July 2016 Virginia Bar Thread Forum

[ironbmike]

Question about the grading of the bar exam.

Passing score is 140, 60% essays, 40% MBE.

The average scaled score on the MBE is 140, and the bar examiners state that they scale the essays so that that the average score is 140. So it seems to me that if you do average on the MBE and average on the essays, you will pass but by the skin of your teeth. However, the pass rate is 70%. Something doesn't seem right about that. If 70% are passing, doesn't that mean you could do below average on both the MBE and the essays and still pass? What am I missing?

I've wondered this too. If the scores are scaled to average, and the pass rate is the scaled 140, then how do 50%+ pass? I must be missing something.

140 is the average, not the median, and having a below average score on one part can be made up with a better score on another part

Maybe it's just because my brain is fried right now, but I'm still having trouble understanding how 70% can pass...

[doctoroflaw91]

Anyone else in full-on anxiety mode?

[bsktbll28082]

Anyone else in full-on anxiety mode?

Yep. Trying to keep everything in perspective- it's not the end of the world if I fail, but it will set my plans back a bit. I wish they released results sooner; it's like they want to keep the anxiety going, just a few more months.

[doctoroflaw91]

Anyone else in full-on anxiety mode?

Yep. Trying to keep everything in perspective- it's not the end of the world if I fail, but it will set my plans back a bit. I wish they released results sooner; it's like they want to keep the anxiety going, just a few more months.

I plan on leaving the exam and drinking enough bourbon to forget about it.

[miasanmia]

Anyone else in full-on anxiety mode?

Had a full meltdown yesterday. Finally signed back up for TLS to commiserate

Meltdown was spurred by barely passing two of the simulated written exam essays and failing the others because of rule mix-ups. If this is just barbri scare tactics, the result was counterproductive. If I'm really on track to fail, I'm overwhelmed by the minute details I'm apparently expected to memorize in the next 9 days. This is rough.

[ironbmike]

Anyone else in full-on anxiety mode?

Had a full meltdown yesterday. Finally signed back up for TLS to commiserate

Meltdown was spurred by barely passing two of the simulated written exam essays and failing the others because of rule mix-ups. If this is just barbri scare tactics, the result was counterproductive. If I'm really on track to fail, I'm overwhelmed by the minute details I'm apparently expected to memorize in the next 9 days. This is rough.

Don't worry, we go down together.

[supervik80]

Anyone else in full-on anxiety mode?

Had a full meltdown yesterday. Finally signed back up for TLS to commiserate

Meltdown was spurred by barely passing two of the simulated written exam essays and failing the others because of rule mix-ups. If this is just barbri scare tactics, the result was counterproductive. If I'm really on track to fail, I'm overwhelmed by the minute details I'm apparently expected to memorize in the next 9 days. This is rough.

I feel your pain. I'm having trouble getting rules down. That being said, I think if you can at least spot the issue and do some sort of analysis, the answer will be passing. Even if you get the rule wrong, you will only lose a point here or there. The main point is spotting the issue and providing analysis. At least that's what I'm telling myself so as to not induce my own meltdown. This test has too many topics. When I studied for California, I only needed to know half the topics and I had time to spend getting them all down. Now I feel like I'm just running around topic to topic like a chicken with its head cut off trying to drink from a fire hose.

[pleasepass]

Anyone else in full-on anxiety mode?

Had a full meltdown yesterday. Finally signed back up for TLS to commiserate

Meltdown was spurred by barely passing two of the simulated written exam essays and failing the others because of rule mix-ups. If this is just barbri scare tactics, the result was counterproductive. If I'm really on track to fail, I'm overwhelmed by the minute details I'm apparently expected to memorize in the next 9 days. This is rough.

I feel your pain. I'm having trouble getting rules down. That being said, I think if you can at least spot the issue and do some sort of analysis, the answer will be passing. Even if you get the rule wrong, you will only lose a point here or there. The main point is spotting the issue and providing analysis. At least that's what I'm telling myself so as to not induce my own meltdown. This test has too many topics. When I studied for California, I only needed to know half the topics and I had time to spend getting them all down. Now I feel like I'm just running around topic to topic like a chicken with its head cut off trying to drink from a fire hose.

I've spoken directly to a former essay grader. He told me the following verbatim: 7 = you can ID the area of law being tested, spot most of the issues based on the facts, and discuss the law with enough clarity to show that you have adequate knowledge. 10 = you can ID the area of law being tested, spot all the issues, state the law correctly for each issue, and apply the law to the facts in a more thorough fashion, arguing both sides, and reaching a well reasoned conclusion.

[supervik80]

Anyone else in full-on anxiety mode?

Had a full meltdown yesterday. Finally signed back up for TLS to commiserate

Meltdown was spurred by barely passing two of the simulated written exam essays and failing the others because of rule mix-ups. If this is just barbri scare tactics, the result was counterproductive. If I'm really on track to fail, I'm overwhelmed by the minute details I'm apparently expected to memorize in the next 9 days. This is rough.

I feel your pain. I'm having trouble getting rules down. That being said, I think if you can at least spot the issue and do some sort of analysis, the answer will be passing. Even if you get the rule wrong, you will only lose a point here or there. The main point is spotting the issue and providing analysis. At least that's what I'm telling myself so as to not induce my own meltdown. This test has too many topics. When I studied for California, I only needed to know half the topics and I had time to spend getting them all down. Now I feel like I'm just running around topic to topic like a chicken with its head cut off trying to drink from a fire hose.

I've spoken directly to a former essay grader. He told me the following verbatim: 7 = you can ID the area of law being tested, spot most of the issues based on the facts, and discuss the law with enough clarity to show that you have adequate knowledge. 10 = you can ID the area of law being tested, spot all the issues, state the law correctly for each issue, and apply the law to the facts in a more thorough fashion, arguing both sides, and reaching a well reasoned conclusion.

Good info! According to Barbri a 6 is a passing score for an essay question. I'm not sure if that means if you got a 6 on every question you'd still pass.

[miasanmia]

I feel your pain. I'm having trouble getting rules down. That being said, I think if you can at least spot the issue and do some sort of analysis, the answer will be passing. Even if you get the rule wrong, you will only lose a point here or there. The main point is spotting the issue and providing analysis. At least that's what I'm telling myself so as to not induce my own meltdown. This test has too many topics. When I studied for California, I only needed to know half the topics and I had time to spend getting them all down. Now I feel like I'm just running around topic to topic like a chicken with its head cut off trying to drink from a fire hose.

100% with you on the thirsty chicken Starting to think taking CA might not have been such a bad idea...

I've spoken directly to a former essay grader. He told me the following verbatim: 7 = you can ID the area of law being tested, spot most of the issues based on the facts, and discuss the law with enough clarity to show that you have adequate knowledge. 10 = you can ID the area of law being tested, spot all the issues, state the law correctly for each issue, and apply the law to the facts in a more thorough fashion, arguing both sides, and reaching a well reasoned conclusion.

This is really helpful. Thank you!!

[ironbmike]

Is the short-answer graded right/wrong only? Or could you get points for "closeness?" Say if the real answer is 21 days and you put 20 days.

[miasanmia]

Is the short-answer graded right/wrong only? Or could you get points for "closeness?" Say if the real answer is 21 days and you put 20 days.

My understanding from the letter on the VBBE website was that it is all multiple choice this year.

[supervik80]

Is the short-answer graded right/wrong only? Or could you get points for "closeness?" Say if the real answer is 21 days and you put 20 days.

My understanding from the letter on the VBBE website was that it is all multiple choice this year.

You're right! I just looked at the instruction letter and it states that its multiple choice only! Great news, thanks for the post!

[vthokies88]

Is the short-answer graded right/wrong only? Or could you get points for "closeness?" Say if the real answer is 21 days and you put 20 days.

My understanding from the letter on the VBBE website was that it is all multiple choice this year.

You're right! I just looked at the instruction letter and it states that its multiple choice only! Great news, thanks for the post!

Hopefully they're easier than Barbri's - some of their multiple choice questions are as hard as the fill in the blank ones

[pleasepass]

Is the short-answer graded right/wrong only? Or could you get points for "closeness?" Say if the real answer is 21 days and you put 20 days.

My understanding from the letter on the VBBE website was that it is all multiple choice this year.

You're right! I just looked at the instruction letter and it states that its multiple choice only! Great news, thanks for the post!

Hopefully they're easier than Barbri's - some of their multiple choice questions are as hard as the fill in the blank ones

I don't think I've gotten a single MC Q correct when there's been more than one answer that is correct.

[supervik80]

Is the short-answer graded right/wrong only? Or could you get points for "closeness?" Say if the real answer is 21 days and you put 20 days.

My understanding from the letter on the VBBE website was that it is all multiple choice this year.

You're right! I just looked at the instruction letter and it states that its multiple choice only! Great news, thanks for the post!

Hopefully they're easier than Barbri's - some of their multiple choice questions are as hard as the fill in the blank ones

I don't think I've gotten a single MC Q correct when there's been more than one answer that is correct.

I'm not going to do anything special for the MC Q, it seems like a crap shoot. What could you possibly do to be ready for that, other than do the barbri Qs?

[bsktbll28082]

Do I need to bring a laptop extension cord if my cord is 9ft to begin with? I don't think I do.

[supervik80]

Do I need to bring a laptop extension cord if my cord is 9ft to begin with? I don't think I do.

From the VBBE website (I had the same question you did)

If my computer power cord is 10 feet long, do I need to bring an extension cord?
Yes, you must bring at least a 6-foot extension cord. Power outlets will be within approximately 6-8 feet of each seat. To ensure that no one has to step over a power cord that is suspended in the air, you must have sufficient extension cord length.

[vabartimes2]

Wishing everyone well and to stay mentally with it. These forums were a comfort to me so paying it forward. I've taken and passed the VA Bar twice (July 2003, Feb. 2015) you can do it. I worked full time while self studying (Themis) for the Feb bar and had been out of law school for 12 years. By this point, I recommend essay practice as the priority. I printed out all those old VA bar exams . I did timed writing practice but also just issue spotting if I didn't have a ton of time and I poured over the answers. That essay practice was huge, especially given how nerve wracking essay day can be - by that point, it was automatic- see the question, quickly outline answer, write. Also, there were duplicate questions from old bars. Finally, do at least 50 MBEs daily under timed conditions to keep stamina up.

[supervik80]

Wishing everyone well and to stay mentally with it. These forums were a comfort to me so paying it forward. I've taken and passed the VA Bar twice (July 2003, Feb. 2015) you can do it. I worked full time while self studying (Themis) for the Feb bar and had been out of law school for 12 years. By this point, I recommend essay practice as the priority. I printed out all those old VA bar exams . I did timed writing practice but also just issue spotting if I didn't have a ton of time and I poured over the answers. That essay practice was huge, especially given how nerve wracking essay day can be - by that point, it was automatic- see the question, quickly outline answer, write. Also, there were duplicate questions from old bars. Finally, do at least 50 MBEs daily under timed conditions to keep stamina up.

Good advice. I'm a little shaken however, because some of the past questions included material that was not covered by barbri. For instance, there is some bizzare question about sanctions against a lawyer imposed by the court as an example. I'm trying to hold it together under the idea that probably everyone would get that wrong and so long as I provide some good analysis, I will get credit. However, its disheartening nonetheless.

[supervik80]

Wishing everyone well and to stay mentally with it. These forums were a comfort to me so paying it forward. I've taken and passed the VA Bar twice (July 2003, Feb. 2015) you can do it. I worked full time while self studying (Themis) for the Feb bar and had been out of law school for 12 years. By this point, I recommend essay practice as the priority. I printed out all those old VA bar exams . I did timed writing practice but also just issue spotting if I didn't have a ton of time and I poured over the answers. That essay practice was huge, especially given how nerve wracking essay day can be - by that point, it was automatic- see the question, quickly outline answer, write. Also, there were duplicate questions from old bars. Finally, do at least 50 MBEs daily under timed conditions to keep stamina up.

Good advice. I'm a little shaken however, because some of the past questions included material that was not covered by barbri. For instance, there is some bizzare question about sanctions against a lawyer imposed by the court as an example. I'm trying to hold it together under the idea that probably everyone would get that wrong and so long as I provide some good analysis, I will get credit. However, its disheartening nonetheless.

[miasanmia]

Good advice. I'm a little shaken however, because some of the past questions included material that was not covered by barbri. For instance, there is some bizzare question about sanctions against a lawyer imposed by the court as an example. I'm trying to hold it together under the idea that probably everyone would get that wrong and so long as I provide some good analysis, I will get credit. However, its disheartening nonetheless.

This is where I was a week ago, only I was a lot shaken
I'm compensating for the fear of the unknown by skimming through all the essays in the VA book. If they recycle patterns, at least I'll have glanced at the model answer before.
I take a lot of comfort from something the simulated mbe webcast guy said... The examiners are well aware that we can't possibly memorize all of this stuff. The thing I'm most confident about right now is that I'm gonna pull a total blank on something. Just gotta take a stab at it, not let it get to you, and try to make up for it with the stuff you know well.

[justonemoregame]

Do we get half points on the essays? Yeah I typed it.

[justonemoregame]

is there plenty of room to take notes on the essays? big fan of outlining the answer before typing

[ironbmike]

Do I need to bring a laptop extension cord if my cord is 9ft to begin with? I don't think I do.

From the VBBE website (I had the same question you did)

If my computer power cord is 10 feet long, do I need to bring an extension cord?
Yes, you must bring at least a 6-foot extension cord. Power outlets will be within approximately 6-8 feet of each seat. To ensure that no one has to step over a power cord that is suspended in the air, you must have sufficient extension cord length.

Wait, does this mean like the orange extension cords? I thought it just meant your laptop cord needed to be 6 ft+. Mine is 7 ft, this means I need to bring an additional actual orange extension cord?