Part of the path set out by my tutor (whom I miss, terribly!), was to improve my MBE scores. While others use MicroMash and Adaptibar (and swear by them!), I have nearly completed doing MBE's in the BarBri book. My book is from 2007; it does not incorporate the recent changes made by the bar examiners to the questions. (See link in the sidebar of this blog about MBE's.)
I have been patiently tracking each MBE that I got wrong in a "journal," grouping the "trigger facts" with the black letter law.
I answer all MBE's under timed conditions; I am beginning to answer the questions in less time than alloted. Inch, inch by inch my scores are creeping up from the 51% I "enjoyed" in the 2009 exam to 56% today. A 5 point gain seems so small, yet 1,400 questions later, this is my progress to date. I realize that my performance is related to exercising old skills as I move toward more advanced and trickey questions.
Having taken a mock bar under timed conditions on May 1-2, using "Strategies and Tactics" by Walton and Emmanuel, my total overall score was 54%.
This past weekend, I did another mock bar, but this time I used "Strategies and Tactics for the FINZ Multistate Method." I was sorry that I did, given that the question wording is different, often employing the format, "If ....and only one of these were true, what answer would the the MOST (or LEAST) likely to support his (Motion, Defense, Claim, etc.)." I tripped up on the unfamiliar wording and completed my mock bar with a 38% score for the AM session and a 53% score for the PM session. My poor performance shook my self-confidence. Yet, in going back and reviewing the explanation for the questions missed, I realised that FINZ is filling in the blanks, testing me on some of the finer points of the Black Letter Law that I need to know but that BarBri does not hammer on.
Least I "beat myself up" for my exam performance, I remind myself that my high school supervisor, in her infinite wisdom, told me that I was "too dumb to go to college." Sometimes, a negative comment is a great motivator.
On the advice of my tutor, I've shelved my PMBR questions from the 6-day review course, but I find their CD reviews and PDF files for the multi-state invaluable.
I've decided to move on to "Strategies & Tactics" this week, reviewing one chapter of tips per subject per day, my MBE journal, and to mix the questions, 5 per each of the 6 subjects or an even 30 per day and to complete the last 198 remaining BarBri questions, all from the advanced section.
My next MBE Mock Bar will be on June 15 and 16, but this time, I plan to use the bar examiner's actual questions. Two practice tests are on-line with annotations, 100 questions each, at the NCBE Online Store, for $26.00 each. (I used the NCBE on-line exam for the MPRE, printed out each question, and found the exam invaluable at preparing me for the actual exam.)
See sidebar on my Blog, "Managing MBE's," for helpful links.
I struggled through law school with multiple choice questions, and generally excelled on the essays (if I could bring my test anxiety in hand.) Here, all I can do is move forward and learn from my mistakes. My goal is to do no less than 2,250 MBE's; I have 850 more to go. . .
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Robert Frost, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening."
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Going Solo
I didn't think that I could do this on my own. I had a generous, patient tutor coaching me; he set me on the right path to understanding the strategy behind the game. I finally "get it" and now I am working diligently towards following the path before me. . .a yellow brick road?
But, now I am going solo. I can no longer afford my tutor, and it was only with tears (and last night's crying jag), that, in fairness to him, we ended our tutoring relationship.
And, my unofficial study partner, so often at the same library, is appearing less and less. . .I am alone and pushing forward toward the exam. His caring nature, and people insights were surprising, and I enjoyed his company.
At least, by camping out at a law library, I am surrounded by attorneys who walk by and silently smile at the bar exam materials strewn about the table. This makes me feel less alone and more driven, because they, too, had to study for and pass the California Bar exam, an initiation rite that we all share in common.
But, now I am going solo. I can no longer afford my tutor, and it was only with tears (and last night's crying jag), that, in fairness to him, we ended our tutoring relationship.
And, my unofficial study partner, so often at the same library, is appearing less and less. . .I am alone and pushing forward toward the exam. His caring nature, and people insights were surprising, and I enjoyed his company.
At least, by camping out at a law library, I am surrounded by attorneys who walk by and silently smile at the bar exam materials strewn about the table. This makes me feel less alone and more driven, because they, too, had to study for and pass the California Bar exam, an initiation rite that we all share in common.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Things that My Mother Told Me
Two days ago, I called my mother (now rather old and frail), and said, "Mom, I can't do this. I am nearly destitute and although I'm working a temporary job, I'm out of resources. I've applied my wit and skills toward financial survival and I am facing possible eviction from my room, even though the rent is paid, but paid late."
"Mom, I simply can't do this anymore!!"
And, she said the following:
"What do you mean you CAN'T do this? You have worked long and hard to attend law school. You graduated after five long years, all the while balancing school with a full-time and stressful job."
"You have been diligently studying for the bar exam since mid-March. You are making great progress. You may have more preparation to go; you've budgeted the time to do this."
"You borrowed money to pay exam fees. You've been living for this moment. You've been living to be an attorney for the past six years of your life!"
"You CAN do this! You have two months to weather this storm - two, short months - and then, who cares? Then you can singulary focus on regrouping, paying the bills, and living. But for now, just focus on passing that bar exam!"
I needed to hear this. Her words put all my efforts and my struggle to survive into perspective. Eight and 1/2 weeks away from the exam, my life seems like a screen play, with all things coming to an end, and with a new beginning.
"Mom, I simply can't do this anymore!!"
And, she said the following:
"What do you mean you CAN'T do this? You have worked long and hard to attend law school. You graduated after five long years, all the while balancing school with a full-time and stressful job."
"You have been diligently studying for the bar exam since mid-March. You are making great progress. You may have more preparation to go; you've budgeted the time to do this."
"You borrowed money to pay exam fees. You've been living for this moment. You've been living to be an attorney for the past six years of your life!"
"You CAN do this! You have two months to weather this storm - two, short months - and then, who cares? Then you can singulary focus on regrouping, paying the bills, and living. But for now, just focus on passing that bar exam!"
I needed to hear this. Her words put all my efforts and my struggle to survive into perspective. Eight and 1/2 weeks away from the exam, my life seems like a screen play, with all things coming to an end, and with a new beginning.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
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 . . .
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 . . .
Friday, May 21, 2010
Going for Broke
I met a student, last night, who was studying for the LSAT. The student said that she studied for 7-months and that the LSAT was in June. This jogged my memory concerning my studies for the LSAT which I took after the Princeton Review and after operating a study group of women in Stamford, Connecticut. Every weekend, for 6-months, we got together and did essays and exercises to prepare for the LSAT. I took the LSAT once, passed with a decent (not stellar) score and applied for law school but of the four women, I was the only one to take the exam and to apply for, get accepted and attend law school.
I hesitated when I met this young woman and wondered if I should take her aside and say, “This is a long, hard road. There can be no tougher profession than the law, except, perhaps, medicine, and then law firms are turning to paralegals who are assuming more responsibilities at less expensive rates. And, once you graduate from law school (if you get in), you have another hurdle to jump over (the bar exam). Are you sure that you want to take this path? Are you absolutely sure?”
Today, I’m like a friend I meet one year ago, a friend from my school. My friend was broke, living in a tiny apartment in Berkeley, and unexpectedly (and very) pregnant(fortunately, we don't share this in common). She took the bar exam four times (and failed each time). Saddled in debt and hugely round with baby, she didn’t want to speak about the bar exam, or law school . . . she had given up.
But, although I am also living in a room, and find myself selling my cherished study aides and law books, and paring down my belongings in preparation to move. . .and although I am on a financial precipice, just barely able to tread water and keep my head above it, I am “going for broke.” (Note the double-entendre.)
Balancing a temporary job for the U.S. Government where I am managing a small team of wizened men, I am somehow able to squeeze in 4-5 hours of study time a day and have managed my way through the MBE subjects (Contracts, Sales, Real Property, Evidence, Con Law, Crim Law/Crim Pro), sailed past Civ Pro (practical training and actual work in the law is a great assist), and am moving into Community Property, I am gathering steam. And, all the while I am putting things into perspective – I am pursuing my dream in the face of it all. Sometimes, the stress of daily life (and not of the bar exam) awakens me with whispers of fear. . .can I do this? Can I make it until July 27th? If I can only make it until then, I can forgo the rest and retreat to family until I can regroup.
Perhaps meeting a man, last night, puts my life into better perspective. This man stood on his front stoop, holding onto the door jamb for support, and told me how his car was hit by an uninsured driver. Spine, neck and pelvis injured, this man was in a coma for a few months, and immobilized for a few years while the medical team fused his spine over three separate operations. During this time, his wife and son were killed in a different automotive accident, and yet this man had such a strong will to live that he fueled his passion not only into self-healing but into rescuing animals battered by their owners. I walked away amazed by his passion for life. And, then I realized how fortunate I am. . .and how fortunate I am to be able to realize my dreams and to have my health. Comparatively, the bar exam is small blip in life. . .a series of moments leading to a license which leads to a dream fulfilled.
I hesitated when I met this young woman and wondered if I should take her aside and say, “This is a long, hard road. There can be no tougher profession than the law, except, perhaps, medicine, and then law firms are turning to paralegals who are assuming more responsibilities at less expensive rates. And, once you graduate from law school (if you get in), you have another hurdle to jump over (the bar exam). Are you sure that you want to take this path? Are you absolutely sure?”
Today, I’m like a friend I meet one year ago, a friend from my school. My friend was broke, living in a tiny apartment in Berkeley, and unexpectedly (and very) pregnant(fortunately, we don't share this in common). She took the bar exam four times (and failed each time). Saddled in debt and hugely round with baby, she didn’t want to speak about the bar exam, or law school . . . she had given up.
But, although I am also living in a room, and find myself selling my cherished study aides and law books, and paring down my belongings in preparation to move. . .and although I am on a financial precipice, just barely able to tread water and keep my head above it, I am “going for broke.” (Note the double-entendre.)
Balancing a temporary job for the U.S. Government where I am managing a small team of wizened men, I am somehow able to squeeze in 4-5 hours of study time a day and have managed my way through the MBE subjects (Contracts, Sales, Real Property, Evidence, Con Law, Crim Law/Crim Pro), sailed past Civ Pro (practical training and actual work in the law is a great assist), and am moving into Community Property, I am gathering steam. And, all the while I am putting things into perspective – I am pursuing my dream in the face of it all. Sometimes, the stress of daily life (and not of the bar exam) awakens me with whispers of fear. . .can I do this? Can I make it until July 27th? If I can only make it until then, I can forgo the rest and retreat to family until I can regroup.
Perhaps meeting a man, last night, puts my life into better perspective. This man stood on his front stoop, holding onto the door jamb for support, and told me how his car was hit by an uninsured driver. Spine, neck and pelvis injured, this man was in a coma for a few months, and immobilized for a few years while the medical team fused his spine over three separate operations. During this time, his wife and son were killed in a different automotive accident, and yet this man had such a strong will to live that he fueled his passion not only into self-healing but into rescuing animals battered by their owners. I walked away amazed by his passion for life. And, then I realized how fortunate I am. . .and how fortunate I am to be able to realize my dreams and to have my health. Comparatively, the bar exam is small blip in life. . .a series of moments leading to a license which leads to a dream fulfilled.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
A Dog with a Bone
At this point, in preparing for my second “go-round” at the California Bar Exam, I am realizing that this is a game and the object is to play the game well. And, that’s all. . .the exam is NOT a reflection of real ability – it’s a reflection of test-taking skill, pure and simple.
In the past, to take a standardized exam, I studied the exam itself and what it took to pass. I practiced every day, after learning the substantive material. I assessed my weakness and strengths. I studied daily. And, while I never “aced” an exam, I went in prepared, and with confidence and I received passing results.
I failed to lend credence to my past study techniques with the February 2009 bar exam. Instead, I believed that if I passed the exam, it would be by the “skin of my teeth.” Inwardly, I believed that I could not pass the exam. Outwardly, I seemed self-confident.
I studied diligently for my first attempt at the bar exam. Every week from October 2008 through February 2009, I met with my study partner at least once per week and we discussed the substantive material, coaching each other in areas where we were weak and the other was strong. We immersed ourselves in the 6-day PMBR. We took Bar Bri’s Essay Advantage for the Performance Test. We wrote 36 essays, 4 performance tests, and did about 800 MBE’s. But, we spread ourselves too thin. By the time the actual exam rolled along, we were both exhausted. And, we were also ill advised by at least some of the “experts.” We tried a 7-day memorization system, a system that we both concluded had spun us off course so close to the actual exam. My back “gave out” from too much sitting and too little sleep. My stomach revolted and Prilosec became my best friend.
My conclusion? No one has a magic bullet for passing the bar exam. You need a good motivator who will provide critical feedback on essay exams and help you devise a study schedule that is tailored to you – no mass market approach. The rest is really up to you.
What helped me pass the MPRE (after two prior attempts) was a different attitude and a different study technique. After doing a brief review of the material, I put away the ethical code and focused ONLY on doing the practice questions. I walked in with confidence. I knew the game and how to play it.
I am taking this same approach for the July bar exam. Now, do I have the time to do all I want to do to unravel the actual bar questions and MBE’s beforehand – I’m making good progress with more to go but life is getting in the way. “Going for broke,” is more than a euphemism. But, I’m like a dog with a bone. . .I’m not letting go. . .I CAN play this game.
In the past, to take a standardized exam, I studied the exam itself and what it took to pass. I practiced every day, after learning the substantive material. I assessed my weakness and strengths. I studied daily. And, while I never “aced” an exam, I went in prepared, and with confidence and I received passing results.
I failed to lend credence to my past study techniques with the February 2009 bar exam. Instead, I believed that if I passed the exam, it would be by the “skin of my teeth.” Inwardly, I believed that I could not pass the exam. Outwardly, I seemed self-confident.
I studied diligently for my first attempt at the bar exam. Every week from October 2008 through February 2009, I met with my study partner at least once per week and we discussed the substantive material, coaching each other in areas where we were weak and the other was strong. We immersed ourselves in the 6-day PMBR. We took Bar Bri’s Essay Advantage for the Performance Test. We wrote 36 essays, 4 performance tests, and did about 800 MBE’s. But, we spread ourselves too thin. By the time the actual exam rolled along, we were both exhausted. And, we were also ill advised by at least some of the “experts.” We tried a 7-day memorization system, a system that we both concluded had spun us off course so close to the actual exam. My back “gave out” from too much sitting and too little sleep. My stomach revolted and Prilosec became my best friend.
My conclusion? No one has a magic bullet for passing the bar exam. You need a good motivator who will provide critical feedback on essay exams and help you devise a study schedule that is tailored to you – no mass market approach. The rest is really up to you.
What helped me pass the MPRE (after two prior attempts) was a different attitude and a different study technique. After doing a brief review of the material, I put away the ethical code and focused ONLY on doing the practice questions. I walked in with confidence. I knew the game and how to play it.
I am taking this same approach for the July bar exam. Now, do I have the time to do all I want to do to unravel the actual bar questions and MBE’s beforehand – I’m making good progress with more to go but life is getting in the way. “Going for broke,” is more than a euphemism. But, I’m like a dog with a bone. . .I’m not letting go. . .I CAN play this game.
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