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Mr. Pink

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by Mr. Pink » Wed Jun 18, 2014 8:26 pm

hyc9598 wrote:38 days left excluding sunday and monday where you are not supposed to study. You can do 1500 mbe when you do 50 a day. Mbe should not be done after 30 day point (only up to saturday like 7/19) to focus on writing. Sub law should be finished until 6/30. You can write about 20 essays and 20 pts if you write one day one essay and the other day one pt. You can read outlines 3 times if you finish one subject a day assuming there are 12 subjects.
That's like, your opinion man....

Different people study in different ways. I have ways that work for me that wouldn't work for others. And the Sunday and Money are not days to "not" study, every day is a day to study (unless you drink like me in which some days are "recovery" days).

As for the PTs, you might want to rethink that strategy. they account for something like 14% each, which is more than any one essay. They aren't that bad because they are "closed universe" so as long as you are familiar with the various tasks you should be fine. I wouldn't put off doing them completely or until the last week or so though.

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by a male human » Wed Jun 18, 2014 8:51 pm

You should literally practice PTs. Maybe 4-7 total (once a week?) but not 1 or 20. If you're one of those people who don't care about PTs until test day, can you rebut my arguments?

1. PTs are worth one-third of your total grade, and you only get 2 shots. Compare this to 6 shots for essays and 190 shots for the MBE.

2. PTs are worth 2x the essays. Do you realize how much double actually is? Try playing the piano with one hand or halving your lifespan to 40. Extra 5 points here = extra 10 points across 1–2 essays = your scaled score possibly tipping over 1440. On the other hand, it’ll be hard to recover if you get 55s on PTs. You’d need about 65s on all essays and 133 raw on the MBE.

3. PTs are the easiest section to improve on because they are skill based. This means…
a. As you spend time on this, you will improve and accelerate (improve your rate of improvement) a disproportionate amount compared to the other sections. Best bang for your time-buck.
b. You’re out of luck if you didn’t pay attention in law school and forgot how to do legal writing. But you can improve how to write, organize, and focus better.

4. PTs are in the afternoon, so you are more susceptible to lethargy, apprehension, homesickness, etc. So you need to practice to feel more in control when you're stuck with that feeling that you failed in the 17th hour of the exam.

If you're already scoring 70+ in your sleep, then fine. But Jesus, "don't practice PTs" makes me want to weep, and I haven't cried since November 22.
Last edited by a male human on Fri Jun 27, 2014 1:18 pm, edited 4 times in total.

hyc9598

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by hyc9598 » Wed Jun 18, 2014 8:55 pm

Mr. Pink wrote:
hyc9598 wrote:38 days left excluding sunday and monday where you are not supposed to study. You can do 1500 mbe when you do 50 a day. Mbe should not be done after 30 day point (only up to saturday like 7/19) to focus on writing. Sub law should be finished until 6/30. You can write about 20 essays and 20 pts if you write one day one essay and the other day one pt. You can read outlines 3 times if you finish one subject a day assuming there are 12 subjects.
That's like, your opinion man....

Different people study in different ways. I have ways that work for me that wouldn't work for others. And the Sunday and Money are not days to "not" study, every day is a day to study (unless you drink like me in which some days are "recovery" days).

As for the PTs, you might want to rethink that strategy. they account for something like 14% each, which is more than any one essay. They aren't that bad because they are "closed universe" so as long as you are familiar with the various tasks you should be fine. I wouldn't put off doing them completely or until the last week or so though.
When I say Monday and Sunday, it means last Sunday and Monday (2 days). We have about 40 days and we can write 40 essays or 35 essay and 5 pts or 30/10 or 20/20 depending on your weakness/strength assuming we write one a day whether it is essay or pt.

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by FutureInLaw » Wed Jun 18, 2014 9:45 pm

It's really stupid that Barbri is wasting our graded essay on Property the day we finished Property.

Like, I don't know anything yet. We just fucking finished. What is the point?

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by james11 » Wed Jun 18, 2014 10:40 pm

FutureInLaw wrote:It's really stupid that Barbri is wasting our graded essay on Property the day we finished Property.

Like, I don't know anything yet. We just fucking finished. What is the point?
FWIW I haven't had the best experience with barbri grading anyway, so it's not like you are wasting anything.

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by jobhunter13 » Wed Jun 18, 2014 11:02 pm

LSATNightmares wrote:Ugh, I wish Barbri were clearer where we could find materials. I took what I thought was the full-lenth MBE we were supposed to do (in the big MBE book), but it was really in something called the Simulated MBE. I had a total freakout when I inputted my scores online and got a 26%, which is barely better than randomly guessing. So now I have to redo it... which is painful.
sorry to heart that man =/ did the page show your percentile rank by any chance? i was wondering if it's worth it to transfer my answers from the book onto the online scantron than wait for them to grade my paper scantron.

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by LSATNightmares » Thu Jun 19, 2014 8:11 am

jobhunter13 wrote:
LSATNightmares wrote:Ugh, I wish Barbri were clearer where we could find materials. I took what I thought was the full-lenth MBE we were supposed to do (in the big MBE book), but it was really in something called the Simulated MBE. I had a total freakout when I inputted my scores online and got a 26%, which is barely better than randomly guessing. So now I have to redo it... which is painful.
sorry to heart that man =/ did the page show your percentile rank by any chance? i was wondering if it's worth it to transfer my answers from the book onto the online scantron than wait for them to grade my paper scantron.
I found that transferring my answers didn't take too long. It immediately broke down my percentile correct for each category and subcategory (e.g. Evidence, then hearsay).

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by hyc9598 » Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:02 pm

MBE K Q
In a single writing, painter contracts to 3 barns painting. After 2 barns, he quits. How much can he recover? Painting all 3 was condition of payment. After painting 3, painter will get payment.

1) zero (emanuel) as completion of 3 was a condition.
2) reasonable value conferred minus damages (barbri).

Which is right?

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by pkt63 » Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:15 pm

hyc9598 wrote:MBE K Q
In a single writing, painter contracts to 3 barns painting. After 2 barns, he quits. How much can he recover? Painting all 3 was condition of payment. After painting 3, painter will get payment.

1) zero (emanuel) as completion of 3 was a condition.
2) reasonable value conferred minus damages (barbri).

Which is right?
2 is. If the question is how much he can recover he would recover the value conferred under equity. If the question is how much could he recover under the contract, I'd go with 1.

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FutureInLaw

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by FutureInLaw » Thu Jun 19, 2014 3:33 pm

Woah, Chuck from Barbri had hair (and bad hair, at that) at some point!

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by hyc9598 » Thu Jun 19, 2014 4:25 pm

Which library is best to study cbx now?

1. LMU library (LAX): Sun light/View. Parking 116 dollars for summer semester visitors.
2. LLS library (Oxford/James Wood and Albany/Valencia): Quiet/Convenient cafe. Parking 9 dollars a day. Cannot find near cheaper parking lot. Street parking space limited. After 9 or 8 am almost impossible to find one space near building. Found three paying parking facilities. Central (James Wood) Paragon (Oxford) Staples Center lot C (Oxford). Cheaper or better?
3. Southwestern Law Library (Wilshire/7th/Hoover)
Last edited by hyc9598 on Thu Jun 19, 2014 5:22 pm, edited 2 times in total.

Apple Tree

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by Apple Tree » Thu Jun 19, 2014 4:42 pm

Is anyone worried about PT? What's the best way to prepare for them? Do one practice test per week or just read through the past ones?

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by Jay Heizenburg » Thu Jun 19, 2014 7:05 pm

Apple Tree wrote:Is anyone worried about PT? What's the best way to prepare for them? Do one practice test per week or just read through the past ones?
Two 55's that led to a 1415 last February . . .

I'm damn worried about my PT's!

I don't fully understand how this "scaled" bullshit works, but I'd like to think that had I gotten a 65 and a 60 I'd be in a suit and tie right now pinching my co-workers' asses rather than slogging through this shit again . . . Yes, I'm hedonistic, but who cares.

***

On a brighter note, I did sign up for Patrick Lin's "Performance Test Workshop" . . .

To date, and I'm willing to swear to this, It has been the most helpful and insightful information on how to matriculate through a PT I've received to far.

Take it for what it's worth.

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by FutureInLaw » Thu Jun 19, 2014 9:37 pm

Anyone using Barmax MBE question bank? If so, any thoughts on how to best use it? Or just do random bunches of questions?

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by lmr » Fri Jun 20, 2014 1:09 am

Apple Tree wrote:Is anyone worried about PT? What's the best way to prepare for them? Do one practice test per week or just read through the past ones?

I was told that they are getting harder each year and we should aim to do 10 full practice ones before the bar.

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by lmr » Fri Jun 20, 2014 1:13 am

FutureInLaw wrote:It's really stupid that Barbri is wasting our graded essay on Property the day we finished Property.

Like, I don't know anything yet. We just fucking finished. What is the point?
I REALLY hate barbri. Their scheduling makes ZERO sense. I don't understand the stinginess w the essay grading. It's so frustrating. I love how the sample answer had a full on nuisance analysis when our lecture material made zero mention of nuisance law. I literally just used the torts definition.

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by ph14 » Fri Jun 20, 2014 1:19 am

lmr wrote:
FutureInLaw wrote:It's really stupid that Barbri is wasting our graded essay on Property the day we finished Property.

Like, I don't know anything yet. We just fucking finished. What is the point?
I REALLY hate barbri. Their scheduling makes ZERO sense. I don't understand the stinginess w the essay grading. It's so frustrating. I love how the sample answer had a full on nuisance analysis when our lecture material made zero mention of nuisance law. I literally just used the torts definition.
Yeah, I think it's best to tailor or adapt Barbri's schedule to what you think will work best for you, based on what you know about your learning style and what worked for you in law school. I'm following the basic plan but altering as needed, skipping stuff that I think wouldn't be a great use of my time and spending time doing other studying (like using the Critical Pass flashcards). I also don't think i'll bother getting the essays graded. They have the model answer right there in the book for you to read. In any event it's still mid-June, so just remain diligent and you will do well.

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by ilovesf » Fri Jun 20, 2014 1:26 am

ph14 wrote:
lmr wrote:
FutureInLaw wrote:It's really stupid that Barbri is wasting our graded essay on Property the day we finished Property.

Like, I don't know anything yet. We just fucking finished. What is the point?
I REALLY hate barbri. Their scheduling makes ZERO sense. I don't understand the stinginess w the essay grading. It's so frustrating. I love how the sample answer had a full on nuisance analysis when our lecture material made zero mention of nuisance law. I literally just used the torts definition.
Yeah, I think it's best to tailor or adapt Barbri's schedule to what you think will work best for you, based on what you know about your learning style and what worked for you in law school. I'm following the basic plan but altering as needed, skipping stuff that I think wouldn't be a great use of my time and spending time doing other studying (like using the Critical Pass flashcards). I also don't think i'll bother getting the essays graded. They have the model answer right there in the book for you to read. In any event it's still mid-June, so just remain diligent and you will do well.
i am also not doing the essay today
yolo

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by Carryon » Fri Jun 20, 2014 11:00 am

Jay Heizenburg wrote:
Apple Tree wrote:Is anyone worried about PT? What's the best way to prepare for them? Do one practice test per week or just read through the past ones?
Two 55's that led to a 1415 last February . . .

I'm damn worried about my PT's!

I don't fully understand how this "scaled" bullshit works, but I'd like to think that had I gotten a 65 and a 60 I'd be in a suit and tie right now pinching my co-workers' asses rather than slogging through this shit again . . . Yes, I'm hedonistic, but who cares.

***

On a brighter note, I did sign up for Patrick Lin's "Performance Test Workshop" . . .

To date, and I'm willing to swear to this, It has been the most helpful and insightful information on how to matriculate through a PT I've received to far.

Take it for what it's worth.
How much does it cost and how do you sign up? Can you do this virutally (if live out of California)?

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by Cade McNown » Fri Jun 20, 2014 5:42 pm

Typically how many MBE subjects are tested on the Essay portion, or how many essay questions involve MBE-tested issues? I don't really want to do the research myself...

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by a male human » Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:13 pm

Cade McNown wrote:Typically how many MBE subjects are tested on the Essay portion, or how many essay questions involve MBE-tested issues? I don't really want to do the research myself...
3 to 4

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by greatsuccess » Fri Jun 20, 2014 7:30 pm

Hi, was wondering if someone has a good explanation to distinguish between a mortgage and a purchase money mortgage. The definition I have for PMM is that it's a mortgage given to secure a loan that enables the debtor to acquire the land. Isn't that how all mortgages work? I'm not sure how to differentiate between the two on the MBE. Thank you!!

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by LSATNightmares » Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:20 pm

greatsuccess wrote:Hi, was wondering if someone has a good explanation to distinguish between a mortgage and a purchase money mortgage. The definition I have for PMM is that it's a mortgage given to secure a loan that enables the debtor to acquire the land. Isn't that how all mortgages work? I'm not sure how to differentiate between the two on the MBE. Thank you!!
I'm like 97% sure but not 100% confident, but this is my understanding after Secured Transactions. A mortgage is just a transaction where you put up your real property as collateral/security on that loan. You could use the loan for anything, including taking a trip to Europe. A purchase money mortgage is where you use the loan to purchase that property. I think people use the term "mortgage" as a synonym these days for purchase money mortgage, but mortgage is in reality much broader.

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by Mr. Pink » Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:21 pm

greatsuccess wrote:Hi, was wondering if someone has a good explanation to distinguish between a mortgage and a purchase money mortgage. The definition I have for PMM is that it's a mortgage given to secure a loan that enables the debtor to acquire the land. Isn't that how all mortgages work? I'm not sure how to differentiate between the two on the MBE. Thank you!!
PMM is where the loan is to purchase the property; a regular mortgage is just a loan secured by the property, but the debtor can use the loan for whatever purpose he wants. PMM also jumps to the top above all other mortgages regardless of time and are satisfied first in foreclosing process.

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Jay Heizenburg

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Re: California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread

Post by Jay Heizenburg » Fri Jun 20, 2014 10:17 pm

Carryon wrote:
Jay Heizenburg wrote:
Apple Tree wrote:Is anyone worried about PT? What's the best way to prepare for them? Do one practice test per week or just read through the past ones?
Two 55's that led to a 1415 last February . . .

I'm damn worried about my PT's!

I don't fully understand how this "scaled" bullshit works, but I'd like to think that had I gotten a 65 and a 60 I'd be in a suit and tie right now pinching my co-workers' asses rather than slogging through this shit again . . . Yes, I'm hedonistic, but who cares.

***

On a brighter note, I did sign up for Patrick Lin's "Performance Test Workshop" . . .

To date, and I'm willing to swear to this, It has been the most helpful and insightful information on how to matriculate through a PT I've received to far.

Take it for what it's worth.
How much does it cost and how do you sign up? Can you do this virutally (if live out of California)?
This is the PT Workshop I was referring to:

--LinkRemoved-- ... ?subs_id=9

So far it had helped me tremendously.

It cost me $119, which I didn't really have, but now have zero regrets. And yes, it can be accessed virtually, through his website.

As you know, PT approaches can be all over the place. For me, he keyed me into a system that not only made sense, but worked. And as a former bar grader, he clarified a number of issues that I struggled with and wasted time on. Frankly, the insight he provided was outstanding.

Hope it does the same for you as it did for me. Let me know.

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion, based on my personal experience. Take it for what it's worth.

Seriously? What are you waiting for?

Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!


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