July 2016 California Bar Exam Forum

[Raiden]

Here's something pretty awesome I found too: https://sites.google.com/site/easybarpasser/past-exams/

It lists all the questions dating back to the Cabbage Patch Dolls. Some of them have outlines and sample answers. Its utility is primarily based on the fact that it has all questions unified on one site. Thus, it makes a good resource for practice essays because you do not have to fish around and download any PDFs. Lord knows where all my PDFs wandered off to.

This time around (cause I been around) I am focusing much more on writing essays. For three consecutive essays, I scored 60 65 and 60 and I wrote it all very disorganized. I spoke with a tutor and they told me that had I organized it better, in a specific order, I could have scored much higher. I dream of passing the bar, but I need to learn how to put the essays together.

For that reason, I am trying to compile as much information in regards to essay writing (for specific essays) onto the Law Genius site. It is hard for any one person to specialize in all essays, but by working together we can add ("When our powers combine...Earth, Wind, Fire, Water...") in some pretty good insights for each essay.

Anyway, keep it up guys!

Yes that site is a great resource! I've used it before, definitely helped me out

[BlenderBtl90]

Hi!

I have the code for Adaptibar if you need it. Adaptibar saved my booty during my retake this February.

I failed July 2015 (woomp, woooomp), but passed February (woooo!). I did Barbri the first time. I'll be happy to chat with you if you want to know what I did Feb which I didn't do in July (and which I think made a whole world of difference).

Happy studying!

[a male human]

Rap Genius & Raiden, I added that repository of essays to the resource megapost. It looked too good to pass up.

[Rap Genius]

Whoa that's pretty nuts! Thanks for finding that. I'm not sure how to sort by subject, though. That part looks incomplete.

Yea I found it to be somewhat a WIP.

[Rap Genius]

"Another One" - DJ Khaled.

I took this essay for a quick run through but I will need to look at an outline tomorrow (or in a few hours) to write on the subject. I hope to get offthe outline crutches soon. So you guys can see what I'm working on take a look: http://genius.com/The-state-bar-of-cali ... -annotated

That's the latest. I'd like to find essays you guys are interested in working on. Any ideas? You can be my first PM.

[MsAvocadoPit]

Just bought a BarMax MBE Questions-only account. It was cheaper than Adaptibar, so far so good! (for $199 b/c I emailed a rep for $50 discount). Anyone else using it? How much review of answers do you do on these supplemental questions? the explanations are not as long and detailed as Barbri's MBE sets, so review seems to be pretty quick. Feel like I can get through a bunch, but I don't want to be blowing through them if I'm not going to remember much.

[a male human]

Just bought a BarMax MBE Questions-only account. It was cheaper than Adaptibar, so far so good! (for $199 b/c I emailed a rep for $50 discount). Anyone else using it? How much review of answers do you do on these supplemental questions? the explanations are not as long and detailed as Barbri's MBE sets, so review seems to be pretty quick. Feel like I can get through a bunch, but I don't want to be blowing through them if I'm not going to remember much.

Do you know the difference between the MBE course ($499.99) and the MBE Questions course ($249.99)?
https://mytestmax.com/store

[MsAvocadoPit]

Just bought a BarMax MBE Questions-only account. It was cheaper than Adaptibar, so far so good! (for $199 b/c I emailed a rep for $50 discount). Anyone else using it? How much review of answers do you do on these supplemental questions? the explanations are not as long and detailed as Barbri's MBE sets, so review seems to be pretty quick. Feel like I can get through a bunch, but I don't want to be blowing through them if I'm not going to remember much.

Do you know the difference between the MBE course ($499.99) and the MBE Questions course ($249.99)?
https://mytestmax.com/store

from what I can tell, the MBE "course" has actual lectures, materials, and support. I just wanted the MBE Q bank. The rep said I could share my code, it's for $50 off, but you can also email them directly for bargaining. I'm also getting the paper copy of Qs as well, that's an add-on for extra $ but I like the option of having both.

[Nauzie]

Here's something pretty awesome I found too: https://sites.google.com/site/easybarpasser/past-exams/

It lists all the questions dating back to the Cabbage Patch Dolls. Some of them have outlines and sample answers. Its utility is primarily based on the fact that it has all questions unified on one site. Thus, it makes a good resource for practice essays because you do not have to fish around and download any PDFs. Lord knows where all my PDFs wandered off to.

This time around (cause I been around) I am focusing much more on writing essays. For three consecutive essays, I scored 60 65 and 60 and I wrote it all very disorganized. I spoke with a tutor and they told me that had I organized it better, in a specific order, I could have scored much higher. I dream of passing the bar, but I need to learn how to put the essays together.

For that reason, I am trying to compile as much information in regards to essay writing (for specific essays) onto the Law Genius site. It is hard for any one person to specialize in all essays, but by working together we can add ("When our powers combine...Earth, Wind, Fire, Water...") in some pretty good insights for each essay.

Anyway, keep it up guys!

YOU ARE GOING to pass! I can feel it. Thanks for this site!

[Zebra]

Dr. Sacuzzo's predicted topics for July:

PR
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
PROPERTY
CON LAW
CRIMES

WILDCARD: EVIDENCE


Do you guys think this is likely? Why evidence as the wildcard? :/

(please don't reply with a "you can't rely on predictions, you must study all topics, etc." - DUH.)

[Zaizei]

Hi! Do you guys know a good web page to buy good MBE questions to practice (that provides full explained answers for the 4 options)? Thanks

[Zebra]

Hi! Do you guys know a good web page to buy good MBE questions to practice (that provides full explained answers for the 4 options)? Thanks

adaptibar

[Nauzie]

Dr. Sacuzzo's predicted topics for July:

PR
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
PROPERTY
CON LAW
CRIMES

WILDCARD: EVIDENCE


Do you guys think this is likely? Why evidence as the wildcard? :/

(please don't reply with a "you can't rely on predictions, you must study all topics, etc." - DUH.)

I was looking at the probability of the same subjects being tested In July that were tested in February.. and only 1 or 2 subjects are usually retested. so it kinda makes sense...

[a male human]

Hi! Do you guys know a good web page to buy good MBE questions to practice (that provides full explained answers for the 4 options)? Thanks

500+ licensed questions + author-generated Civ Pro questions
http://www.amazon.com/Strategies-Tactic ... 608652dc7b

^ I trust this guy's thorough explanations.

1,500+ questions online and tailored to your progress:
http://www.adaptibar.com/

[a male human]

Dr. Sacuzzo's predicted topics for July:

PR
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
PROPERTY
CON LAW
CRIMES

WILDCARD: EVIDENCE


Do you guys think this is likely? Why evidence as the wildcard? :/

(please don't reply with a "you can't rely on predictions, you must study all topics, etc." - DUH.)

Is Sacuzzo ever completely right? He takes credit for the 50% of the subjects he got right and just sweeps his mistakes under the rug. So no, I don't think it's likely. AFAIK, his guess is as good as anyone's.

Also, I'm curious. What is the purpose of asking if you already know you can't rely on predictions, what did you want to get from this? I'm not trying to be mean. I'm genuinely curious. What would you do if people said "yes it is likely those predictions will come true"?

[Raiden]

Dr. Sacuzzo's predicted topics for July:

PR
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
PROPERTY
CON LAW
CRIMES

WILDCARD: EVIDENCE


Do you guys think this is likely? Why evidence as the wildcard? :/

(please don't reply with a "you can't rely on predictions, you must study all topics, etc." - DUH.)

I'd say worry about these predictions when you've come to that "Oh snap, there is only a week left and I have not studied everything" mindset. The Bar can really do anything. They had two questions on Contracts within the same set for Pete's sake this past February. Even Pete peed his pants in the middle of that session.

[Nauzie]

Dr. Sacuzzo's predicted topics for July:

PR
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
PROPERTY
CON LAW
CRIMES

WILDCARD: EVIDENCE


Do you guys think this is likely? Why evidence as the wildcard? :/

(please don't reply with a "you can't rely on predictions, you must study all topics, etc." - DUH.)

I'd say worry about these predictions when you've come to that "Oh snap, there is only a week left and I have not studied everything" mindset. The Bar can really do anything. They had two questions on Contracts within the same set for Pete's sake this past February. Even Pete peed his pants in the middle of that session.

LOL

[a male human]

Dr. Sacuzzo's predicted topics for July:

PR
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
PROPERTY
CON LAW
CRIMES

WILDCARD: EVIDENCE


Do you guys think this is likely? Why evidence as the wildcard? :/

(please don't reply with a "you can't rely on predictions, you must study all topics, etc." - DUH.)

I'd say worry about these predictions when you've come to that "Oh snap, there is only a week left and I have not studied everything" mindset. The Bar can really do anything. They had two questions on Contracts within the same set for Pete's sake this past February. Even Pete peed his pants in the middle of that session.

Agreed. More useful for last-minute prioritization if you're feeling crunched for time. Before that, the risk is not worth it.

Not that anyone's going to rely on predictions this early since DUH, you must study all topics.

[Right in Two]

Dr. Sacuzzo's predicted topics for July:

PR
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
PROPERTY
CON LAW
CRIMES

WILDCARD: EVIDENCE


Do you guys think this is likely? Why evidence as the wildcard? :/

(please don't reply with a "you can't rely on predictions, you must study all topics, etc." - DUH.)

Is Sacuzzo ever completely right? He takes credit for the 50% of the subjects he got right and just sweeps his mistakes under the rug. So no, I don't think it's likely. AFAIK, his guess is as good as anyone's.

Also, I'm curious. What is the purpose of asking if you already know you can't rely on predictions, what did you want to get from this? I'm not trying to be mean. I'm genuinely curious. What would you do if people said "yes it is likely those predictions will come true"?

^^This
The predictions typically "predict" nearly every subject and just massage the results to make it look like they got 6/6 or at worst 5/6. They even change the representations of the predictions between "before" and the "after" videos, depending on the results

Predictions Before Feb 2016:
1. Contracts/Remedies
2. Torts/Remedies
3. Property/Remedies
4. P.R. (most likely full)
5. Evidence (potential Criminal Law crossover)
6. Wills/Trusts/B.A. (emphasis on fiduciary duties)
Wild Card - Civ Pro

Predictions After:
1. Wills/Trusts/B.A
2. Torts/Remedies
3. P.R.
4. Contracts/Remedies
5. Evidence
6. Property/Remedies

You can tell the "after" predictions reek of hindsight bias because there is no more mention of Civ Pro or Criminal Law, which did not appear on the exam. Using this method, the predictors would only get burned for a Con Law, CP, or A&P essay (and they could try to claim A&P is basically BA and CP involves an emphasis on fiduciary duties if they had to).

IMO, the predictions hurt more than they help because the accuracy is very questionable and they likely give some students an excuse to do fewer essays.

[Raiden]

Dr. Sacuzzo's predicted topics for July:

PR
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
PROPERTY
CON LAW
CRIMES

WILDCARD: EVIDENCE


Do you guys think this is likely? Why evidence as the wildcard? :/

(please don't reply with a "you can't rely on predictions, you must study all topics, etc." - DUH.)

Is Sacuzzo ever completely right? He takes credit for the 50% of the subjects he got right and just sweeps his mistakes under the rug. So no, I don't think it's likely. AFAIK, his guess is as good as anyone's.

Also, I'm curious. What is the purpose of asking if you already know you can't rely on predictions, what did you want to get from this? I'm not trying to be mean. I'm genuinely curious. What would you do if people said "yes it is likely those predictions will come true"?

^^This
The predictions typically "predict" nearly every subject and just massage the results to make it look like they got 6/6 or at worst 5/6. They even change the representations of the predictions between "before" and the "after" videos, depending on the results

Predictions Before Feb 2016:
1. Contracts/Remedies
2. Torts/Remedies
3. Property/Remedies
4. P.R. (most likely full)
5. Evidence (potential Criminal Law crossover)
6. Wills/Trusts/B.A. (emphasis on fiduciary duties)
Wild Card - Civ Pro

Predictions After:
1. Wills/Trusts/B.A
2. Torts/Remedies
3. P.R.
4. Contracts/Remedies
5. Evidence
6. Property/Remedies

You can tell the "after" predictions reek of hindsight bias because there is no more mention of Civ Pro or Criminal Law, which did not appear on the exam. Using this method, the predictors would only get burned for a Con Law, CP, or A&P essay (and they could try to claim A&P is basically BA and CP involves an emphasis on fiduciary duties if they had to).

IMO, the predictions hurt more than they help because the accuracy is very questionable and they likely give some students an excuse to do fewer essays.

I'd like to know how he comes up with his predictions, what algorithm is he using?

[minkylowlife]

Seriously though, the bar can do anything, was anybody really expecting a pure remedies question in February?

[nelife22]

Anyone interested in buying a set of critical pass flashcards...PM me.

Thanks!

p.s. was a repeater and passed feb 16...I believe these helped me a lot I did MBE score services and I got between a 145-150 scaled score for MBE. (I know this because I scored high enough to auto pass Minnesota at 145, but not high enough for North Dakota at 150.) Making approximations I made about a 15-20 point raw improvement from July 15. If you guys have any other questions, let me know too.

[Zebra]

Seriously though, the bar can do anything, was anybody really expecting a pure remedies question in February?

I never understood how remedies can be a "pure" remedies question without crossing over with Torts or K, or Prop, etc.

A remedy is sought for damages (arising from some topic other than remedies).

Feb was contracts, we had to discuss it briefly...so I'm wondering what their standards are for considering it crossover vs. pure remedies (grading info paper indicated it was a pure remedies question).

Oh and #1 was strictly considered Trusts when the facts triggered discussion of Wills...wtf!

[AspiringCALawyer]

Dr. Sacuzzo's predicted topics for July:

PR
COMMUNITY PROPERTY
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
PROPERTY
CON LAW
CRIMES

WILDCARD: EVIDENCE


Do you guys think this is likely? Why evidence as the wildcard? :/

(please don't reply with a "you can't rely on predictions, you must study all topics, etc." - DUH.)

The only thing I've heard for sure is that PR must appear on every exam--either as an essay or PT. Also, I think CP also appears in some form. Otherwise, it's a crap shoot.

[AspiringCALawyer]

Does anyone have a discount code for Baressays.com you can send me? Thanks.