Feb 2016 bar results waiting thread Forum

[AspiringCALawyer]

Thanks you guys, it's so tough to fail. Why is it that I fail when essay is high and mbe is low, vice versa? If I could just combine Feb and July. Where do I go from here? I'm so scared to retake it after experiencing failing repeatedly. I thought I had MBE July up so I thought I'd get similar this time, not decrease. What can I do? Seriously need to make sure MBE goes up. Not sure out of Feb and July, better chance of passing?

One of the things that helped me with the February 2016 CA bar was the stories from the Barbri lecturers. Specifically, I had a brain freeze on the first essay on the third day. Since I had heard one of the lecturer's anecdotes about how he had had a similar experience and just wrote something logical, I did the same after gaining my composure. The other two essays and PT were more doable. I don't get results until May 13, so the jury's still out on my outcome.

Another story involved someone who had screwed up the dates such that he missed the first day completely (back then one could still take the rest of the test). Since he knew he would fail, he was very calm during the balance of the test. As such, he scored very high marks on the remaining essays. When he retook the exam, he passed.

I mention these stories to say that you need to picture all types of scenarios and have a preplanned response. If you have issues with MBE, come up with some techniques in advance to overcome that issue. When I had to take MBE (NY and PA), I supplemented Barbri with PMBR (old name) because I generally did worse on standardized tests. I made sure I was on pace. Also, certain questions were more difficult for me (e.g., metes and bounds); therefore, when I saw those I just read quickly or guessed and moved on.

I think you should jump back on the horse for July. Don't give up!

One last lecturer story: one candidate took 12 years to pass. Currently, he's a partner at a law firm.

[Em_Banc]

Just found out I failed TN...very stressful and annoying...but gotta get back into it (Working full time as well): but here are my scores - What should I focus on the most for July? (need 270 to pass)....also is it worth is to pay $50 to have NCBE hand grade my MBE?

Tennessee Raw Essay Scores:
Q1 3.00
Q10 1.00
Q2 6.00
Q3 5.00
Q4 6.00
Q5 3.00
Q6 6.00
Q7 3.00
Q8 1.00
Q9 3.00


Total Scaled MBE Score 129.00

Overall Tennessee Bar Examination Score: 266.00

I'm so sorry, you were so close!! Don't give up. Do you have any idea what happened on those essays where you received 1s? Did you run out of time on them? Spent too much time on other essays and couldn't get to them? Or fudged the law? I'm asking because time management is a serious issue of mine. I have a hard time "letting go" of essays and moving on, and I really had to try to train myself this time around to just write a conclusion and move the f on when an essay had received its fair share of time. (Still don't know my results, though.) You had average/above average essay scores, besides those 1s. You obviously know how to write an essay.

[twentie4hrs]

Just found out I failed TN...very stressful and annoying...but gotta get back into it (Working full time as well): but here are my scores - What should I focus on the most for July? (need 270 to pass)....also is it worth is to pay $50 to have NCBE hand grade my MBE?

Tennessee Raw Essay Scores:
Q1 3.00
Q10 1.00
Q2 6.00
Q3 5.00
Q4 6.00
Q5 3.00
Q6 6.00
Q7 3.00
Q8 1.00
Q9 3.00


Total Scaled MBE Score 129.00

Overall Tennessee Bar Examination Score: 266.00

I'm so sorry, you were so close!! Don't give up. Do you have any idea what happened on those essays where you received 1s? Did you run out of time on them? Spent too much time on other essays and couldn't get to them? Or fudged the law? I'm asking because time management is a serious issue of mine. I have a hard time "letting go" of essays and moving on, and I really had to try to train myself this time around to just write a conclusion and move the f on when an essay had received its fair share of time. (Still don't know my results, though.) You had average/above average essay scores, besides those 1s. You obviously know how to write an essay.

Thanks! I needed some words of encouragement. I am totally not sure - I don't even remember doing that poorly on any of them (although the essays are to be released on Monday...so I can find out then). Its not so much the failing that hurts (although a big part of it), its knowing the new amount of time I will need to devote now.

[caveman2]

Passed Pennsylvania, woohoo! I don't know my score breakdown yet, but I know for sure I didn't do well on the PT and there were several essay questions I got plain wrong. So I'm saying for people who are nervous, there is hope.

[rinkrat19]

Passed OR. Passing scores don't get released, so that's all I can offer.
I stayed home sick today with the remnants of that food poisoning (which I'm pretty sure was not just stress) and I'm just wrung out after this week!

[JayRock2015]

Thank you for the advice! It is truly appreciated.

[BVest]

Passed OR. Passing scores don't get released, so that's all I can offer.
I stayed home sick today with the remnants of that food poisoning (which I'm pretty sure was not just stress) and I'm just wrung out after this week!

Way to go rink!

[MTBike]

Passed MT. (UBE state - 50% MBE, 30% essays (6 total), 20% MPT)

My only advice to those taking it next July (with a similar jurisdictional layout as MT) is to ignore everything that BARBRI says, and spend a large majority of your time doing practice MBE questions. Real MBE questions, not 20 a day of BARBRI's fake MBE questions that don't resemble the real ones in the slightest. From experience, I can tell you that they don't, and won't, help you at all.

Remember that what you are learning and what you are studying for is to pass this test. You aren't trying to learn the law or how to be a lawyer, you're trying to learn how to take this test. You're not trying to learn how to properly apply rules to facts, you are trying to learn how to take this test. You aren't trying remember and regurgitate as much law as possible, you are trying to learn how to pass this test.

The bar is like a game of basketball. What's the best way to get better at basketball? Is it by repeatedly reading the rules of the game? Reading how to properly dribble, pass, and shoot? Is it by playing NBA 2K16 and hoping your video game skills transfer over to the real game? (Looking at you, BARBRI MBE practice sets).

You get better at the MBE by doing the MBE. You don't improve your MBE score by learning the law, you improve your MBE score by sitting down and doing those fucking questions over and over and over again. The bar is a test of how good you are at taking tests, not a test of minimum competency. Get good at the MBE questions, and you'll pass.

[JayRock2015]

I have been working full time but now thinking after this latest failure to hang up the full time job until I can conquer "the beast." Fellow TLSers thoughts when I should let work know my last day. I am thinking end of May to start studying in June 1 for July. I worked full time both times I took the bar exam and obviously I can't do both right now with a family, husband and six children. Thoughts anyone???

I was able to study full-time for Feb 2016 CA bar (took buyout package and am temporarily living on severance) and found the undertaking to be overwhelming. I can't imagine how that would be possible if I were married, had kids and had to work full-time. Although I didn't track my time, I was surprised at how much "leakage" there was in my day from regular chores, job hunting etc. Afterwards, I found someone's pointers and one suggested that all extraneous stuff be put on hold during the study period.

I don't get results until May 13; however, I'm planning for both outcomes: pass/no pass. Specifically, my goal is to finish/submit my character and fitness application by May 13 so that's done. If I pass, I will have a better job hunting story (want to relocate to California from midwest). Since I'm already licensed in PA and NY, it should just be a waiting game to get admitted in CA. If I don't pass, my summer is toast. I've already made hotel reservations for two potential test centers (retake registration deadline May 31). Barbri starts May 23 (can redo for free); that's when I would restart my study. I qualified for attorney bar; therefore, I don't have to deal with MBE (historically, did better on essays; CA was first experience with PT).

Advice for you: I don't know how old your kids are; however, I would enlist everyone's help (including extended family, friends, etc.) in this discreet project. Between around Memorial Day and the bar, can others pick up your typical duties so that you can concentrate "solely" on bar study (i.e., allocate 8-10 hours per day)? Would your job be willing to give you a leave of absence? If not, I'd quit with the standard two weeks notice (i.e., mid May). Also, when I had to take MBE I supplemented Barbri with PMBR (old name).

When you pass, you can have a huge celebration party!!!!!!! I was teaching part-time at a private business school around the time of my NY bar and told my students (older adults with family obligations) if I passed, I'd treat them all to dinner. It was a great outing!

You can do it!

Thank you so much for the encouragement! I am going to do what I need to do. By the way my children are 21, 17, 16, 14, 12 and 10.....what was I thinking about lol thank you again and good luck to you!!

[amk110]

Second timer here. Passed Oregon this time after missing July 2014 by 9 points.

Didn't study two of the essay subjects we got hit with at all and had to completely bullshit them. And I threw up during the MPT. I must've hit the MBE out of the park or something.

[Sam0406]

Thanks you guys, it's so tough to fail. Why is it that I fail when essay is high and mbe is low, vice versa? If I could just combine Feb and July. Where do I go from here? I'm so scared to retake it after experiencing failing repeatedly. I thought I had MBE July up so I thought I'd get similar this time, not decrease. What can I do? Seriously need to make sure MBE goes up. Not sure out of Feb and July, better chance of passing?

One of the things that helped me with the February 2016 CA bar was the stories from the Barbri lecturers. Specifically, I had a brain freeze on the first essay on the third day. Since I had heard one of the lecturer's anecdotes about how he had had a similar experience and just wrote something logical, I did the same after gaining my composure. The other two essays and PT were more doable. I don't get results until May 13, so the jury's still out on my outcome.

Another story involved someone who had screwed up the dates such that he missed the first day completely (back then one could still take the rest of the test). Since he knew he would fail, he was very calm during the balance of the test. As such, he scored very high marks on the remaining essays. When he retook the exam, he passed.

I mention these stories to say that you need to picture all types of scenarios and have a preplanned response. If you have issues with MBE, come up with some techniques in advance to overcome that issue. When I had to take MBE (NY and PA), I supplemented Barbri with PMBR (old name) because I generally did worse on standardized tests. I made sure I was on pace. Also, certain questions were more difficult for me (e.g., metes and bounds); therefore, when I saw those I just read quickly or guessed and moved on.

I think you should jump back on the horse for July. Don't give up!

One last lecturer story: one candidate took 12 years to pass. Currently, he's a partner at a law firm.

Thank you. I want to take it in July, but maybe because the curve seems better in February for the writing section, and my scores show only July written score was low. I'm nervous.

[Sam0406]

It won't let me edit the post, but do you guys think repeaters generally pass more in February compared to the next july?

[rinkrat19]

It won't let me edit the post, but do you guys think repeaters generally pass more in February compared to the next july?

In Oregon they definitely do, according to the released pass rates. I speculate it's because Feb retakers are more likely to be fucked-up-once-in-july-but-figured-it-out-this-time testers, and July retakers are more likely to be 3-times-or-more-and-may-never-get-it types.

[Sam0406]

It won't let me edit the post, but do you guys think repeaters generally pass more in February compared to the next july?

In Oregon they definitely do, according to the released pass rates. I speculate it's because Feb retakers are more likely to be fucked-up-once-in-july-but-figured-it-out-this-time testers, and July retakers are more likely to be 3-times-or-more-and-may-never-get-it types.

Oh no that's going to be me if I take it in July

[rinkrat19]

It won't let me edit the post, but do you guys think repeaters generally pass more in February compared to the next july?

In Oregon they definitely do, according to the released pass rates. I speculate it's because Feb retakers are more likely to be fucked-up-once-in-july-but-figured-it-out-this-time testers, and July retakers are more likely to be 3-times-or-more-and-may-never-get-it types.

Oh no that's going to be me if I take it in July

Well, someone's got to get it on try #3! Just make sure it's you.
A coworker told me a story yesterday about a friend who literally took 8 or 9 tries before he passed. Tbh, I was pretty fucking impressed by that person's determination. I think 3 would have been my limit before I found something else to do with my life.

[Sam0406]

It won't let me edit the post, but do you guys think repeaters generally pass more in February compared to the next july?

In Oregon they definitely do, according to the released pass rates. I speculate it's because Feb retakers are more likely to be fucked-up-once-in-july-but-figured-it-out-this-time testers, and July retakers are more likely to be 3-times-or-more-and-may-never-get-it types.

Oh no that's going to be me if I take it in July

Well, someone's got to get it on try #3! Just make sure it's you.
A coworker told me a story yesterday about a friend who literally took 8 or 9 tries before he passed. Tbh, I was pretty fucking impressed by that person's determination. I think 3 would have been my limit before I found something else to do with my life.

Unfortunately...this Feb was my third try and I failed by 3 points. I thought I would pass

[AspiringCALawyer]

Thank you so much for the encouragement! I am going to do what I need to do. By the way my children are 21, 17, 16, 14, 12 and 10.....what was I thinking about lol thank you again and good luck to you!!

Perfect ages that you shouldn't have to lift a finger. My sister married someone with two kids (both in their 20s now) and had three with my brother-in-law (ages 16, 14 and 10 now), so I indirectly know how hectic a mother's life can be. Good luck!

[AspiringCALawyer]

Thank you. I want to take it in July, but maybe because the curve seems better in February for the writing section, and my scores show only July written score was low. I'm nervous.

I don't know whether February or July is better; however, you may have been over confident on essays due to your past performance and devoted less time to that part of your study. Since I had worked as a commercial attorney (heavy contracts) for six years, I initially thought I could breeze through contracts study. Not! I did all the assignments and was happy I did when we got a UCC question as the last essay (I realized that drafting contracts and knowing the rules around what I drafted were two different things).

I'm not familiar with Adaptibar; however, as mentioned I supplemented my Barbri MBE study with PMBR when I had to do MBE (last time was 1999 for NY). In fact, PMBR's questions were so "real" that quite a few were deja vu. In fact, they were sued and lost. I don't know what PMBR offers today.

https://www.law.csuohio.edu/sites/defau ... Issue1.pdf

If I don't pass (February 2016 CA), I have no choice but to take it again in July, regardless of the odds. I'm already in limbo waiting for these results to aid in my job hunt (relocation to CA from midwest). I can't imagine waiting until Feb. 2017. July will be do or die. This time I will cut out all unnecessary activity and focus on my studies (particularly practicing essays and PT--don't have to take MBE). I will become a hermit.

To get over your nerves, I would suggest stepping up your practice such that all parts will be second nature once you take the exam.

[NY_Sea]

Passed OR. Passing scores don't get released, so that's all I can offer.
I stayed home sick today with the remnants of that food poisoning (which I'm pretty sure was not just stress) and I'm just wrung out after this week!

YES!!! So happy for you, rink!

[ILRepeat]

Ended up failing IL by 3 points, which is a massive improvement from failing by 14-15 points last time. The MBE, even though I felt it was easier this time, still managed to kill me. I absolutely killed the essays, with a majority of 5 and 4.5 scores. Didn't do great on the MPT, did about average or a little below.

If someone, anyone, can help me master the MBE, I'd be forever indebted. I've struggled with multiple choice exams for most of my life, but have no trouble putting together very solid essays on the law. It's super discouraging.

Long time lurker, first time poster. Passed IL this February after failing in July by three points. Working full time practicing law in WI (diploma privilege). I too struggle with multiple choice exams. The first time I relied only on Barbri for essay prep and MBE prep.

The second time around the difference in my MBE Prep: I started 3 months ahead of the exam to spend an entire month solely on MBE prep using Emmanuals MBE Book, then moving on to any MBE questions I could get my hands on. I did not focus on timed conditions until the second month. It helped to study for learning first instead of memorization, which is where the Emmanuals book comes into play. I always analyzed explanations whether I got it right or wrong, which I did not do the first time due to a time crunch. It seemed like every case on my docket heated up right before the exam!

The second time around the difference in my Essay Prep: I created short outlines for all major categories built with short template phrases of law I could use on the exam to help me overcome brain freezes by memorizing ready made openings. I also downloaded free and purchased MEE exams from NCBE. First I studied model answers for learning the formula not memorization. Then, I practiced as many essays as possible under exam conditions. The first time I made flash cards but they weren't helpful because I didn't condense the info into template phrases I could memorize and whip out in exam.

And the second time, I worked a ton on my mental health and controlling the fear and anxiety by: working out, creating boundaries with family, friends and work, including not telling my firm I was retaking until two weeks before I took a three week leave for February. This way no one was checking for me or stressing me out leading into the exam. This way I could leave early to study throughout the three months and no one was paying attention to whether I was on cases in studying. As for family, I took a rain check on all activities and holidays, not to always study, but also to rest! Nothing came before my goal and I allowed myself to accept any personal or professional consequences of putting my goal first.

Lastly, I created a test day strategy the second time for the MBE of taking a short stretch in my chair at question 25, taking a restroom break at question 50 and so forth until the end. These breaks help me to gain oxygen and regroup. This was hard to convince myself of because you want to drill through non stop, especially when it appears folks are finishing early! But taking breaks really made a difference this second time. And it allowed me to zero in on my goal and not concern myself with what was going on around me.

Please don't give up! Thanks to all of you for such positive outlooks during this process.

[Tzhs]

Ended up failing IL by 3 points, which is a massive improvement from failing by 14-15 points last time. The MBE, even though I felt it was easier this time, still managed to kill me. I absolutely killed the essays, with a majority of 5 and 4.5 scores. Didn't do great on the MPT, did about average or a little below.

If someone, anyone, can help me master the MBE, I'd be forever indebted. I've struggled with multiple choice exams for most of my life, but have no trouble putting together very solid essays on the law. It's super discouraging.

Long time lurker, first time poster. Passed IL this February after failing in July by three points. Working full time practicing law in WI (diploma privilege). I too struggle with multiple choice exams. The first time I relied only on Barbri for essay prep and MBE prep.

The second time around the difference in my MBE Prep: I started 3 months ahead of the exam to spend an entire month solely on MBE prep using Emmanuals MBE Book, then moving on to any MBE questions I could get my hands on. I did not focus on timed conditions until the second month. It helped to study for learning first instead of memorization, which is where the Emmanuals book comes into play. I always analyzed explanations whether I got it right or wrong, which I did not do the first time due to a time crunch. It seemed like every case on my docket heated up right before the exam!

The second time around the difference in my Essay Prep: I created short outlines for all major categories built with short template phrases of law I could use on the exam to help me overcome brain freezes by memorizing ready made openings. I also downloaded free and purchased MEE exams from NCBE. The first time I made flash cards but they weren't helpful because I didn't condense the info into template phrases I could memorize and whip out in exam.

And lastly, I worked a ton on my mental health and controlling the fear and anxiety by: working out, creating boundaries with family, friends and work, including not telling my firm I was retaking until two weeks before I took a three week leave for February. This way no one was checking for me or stressing me out leading into the exam. Nothing came before my goal and I allowed myself to accept any personal or professional consequences of putting my goal first.

Please don't give up! Thanks to all of you for such positive outlooks during this process.

Well done!

[Teemaas]

First time poster here in need of advice...Took Missouri (UBE) in July 2015 and passed on first try. I was pretty surprised because I have horrible and dibilitating test anxiety. At times, it also impacted my ability to focus and study. Still, I got through. I also need to have my Kansas license bc my office sits in KS, just over the state line btw KS/MO. I did not get the MO score I needed to waive into Kansas (as if anyone really wants to practice there anyway). I obtained a big law job before graduation, only because I knew the right people and had proven myself in an area of law where this firm needed help. BTW-I'm doing great at work.

I took the KS Feb 2016 bar and did not pass. KS MBE score was a few points higher and essays remarkably lower than July 2015. In July my essay score was remarkably higher than my MBE. If my calculations are correct, the KS pass rate was about 57%-unheard of for a state that has routine pass rates btw 80-90%. Also, Feb. was the first time KS administered the UBE and maybe they didn't know how to grade the essays...regardless.

I NEED HELP!!!! I don't know what to do differently. I started studying in mid Nov. 2015 for the Feb. 2016 test. I studied on nights and every weekend. I cut off most ties to those I know in order to commit to studying throughout Nov-Feb. I reenrolled in bar bri, I answered over 700 MBE questions, had the Emanuel MBE book, I made flash cards, my own outlines, I had lean sheets. Took off two weeks before the exam to study. It seems that I cannot figure out how to take the test and I cannot memorize (and keep in my head) all that information. Bar Bri prep didn't help much either. Do I enroll in Adapti bar? Ask work to take two months off to study? Anyone tried the "Bar Boost: MBE" mobile app? I need some strategies and tactics as to how to learn how to take this test. I'd even hire a private tutor. Thoughts/suggestions?

[Sue]

Congrats to all who passed this time!

To those who did not pass: don't even think about quitting. Think about the feelings you'll get when you find out you passed - you forget all your struggle, stress, sleepless nights and it all pays off. I passed on my third try. Took the first one without practicing MBE or essays, meaninglessly only reading, listening to the lectures and preparing study aids. Then I realized you should practice enough essays and at least 1000 MBE questions to know patterns. I missed it by few points on my second try, but after seeing the progress between the first and second time (35 points), I decided to not give up and sit for this damn exam as many times as it takes me to pass. Now I am super happy I did not get discouraged and found strength in me to keep going.

I am in WA, where passing score is 270. Pass rate was 58.5% this time, as opposed to 75.9 in summer

[Shmuffalo_]

Congrats to all who passed this time!

To those who did not pass: don't even think about quitting. Think about the feelings you'll get when you find out you passed - you forget all your struggle, stress, sleepless nights and it all pays off. I passed on my third try. Took the first one without practicing MBE or essays, meaninglessly only reading, listening to the lectures and preparing study aids. Then I realized you should practice enough essays and at least 1000 MBE questions to know patterns. I missed it by few points on my second try, but after seeing the progress between the first and second time (35 points), I decided to not give up and sit for this damn exam as many times as it takes me to pass. Now I am super happy I did not get discouraged and found strength in me to keep going.

I am in WA, where passing score is 270. Pass rate was 58.5% this time, as opposed to 75.9 in summer

February pass rates are significantly lower due to second time test takers. It's like that across the nation. I think PA was 75% in July and 54% this Feb. Though, I found it crazy that only 7 of 13 students passed the bar that were first time takers from my school. In the past years we've had between 85-90% pass rate for first time test takers.

[BVest]

Just as a word of encouragement for multi-takers. I have a cousin who passed on take 4. Obviously passing on a take beyond #2 is possible.