BarBri Bar Review Hangout - February 2016 Exam Forum

[NY_Sea]

This has already been tremendously helpful. I'm reading/outlining CMR during my lunch break now instead of listening to lecture. I've accomplished twice as much in half as much time. And I feel like I'm understanding it better. Thank you!

This is where it's kind of mysterious how to handle a BARBRI-type course... The course is clearly geared towards what they think (and very well may be... I'm sure they have a lot of money invested in research on that) is how most students learn. I've known for a long time that's not how I learn, but what else are you going to do besides just read the CMR in lieu of going to the lectures?

I'm learning way more than I did the first go around by reading the outlines I made this summer and then practicing MBEs... Where I also went wrong with the MBEs in the summer is not reading explanatory answers. Stupid, and it ended up making me fail by 10 points with a kinda low 126 MBE. So, whether you're a repeater or a first-timer... READ THE EXPLANATORY ANSWERS. And don't skim them either... Really read them and know why you got the answer wrong before you move on. I can't tell you how beneficial that's been for me.

Yup definitely on board with you here. I'm a second time taker and my MBE was low. I didn't practice MBE nearly enough, and frankly, I skipped the explanations. I know it was to my detriment, but once they showed me the right answer I'd maybe read the first sentence of the explanation and be like oh okay got it but in reality I didn't. I was trying to hurry through and just do a ton of questions rather than doing them methodically and taking time to review.

I think all along my downfall has been lack of review. First time around I would do a lecture, fill in the outlines, and then not touch it again. I *tried* to make flashcards, but once I made them, I rarely used them. Same with MBE and not reviewing answers.

So anyways, my plan is to read CMR, outline CMR, practice the hell out of MBE questions, definitely review explanations, and then outline a lot of essays just to issue spot and engage myself in rule recall, while writing full essays a few times a week in my weaker areas.

Agreed. I work full-time as well, so I've been taking the "start wayyyyyy early and do smaller chunks of study" method, and I think it's been working... From late Oct (when NY got their results), I did 2-3 hours a night after work and then 4ish hours Sat and Sun... That consisted of reading my outlines I already did this summer and doing Adaptibar. Now I follow the BARBRI plan, and if I sub out watching the lecture for reading the outline for the corresponding subject, I can pretty much get all the assignments done in 3 hours.

Something I did, which I really recommend anyone do is if you're doing Adaptibar or PMBR or any MBE supplement, just grab a notebook and when you get an answer wrong, WRITE the rule that corresponded with that question. It's helped a ton in just understanding the ticky-tack nuanced questions that the MBE sometimes ask.

[mtyler19]

Can anyone thats also working in emanuels help me with a prop question real quick?

I'm doing questions in emanuels right now and question 6 asks if an attorney must deliver a deed to the grantee's daughter. Emanuel's answer choices mention it being a "gratuitous death escrow," while I don't see anything in barbri's materials talking about that. Barbri does talk about transfers of deeds to third party with conditions in donative transactions, which I may be wrongfully assuming is the same thing. Barbri states that where the condition of delivery of a deed is the grantor's death, delivery is irrevocable and the grantor cannot get her deed back because her intent was to presently convey a future interest to the grantee (CMR p51). So I'm really confused why "placing the deed beyond his control" is important and where that comes from, because it seems conflicting, or maybe emanuels is just phrasing it way different. I fucking hate property.

[THE_U]

This has already been tremendously helpful. I'm reading/outlining CMR during my lunch break now instead of listening to lecture. I've accomplished twice as much in half as much time. And I feel like I'm understanding it better. Thank you!

This is where it's kind of mysterious how to handle a BARBRI-type course... The course is clearly geared towards what they think (and very well may be... I'm sure they have a lot of money invested in research on that) is how most students learn. I've known for a long time that's not how I learn, but what else are you going to do besides just read the CMR in lieu of going to the lectures?

I'm learning way more than I did the first go around by reading the outlines I made this summer and then practicing MBEs... Where I also went wrong with the MBEs in the summer is not reading explanatory answers. Stupid, and it ended up making me fail by 10 points with a kinda low 126 MBE. So, whether you're a repeater or a first-timer... READ THE EXPLANATORY ANSWERS. And don't skim them either... Really read them and know why you got the answer wrong before you move on. I can't tell you how beneficial that's been for me.

Yup definitely on board with you here. I'm a second time taker and my MBE was low. I didn't practice MBE nearly enough, and frankly, I skipped the explanations. I know it was to my detriment, but once they showed me the right answer I'd maybe read the first sentence of the explanation and be like oh okay got it but in reality I didn't. I was trying to hurry through and just do a ton of questions rather than doing them methodically and taking time to review.

I think all along my downfall has been lack of review. First time around I would do a lecture, fill in the outlines, and then not touch it again. I *tried* to make flashcards, but once I made them, I rarely used them. Same with MBE and not reviewing answers.

So anyways, my plan is to read CMR, outline CMR, practice the hell out of MBE questions, definitely review explanations, and then outline a lot of essays just to issue spot and engage myself in rule recall, while writing full essays a few times a week in my weaker areas.

Something I did, which I really recommend anyone do is if you're doing Adaptibar or PMBR or any MBE supplement, just grab a notebook and when you get an answer wrong, WRITE the rule that corresponded with that question. It's helped a ton in just understanding the ticky-tack nuanced questions that the MBE sometimes ask.

Yep. I've had pretty good success memorizing by this method. Sometimes I will also jot down a summarized version or one-line summary of the fact pattern, too. Helps me remember in what situations that rule applies.

[NY_Sea]

Can anyone thats also working in emanuels help me with a prop question real quick?

I'm doing questions in emanuels right now and question 6 asks if an attorney must deliver a deed to the grantee's daughter. Emanuel's answer choices mention it being a "gratuitous death escrow," while I don't see anything in barbri's materials talking about that. Barbri does talk about transfers of deeds to third party with conditions in donative transactions, which I may be wrongfully assuming is the same thing. Barbri states that where the condition of delivery of a deed is the grantor's death, delivery is irrevocable and the grantor cannot get her deed back because her intent was to presently convey a future interest to the grantee (CMR p51). So I'm really confused why "placing the deed beyond his control" is important and where that comes from, because it seems conflicting, or maybe emanuels is just phrasing it way different. I fucking hate property.

I think I remember seeing that question in Adaptibar... Placing the deed beyond the grantor's control is what show their intent to actually deliver the deed. If I remember the question correctly, he gives the deed to his lawyer to give to a niece or something after he dies, but he also says that the lawyer should give the deed back to him if he asks for it. That does not show intent to deliver and give the deed to the niece, because he can still take it back whenever.

I'm sure the "gratuitous death escrow" is legal jargon for the attorney holding onto the deed until he dies and then giving to the niece. But in order for that "escrow" to be created, the grantor must give the deed to the lawyer WITHOUT any strings attached to it, unlike what he did here.

Just my $.02... I could be completely wrong in my remembering the problem. That's the approach I took when reading the question, and I'm pretty sure I got it right.

[727law]

A lot of people have discussed that the lectures are not very helpful, are a waste of time, etc. Personally I have learned significantly more reading the CMR and like others, have a harder time focusing and retaining information from the lectures. With that said, one of the best things I've done is download the Barbri app. If I go for a jog or to the gym I download the lecture audio and blast it directly into my brain through headphones and it's really helped make my free time a little more productive. With an hour or so workout, I am able to focus on problem areas I know I need a little extra work in (lectures are about an hour between breaks so I skip to certain topics) while also having limited distractions. You can also use it for long car rides but either way, it's a good alternative to sitting for four hours and trying to focus between the bad jokes and things you already know.

[rinkrat19]

A lot of people have discussed that the lectures are not very helpful, are a waste of time, etc. Personally I have learned significantly more reading the CMR and like others, have a harder time focusing and retaining information from the lectures. With that said, one of the best things I've done is download the Barbri app. If I go for a jog or to the gym I download the lecture audio and blast it directly into my brain through headphones and it's really helped make my free time a little more productive. With an hour or so workout, I am able to focus on problem areas I know I need a little extra work in (lectures are about an hour between breaks so I skip to certain topics) while also having limited distractions. You can also use it for long car rides but either way, it's a good alternative to sitting for four hours and trying to focus between the bad jokes and things you already know.

I didn't think there was any way to make exercising worse, but you found it.

[fadedsunrise]

Does anyone know if submitting essays for grading that are past due is possible? I didn't do the first graded Torts essay by 24 hours after it was assigned, but it seems to still be on the list under "My Assignments," with a button that says "submit essay."

[z0rk]

Does anyone know if submitting essays for grading that are past due is possible? I didn't do the first graded Torts essay by 24 hours after it was assigned, but it seems to still be on the list under "My Assignments," with a button that says "submit essay."

I submitted both essays a few days after they were due, and they were both graded and submitted back to me. I suggest going back and making sure you uploaded your word document.

[fadedsunrise]

Does anyone know if submitting essays for grading that are past due is possible? I didn't do the first graded Torts essay by 24 hours after it was assigned, but it seems to still be on the list under "My Assignments," with a button that says "submit essay."

I submitted both essays a few days after they were due, and they were both graded and submitted back to me. I suggest going back and making sure you uploaded your word document.

Oh, that's awesome. I didn't actually submit mine at all since I didn't get around to that assignment until after the due date, but I'll go ahead and do it sometime today.

[storge]

Anyone else sruggling(ed) with Evidence MBE's? Is this one of your stronger MBE subjects? If so, need your help!

I have reviewed BarBri's tips and read through Emanuel's Strategies & Tactics. I improved slightly after Emanuel's to just barely meet BarBri's goal scores, but still do not feel confident with the subject. Will be doing more questions (Emanuel's and BarBri) and reading the explanations going forward with hope for improvement, but looking for any other strategies or tips on how to tackle this subject on the MBE. Anyone have a specific thought process they go through/issue priority checklist approach for Ev.Q that is working for them?

[MrMustache]

God damn it, the graded evidence essay is with CA rules. I wanted to avoid CA distinctions until I felt comfortable with federal rules to avoid mixing the rules up, but I guess that's not an option anymore

[slavetothebar]

Thoughts on the Barbri Essay Graders - especially those who took July 2015 and are repeating.

[fadedsunrise]

Does anyone feel like Barbri's civ pro questions are easier than the real ones? I'm getting average of 77-85% on Civ Pro sets, but about 40% on Adaptibar. Or is it that Adaptibar's questions are harder than they should be?

[jamescastle]

Thoughts on the Barbri Essay Graders - especially those who took July 2015 and are repeating.

I think most people found them to be not helpful. I seem to recall one user re-submitting it or something and getting a very different score.

[THE_U]

Anyone else sruggling(ed) with Evidence MBE's? Is this one of your stronger MBE subjects? If so, need your help!

I have reviewed BarBri's tips and read through Emanuel's Strategies & Tactics. I improved slightly after Emanuel's to just barely meet BarBri's goal scores, but still do not feel confident with the subject. Will be doing more questions (Emanuel's and BarBri) and reading the explanations going forward with hope for improvement, but looking for any other strategies or tips on how to tackle this subject on the MBE. Anyone have a specific thought process they go through/issue priority checklist approach for Ev.Q that is working for them?

Would say it is one of my stronger subjects. As far as a specific thought process or issue checklist, it all really depends on the type of question.

Thoughts on the Barbri Essay Graders - especially those who took July 2015 and are repeating.

Extremely inconsistent. Some graders were awesome and left really constructive, detailed feedback. Others left almost nothing.

Regardless, the Barbri grades are usually a little lower than what you would actually get (at least with my experience with the Florida section of the Florida bar) and I wouldn't worry if your scores are a little lower than expected.

My advice for essays is to read as many model answers as you can. If you are already decent/good at IRACing, then there isn't as much need to constantly be writing out essays IMO. Read the model answers and familiarize yourself with the facts and issues that are commonly tested for a particular subject.

Does anyone feel like Barbri's civ pro questions are easier than the real ones? I'm getting average of 77-85% on Civ Pro sets, but about 40% on Adaptibar. Or is it that Adaptibar's questions are harder than they should be?

Both statements are true, IMO. Adaptibar's questions are pretty ridiculous (I'm not even doing a single Adaptibar Civ Pro question this time) and Barbri's tend to be a little too easy. As far as the real thing, all I remember was being bombarded with questions on JNOV and RJNOV and having barely any PJ/SMJ/Venue/etc. type of questions. I am going to do a mix of Barbri and PMBR civ pro questions this time around.'

Also, see http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 1&t=259168

[stlluxury]

.

[UnfrozenCaveman]

Does anyone feel like Barbri's civ pro questions are easier than the real ones? I'm getting average of 77-85% on Civ Pro sets, but about 40% on Adaptibar. Or is it that Adaptibar's questions are harder than they should be?

You can check your score against the rest of BarBri users on the results page. I thought they were easy too but I was in a high percentile.

[rinkrat19]

struggling with the timed essays (writing more on each element). i finally made the jump and purchased the Critical Pass flashcards.. hopefully they help :/ . i found a $10 off code before i purchased.

I believe it's TLS policy to label a referral link as such when you post it.

[Cali_JAG]

Thoughts on the Barbri Essay Graders - especially those who took July 2015 and are repeating.

I took the July 2015 bar and passed. Submitted all graded essays and failed all but one. One of my buddies typed out the model answer verbatim and only got a 65 graded by Barbri -- true story, no joke.

[lawst_]

Those using Adaptibar: worth it? How is it in terms of explanations for answers?

[THE_U]

Those using Adaptibar: worth it? How is it in terms of explanations for answers?

I think it is. The explanations can be shorter/more concise than Barbri's at times, and sometimes can be a little lacking, but overall I think Adaptibar is great. I'm in the habit of going into the CMR each time I get a question wrong (unless it's super obvious) anyways, so I don't find that much issue with the explanations.

[MrMustache]

Can anyone please send me the BarEssays coupon code? Thank you.

Edit: Got it. Thank you.

[jackbauer10]

Can any re-takers comment on the difference between Barbri's MPQ sets and what we'll see on the real MBE? I've heard that they're substantially different but not really much as to how. Are the questions in the "Released MBE Sets" on Enrolled Student Center more like the real thing? My scores are fluctuating between the two, so I'm curious. TYIA. Hope everyone's having a productive week! Here's to another sober weekend at home alone.

[BVest]

Can any re-takers comment on the difference between Barbri's MPQ sets and what we'll see on the real MBE? I've heard that they're substantially different but not really much as to how. Are the questions in the "Released MBE Sets" on Enrolled Student Center more like the real thing? My scores are fluctuating between the two, so I'm curious. TYIA. Hope everyone's having a productive week! Here's to another sober weekend at home alone.

My recollection of barbri questions was that you could almost always get it down to two possible answers, but eliminating the last wrong answer / picking the right answer from those two was where the difficulty lie. On the real MBE, I frequently found myself either unable to eliminate more than one (or any) wrong answers on my first run through, or, alternately, eliminating all four answers and having to start over.

[crumpetsandtea]

What's the consensus for best MBE practice questions?

Also, I have to say, working + studying is really getting to me. I'm still a few days ahead (currently caught up until Sunday) but it's taking such a mental toll. I'm finding it really hard to motivate myself to come home from work and spend a solid few hours studying. I just want to decompress and relax. I feel like it's taking a toll on my productivity at work, too.

In some ways this is easier than the first time around (I'm more familiar with MBE subjects, and the confidence of having passed in CA is huge, way fewer emotional breakdowns this time around) but the timing thing is really wearing down on me. Anyone else in this position?