So I'm back to studying for the Bar

[propita]

I didn't pass the Bar last July and passed on taking it in February. Evidently, I was actually close. So now I'm signing up to take it this July, again.

I'm reviewing my notes and getting "definitive" copies of outlines and study materials. I plan on practicing the multistate questions (the section I had passed, but that's irrelevant--fail any part of the test, retake all of it).

Next up will be doing practice tests. I have 3 friends (two of whom I helped get through law school) who are willing to read/review these tests. Two have looked at my answers from last July and found them...disorganized, which is something since I'm known for organization. I think my health issues (somewhat stabilized now) and anxiety (which was paralyzing last year) were my major problems and screwed my thinking. Now, I'm studying in blocks and taking breaks--and going to the gym 3-4 times per week. A better balance.

Now I have a good chance. And, trying to put the best spin on it, maybe it's all for the best. If I do pass this year, it will have been so hard fought.

 

[Vulcan Princess]

Good luck! A bunch of my friends are taking it this year, too.

 

[trekkiedane]

Good to hear that you're back on the horse

 

[Harvey]

Good luck! I can't imagine taking an exam like that. The closest I've come is the GRE, and that's undeniably small potatoes compared to the BAR Exam.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

Good for you! I am glad to hear your trying again, and glad to hear that you feel well enough to try again.

 

[Finn]

Good Luck!

 

[ancientone51]

Terrific news!!

Sounds like a plan of attack. but nay I make one tiny suggestion? Don't forget to breathe.

Hear me out. I spent two class day (block scheduling) teaching my high schoolers how to relax. I know you are older, but it never hurts to go over the basics.

I just did the..."you are lying on a beeach..." routine to get breathing relaxed and a "Safe/calm/happy place in their brain.

Since anxiety has been a problem with you you might want to just review some basic relaxation ideas. Can't whip out th ipod and chill to tunes for this, as you know!

Best of everything for you and remind us closer to the test date so we can send extra good vibes your way.

 

[RJDiogenes]

It's good to hear that you're back at it. With health issues and anxiety under control, you should be fine.

 

[Snaploud]

Good luck!

 

[Crusher Disciple]

I'm reviewing my notes and getting "definitive" copies of outlines and study materials. I plan on practicing the multistate questions (the section I had passed, but that's irrelevant--fail any part of the test, retake all of it).

.

That's just BS. At least with the real estate licencing exam, if you passed either the state or national portion you could keep from having to retake it.

Is the bar exam computer based or essay?

 

[An Officer]

I really admire the spirit of you getting straight back on the horse. I wish you all the best luck!

 

[Mutai Sho-Rin]

'Pita's gonna nail it this time. Bar exam doesn't stand a chance.

 

[T'Baio]

Good luck!

I'm taking the MCAT next year. My studying has already started.

 

[propita]

Terrific news!!

Sounds like a plan of attack. but nay I make one tiny suggestion? Don't forget to breathe.

Hear me out. I spent two class day (block scheduling) teaching my high schoolers how to relax. I know you are older, but it never hurts to go over the basics.

I just did the..."you are lying on a beeach..." routine to get breathing relaxed and a "Safe/calm/happy place in their brain.

Since anxiety has been a problem with you you might want to just review some basic relaxation ideas. Can't whip out th ipod and chill to tunes for this, as you know!

Best of everything for you and remind us closer to the test date so we can send extra good vibes your way.

That's exactly what a friend suggested! Great minds. Of course, this friend also wrote on one palm of my hand "breathe" and on the other "focus."

'Pita's gonna nail it this time. Bar exam doesn't stand a chance.

So good to hear from you. I hope all is well.



As it is, Hubby and I are taking a break--our last for the next few months--and heading to Vegas. We have reservations at TI and tickets to "Mystere." We hope to see "Lion King," too, and maybe a lesser-priced show. And we're cashing in Amex reward points for gift cards--planning on hitting Smith & Wollensky and Mortons, maybe Pinot Brasserie and Mon Ami Gabi. Hubby is a definite carnivore and wants his steak, and the gift cards knock off most/all of the cost.

Then it's back to the books.

 

[Mutai Sho-Rin]

^ ^ ^ ^ ^
When are you going to Las Vegas? I'll be there for a trade show next Tuesday through Friday (03/23-26). If your schedule coincides, send me a PM. Maybe we could cross paths, even for a quick beer.

 

[Alpha Romeo]

What are you using for the essays? IRAC? Thats what I used...

"the issues in this fact pattern can be resolved via X law of contracts"

IRAC

 

[propita]

What are you using for the essays? IRAC? Thats what I used...

"the issues in this fact pattern can be resolved via X law of contracts"

IRAC

That's what I did in (most of) school and was supposed to do for the Bar--but towards the end of school and for the Bar, my thinking went sideways.

My answers (you fail and you get your answers) show just how screwed my thinking was. OMG! Where's my IRAC?! Me--usually so organized that 4 years of classes below me use my outlines as reference--was totally chaotic in my approach and reasoning. This was not me, or not the me I was used to being.

I knew something was going off at the end of 3d yr (I was on a 4yr program) and it worsened. My scores were 10-15 points below where they should've been in 4th yr. That coincided with my thyroid going whack, which added to my blood pressure going whack--both of which totally screwed my thinking. Hubby says my thinking still isn't where it used to be a few years ago, and that it's not due to age.

So, time to learn a methodology and approach that I can make automatic regardless of the fact pattern. Once I have that down, I'll be okay. Well, I'll find out in November if it's okay.

 

[ancientone51]

Of course it will be all right. You are propita and you rock.

You will be fine.

Use any new technique as an additional technique...to give you options. Don't eleminate the one you used successfully for three years.
RRemember, a golf pro doesn't tain a golfer in a totally new way to play...just to rethink the stuff that worked all the time until it didn't.

 

[propita]

You're right, ancientone. My general thinking style is the same no matter what, but it was no longer automatic. I don't remember how I did things before. So whatever I end up doing is going to a melding of the two, but with enough practice to be the only way--instead of trying to do this and trying to do that, but ending up doing neither.

I was real close, so if that crap was good, this stuff (with help from friends to polish) has GOT to be better.

And, more importantly, ancientone, how are YOU doing?

 

[ancientone51]

I'm doing okay, thanks. Daughter and I are getting along. Not getting a lot done, but getting used to the new situation. The fact that it's spring break has been a blessing.