Effective Study Strategies to Pass the Bar Exam
by Pati McDermott, CHT NLP Practitioner, Hypnotherapist & Bar Exam Coach
An important aspect of preparing to pass the bar exam is creating a successful study plan. There is no one plan that works for everyone but there are some general guidelines that I use with all of my clients who are taking the bar exam.
Most of my clients are repeat takers but I also help many people to pass the first time. There are some differences between repeaters and first timers but there are many similarities as well. To review a different strategy for each, refer to my webpage titled Bar Exam Articles. I will review the similarities in this article.
It is of course ideal to devote all of your time to preparing for the bar exam, but some people can't do that. Some people work full time, and some have families with small children as well. Each study plan has to be tailored to each person.
A person who is not working or raising children has the opportunity to maximize their study. I recommend creating this maximum approach if possible. This might require major lifestyle changes but will be worth it if that helps you to pass. Everyone can't do that, so we work with what is realistic and available.
Maximizing study when there are few obligations
With people who have the option to maximize their study, I recommend a 12-hour study day 5 1/2 days per week for two months, with part-time study before that (see a lighter schedule outlined below). It doesn't matter if you devote 7 AM to 7 PM, 8 AM to 8 PM, and so on, but set aside 12 hours for study. In that 12 hours there will be ten hours of focused study with three breaks: a one-hour break (or dinner break), and two half-hour breaks (or breakfast and lunch breaks). You might choose to eat while you study and use these break times to rest, run an errand, make a phone call, exercise... that two hours of break time can be used however you wish. Space out the three breaks so that they divide up large chunks of focused study times. Go ahead and stretch or take a short break any time that you need one so that your mind is able to focus strongly while you are studying but be sure to take these three longer breaks so that you are effectively studying for ten hours in your 12 hours of study time. Do an essay every day and get them evaluated. Do 25-30 MBE questions per day and take the time to evaluate the ones you got right as well as the ones you got wrong. Make a chart or calendar to divide your subjects and study material. Follow the advice of your bar review course or private tutor.
Work or Work and Family obligations
People with work obligations, and work and family obligations combined will have to be more creative about planning their time, and their study plans are more individualized, but there are things that these plans have in common. Take a look at the times in your day when you can study between things. You can combine studying with some of your meals, while you are driving, and in the evening after work. If you can find an hour first thing in the morning, an hour during a break at work, and three hours in the evening, that is five hours a day of studying. One of those five hours might be listening to lectures on your commute to work. You can combine spouse or family time with studying if you ask them to do flash cards with you. Some people are able to read while exercising on a treadmill. Be creative in finding time in your daily schedule but be as consistent as you can.
Taking Time to Rejuvenate
One of the hardest things I have found to instill in my clients is the necessity of taking a day off every week. Many of my clients think that they are more devoted to their study if they study every day. This is false. The brain and the body need rest to rejuvenate as well as to integrate information. Your one day off is not a day to clean the house or do chores; this is a day to relax and enjoy some balance in your life. You will notice right away that you perform better after taking a day off.
Also take off one evening per week, in addition to the day off. Some people will take off Friday night and Saturday, or Saturday night and Sunday, but you can take off Sunday all day and Wednesday evening to divide up your time off if you choose. Experiment to find what works for you; it doesn't have to be the same day each week. For people with a full work week and minimal availability to study, this evening off is optional depending on how much studying you got done during the week. People on the 12-hour study schedule need to take one evening off in addition to their day off. The 12-hour study day requires good quality breaks and rest in order for it to be successful.
Studying with a Heavy Work Schedule
People who work and don't have much time to study during the week can make it up on one of the weekend days. Make a plan to study 3-5 hours a day during the week and then do a marathon one day a week on the weekend. I recommend either the 12-hour study day outline, or a 15-hour study day if study during the week is minimal. Either way use the same break schedule outlined previously.
Importance of Sleep
It is extremely important to get sufficient sleep while preparing for the bar exam. Set a daily bedtime that gives you an eight-hour sleep prior to whatever time you get up in the morning. One hour before bedtime, every night, set aside an hour of wind down time to ensure good sleep. Wind down time can be used however you wish, but only do things that wind you down. Do not watch the news which is agitating. If you are into following the news watch it earlier in the day during one of your designated breaks or listen to the news if you are commuting to work. The wind down time can be spent with your children or spouse, to make a phone call, answer email, do the dishes, have a bath, read a magazine, watch television, or do yoga... whatever relaxes you. Don't make phone calls to anyone who agitates you. The wind down time is time to relax so that you will fall asleep at your bedtime. This time also includes preparing for bed so that you are in bed with your eyes closed at your designated bedtime.
Assistance with creating a realistic plan
I can help you to tailor your study strategy to your specific needs. Contact me if you are struggling to maintain focus, confidence or motivation to study effectively. Do you have the support of the people you live with while you pursue this major endeavor? It takes more than knowing the law to pass the bar exam. I help people to pass by resolving blocks and barriers to success, I have shortcuts and strategies so that you can pass with the minimum of study, I offer advanced learning and memorization tools, and most importantly, I help you to maintain an optimal state of mind during bar preparation and during the exam.
If you or someone you know would benefit from my help, professional appointments are conveniently available by telephone. Articles with more information can be found on my website - NLPPati.com. We can create the excellence you desire in all areas of your life. Contact me today to schedule an appointment.
Pati McDermott, CHT
Certified NLP Master Practitioner
Certified NLP Health Practitioner
Certified TPM Advanced Master Practitioner
Certified Hypnotherapist
website: nlpPati.com and Pass-The-Bar-Exam with NLP!
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