstexperience with real-world legal work. The California Bar Exam is not somewhere you want to be experiencing a lot of firsts. By practicing ahead of time during bar prep, students without a ton of real-world experience can feel confident.

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