Things that Mom Didn't Tell Me

My first Mom (e.g. bar exam mentor) actually did tell me that it's wise to check out the venue of where you'll be tested early in the game. So, if it's the convention center in Oakland, or somewhere else, go there, around the time that the bar exam would actually start and get an understanding about what the room is like and how it feels. Walk around and gain comfort in knowing your surroundings. Find the restrooms. Feel the emptiness of the room, and imagine it filled with tables, folding metal chairs, and over 1,000 test takers.

But, now I'd like to add the following tips that Mom didn't tell me:

1. Don't compare yourself to someone else. It's immaterial (and irrelevant) how well (or poorly) someone else is scoring on their MBE's and essays. Discussion and comparison of practice exam scores will only serve to undermine your self-confidence (or overinflate it). Pay attention to your tutor's/mentor's advice, practice, practice, practice and screen out everything else.

When you get to the exam center, on exam day, avoid discussion about the exam itself. The collective nervous energy of other exam takers will fill the room, with whispers of more self-doubt or over-confidence. Screen it out, take a yogic breath, and gain inner calm, with just enough adrenalin to give you an edge.

2. Get a few Zip Lock bags to take to the exam with you. Into a bag, place a) sharpened No. 2 pencils, b) ear plugs, c) a pencil sharpener, d) a small container of aspirin or other remedy for headache and e) another remedy for upset stomach (if you feel queezy) and f) two pens (as reserve for computer malfunctions.)

3. One attorney told me, "Put mints in your pocket when you go to the exam." So, before the exam, I purchased a big bag of peppermints and I placed a few of these in my pockets. If I took a rest room break, I grabbed a mint for sustenance and to settle my stomach.

Of course, mints are not allowed and the examiners won't let you drink water, except under their watchful eye, but a sip of water and a mint will help your body weather the physical strain of the exam itself.

4. Take at least 3 mock bar exams, both written essays and MBE's, under timed conditions before the actual exam. You'll be better prepared "out of the gate" when the examiners call "Time!"

5. Well before the exam, take vitamins, eat well, exercise. You are preparing for a marathon which is not just a mental game, but physically wearing. Your best defense is a great exercise routine. After Exam Day 1 and 2, take a hike, stretch, get a good night's sleep.

6. Bring a pillow to sit on and an old, white pillowcase to cover it. Your back and bottom could revolt from too much sitting on a hard, metal chair.

7. Bring a back-up power cord for your PC. Remove all extraneous programs from your PC that might conflict with ExamSoft. Download and test ExamSoft early. If you have a spare laptop PC, bring it along, just in case your primary PC malfunctions.

8. Bring lunch and bottled water. There will be long lines at any nearby restaurant; avoid them.

Preparation is the name of the game . . .