Myth #1:
You need to read all the relevant materials for the subject matter before you start doing the practice questions.
In reality, you want to start practicing as soon as possible. You won’t have time to read and memorize everything. Practice questions are a tool to train yourself to recognize legal patterns, applicable legal standards and important buzz words. Work with the text of the question: circle, underline, highlight the key words and phrases so that they would jump out at you when you take the exam.
Myth #2:
The bar exam is about memorizing the black letter law.
The truth is that pure rote memorization won’t get you through. The bar exam is also about the application of the black letter law, time-management, stress-management and endurance. You need to work on all of these aspects to be ready. Just like you can’t prepare for a marathon just by reading books about it, you can’t pass the bar exam just by reading outlines. Simulate the real conditions of the bar exam as much as you can: time yourself, do practice exams, submit your essay answers for review.
Myth #3:
You don’t have to listen to all the lectures, after all, you already have your class handouts and outlines.
In realty, listening to the lectures can do more for you than just reading. Good professors strive to make their presentations memorable. I still remember some of my bar course professors because they were like a one-man or one-woman show. It’s good to have the information explained to you in a variety of ways, and you get a chance to ask questions. Also, the content of those handouts sometimes has to be updated, corrected or explained in further detail. So, don’t skip on lectures.
Myth #4:
You are not supposed to have any social life when you study for the bar.
In reality, you need social support even more when you are under pressure. Find time to connect with you family and friends. Go to the movies, eat out, do something fun, or better yet, play sports together. It will give your brain a chance to recharge and help you relieve stress.
Myth #5:
When you study for the bar, you don’t have time to exercise or sleep a lot.
The truth is that you don’t have time NOT to exercise or sleep. You will burn out before the big day. Exercise is good for your brain, it allows you to stay physically and mentally fit. And please take those afternoon naps, they enable the brain to consolidate your memories, which is useful taken into account all the information that you need to remember.
Myth #6:
You need to do your own outlines and flashcards to prepare.
If you have time to do your own flashcards, that’s great. I didn’t. I think, your time is better spent practicing. You will have enough written materials to absorb if you are taking a bar prep course (and I hope you are).
Myth #7:
You don’t need to worry about the essays as long as you do well on the MBE portion of the exam.
While the score allocations vary from state to state, most people will need both strong MBE scores and good essay grades. So write out those essay answers.
Myth #8:
You really step it up a few days before the exam.
Ah, good old cramming, it doesn’t work. In reality, you want to cut your studying hours down right before the exam. Take time to get yourself in a good, healthy place so that you can regain your freshness of mind, focus and clarity.
Other myths:
“A law student failed his California bar exam because he stopped to assist a classmate who suffered a heart attack.”
“A law student left for a bathroom break and when she got back, she couldn't find her seat because the tables and chairs looked identical in the enormous room.”
“Suddenly a woman started galloping down the aisles, flailing her arms, yelling, “I am a covenant running with the land!”
True or false? I have no idea. Check Urban Legends Reference Pages. Maybe, they know.
This is a great list! I definitely agree with your tips, but I haven't passed the bar yet. Hopefully I'll nail it in July!
I love the "I'm a covenant running with the land" myth. It wouldn't surprise me if it did actually happen.
Posted by: Andrew Flusche | June 21, 2007 at 06:15 PM
Andrew -
Thanks for dropping by! You'll nail it.
It's funny how these stories go around, but there've probably been quite a few meltdowns during the bar.
Good luck with your studies!
Posted by: Anastasia | June 21, 2007 at 06:59 PM
At what point does myth become reality?
Thank you for making me laugh so hard!
Posted by: alexis | June 23, 2007 at 01:03 AM
I hope they remain myths. I'm all for good laugh! Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: Anastasia | June 23, 2007 at 06:43 PM
Great list! A law professor once told our class "If you worked out everyday during law school, then work out everyday while studying for the bar. If you didn't work out, don't start now!"
I think that fits in nicely with your list.
Also, for bar takers, I would say that right around the first week of July is panic time - you know just enough to be dangerous and you realize how much you have to learn. Just stick with it. The last couple of weeks count too!
Posted by: Ann K. Levine | July 11, 2007 at 03:15 AM
Ann -- thank you so much for stopping by and sharing great tips. I couldn't agree more with your advice on how to get over those moments of panic: "Just stick with it." Breathe deeply and keep plugging along.
Posted by: Anastasia | July 11, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Great blog. Feel free to add me to your Law Links. I agree with most of your tips. Keep up the good work....
Posted by: Amy | June 28, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Great post. I just shared it with my followers on Twitter. I agree with everything, but am especially glad you included #4 and #5. Isolation and lack of exercise and sleep are memory and performance killers. Not what anyone wants as they prepare for the bar exam!
Posted by: Matt | June 21, 2011 at 03:29 PM