California February 2016 Bar Exam (Westside For Life) Forum

[MarcZero]

Did anyone else notice this on the pass rate press release:

"Once applicants have met all admission requirements and have taken the attorney’s oath, they become members of the State Bar of California and their names will appear on the bar’s website via the attorney search function. Effective with this administration of the examination, the list of successful applicants will not be released to the public in compliance with the limitations imposed by the new Business and Professions Code section 6026.11, which makes the State Bar subject to the California Public Records Act, and the associated Admissions statute (B&P Code § 6060.25), which prohibits the release of information regarding bar admission applicants. Test-takers may log on to see whether their names appear on the pass list."

So it looks as if the final answer is that the pass list is NOT public but you would be able to plug a name in to see if you are admitted to the bar once you are sworn in and such . Additionally, it seems test-takers WILL be able to see the full pass list, but I'd imagine that's just a list of numbers like other states (like Michigan for example) has.

[ehshornet]

Is 35 percent the lowest pass rate in history?

[rcharter1978]

Hey! Thanks for the congrats. <3 So I used the Kaplan system and just drilled the hell out of essay practice, mostly. I did it while working a full-time job. I did all my lectures via audio while driving or jogging, so I couldn't get distracted doodling or doing anything else. And every night, three to five essays, every weekend day three essays, ten essay outlines, and then one performance test. Every day was 50 MBE questions, too, and if I did well that day I 'rewarded' myself with a checkpoint quiz. I went through every answer to every MBE question.

My essays were the thing that sunk me the first time around (I got straight 50's on most of them) and the PTs (some phenomenally low scores). My MBE was just around passing the first time. My advice is definitely to learn the formula the bar examiners want the essay in, and to not neglect any subject because it 'never shows up'. I very nearly got boned on Trusts, I feel. I only studied that the last day because it just MIGHT show up.

This is a dumb side thing, but if you can take a game theory lecture series, DO IT. It made torts and contracts so much easier because those subjects are entirely based on game theory, and you can learn the basics of that in an afternoon.

35% WHAT THE HELL

How did you learn the "formula." I had a tutor this time around, but it was a huge waste of time and money for me. And how did you up those PT's?

So, you came home at night, did 3-5 full essays, one full PT and 10 essay outlines? That seems like so much work, how long did it take you every night to get through all of that?

I would actually like to have a job this time around. I know, in my heart of hearts that I haven't devoted as much time as others have.

[tiger_law]

I graduated from law school in May 2013 from a top tier law school. I took the CA bar exam each time I was eligible to take it. I FINALLY passed on my 6th attempt. 3 long years after graduating I am finally free of the bar exam.

I did BARBRI twice, studied on my own twice, and utilized One-Timers the last two times. I saw my score increase with each attempt, and nearly passed last time. This time around I focused more of my time on doing more practice MBE's until I was averaging 75% correct across all topics on all my practice questions. My writing was always stronger than the MBE, particularly the PT's, but by MBE score would go up and down the first 5 attempts so I focused more of my time/effort on the MBE.

I can tell you I was very low, emotionally and financially throughout this process. But with the encouragement of my family and friends I persevered and feel so grateful that I pushed on and took the exam one more time.

YOU CAN DO IT. If you failed, take it from me, YOU CAN DO IT. It will be worth it when you pass. If you failed, don't give up hope. Feel terrible for a few days, but remember, you graduated from law school. You can do it.

[FinallyPassedTheBar]

I'm so sorry

bro I've seen you since the last July bar thread. I sincerely believe you can find improvement by focusing on the essays. I would be happy to read your July and Feb answers to give you my input. For this Feb I barely touched MBE questions. But when I did study them I reviewed them thoroughly to a point I would never get that question wrong again.

However, I did practice 100+ essays. I woke up in the morning, printed out a bunch of essay prompts, and just did it until I went to bed (minus eating and taking a shit etc) Just like LSAT, this exam is all about practicing under timed condition and exposing yourself to as many issues as possible because facts change but issues don't.

PM ME ANYONE IF I CAN HELP YOU OUT WITH ANYTHING AT ALL

OK....here is the thing though, the bar is going to change after the July administration, right?

Aren't we going to 2 days with more weight being given to the MBE portion? If essays are your struggle, the essays IN THEORY should become a little easier and so should the PT.

So....I think you should keep going.....you ARE going to pass this thing.....don't let these bar exam assholes win.

Thank you for the condolences and the support . The CA Bar site says starting with the new July 2017 2-day test, the 1st day is weighted 50% and the 2nd day is 50% . So that means the MBE is 50% of the grade...and presumably the essays are 25% and the single PT 25%. If that is accurate then each essay is worth only 5% (5 essays)

I'll be PMing you BrokenMouse...

[storge]

By the way, I forgot to note that while I was waiting for results this time around, I found comfort in hearing the stories of those who had a substantial improvement in their scores from the first attempt to passing the second time. Especially whoever posted as recently as this week or late last week -- THANK YOU! In an effort to encourage and inspire those who didn't make it this time around, my scaled score last July was 1300. Passed this Feb so a substantial score jump CAN BE DONE! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I took all 3 days both times.

My main downfall was working full time the first time around and billing 200+ hours a month as a practicing attorney in another state. I only took 2 weeks for full time study. I know many of the posters on here passed while working full time, but I realized that this was not for me. I had to give this exam my full effort just as I did when I took it right after law school in another state. This was the biggest change I made this time around and I had a reality check last November. First thing I would recommend is to look at your individual scenario and constructively criticize yourself, then move on without dwelling too much.

Additional changes I made...in sum:

1. I used BarEssays (premium) - ABSOLUTE MUST IMO - I obsessed over these, looked for patterns, and studied these answers (primarily for format and the differences in content between passing and not passing answers, but not necessarily for the law b/c it's not always accurate).

2. I scrutinized my practice answers, made my own outlines -- this is how I grasp material and I had the time to do this without work this time around.

3. Re-did BarBri - completed 95% with 15 assignments not done, but be careful not to get caught up with checking off assignments b/c I was at 89% last July and didn't pass, it's about the quality of your prep and how you utilize the BarBri materials (PM for more dets) -- Simulated MBE was at 99/200 correct last July and 148/200 before this Feb exam -- AGAIN, I needed more quality study time, which I just didn't have while I was practicing.

4. Some self reflection and visit to a doctor to make sure I was staying healthy -- take care of yourself and it'll pay off, don't kill yourself. Keep everything in perspective.

5. Critical Pass cards - not necessary IMO, I was never a flashcards person, I'm an outline person as noted above, but I was desperate and got these just in case. Used them a little, but not enough to attribute my success to these things. If you are a flashcards person, I think these can be very beneficial. There were a few from each subject that I liked so I kept those and reviewed in my hotel room between exam days. If you need a $10 off coupon, feel free to use this referral link: http://criticalpass.refr.cc/NQBJZZ7

6. And last, but not least, the posters in these forums -- particular thanks/shout out to:
- Support from AMCD who provided amazing advice on PT's (I struggled with these both times) and just general emotional and well being support. PSA: if AMCD helps you, please thank her, she really puts a lot of time and thought into her messages to folks; and
- General advice posts and blog by MaleHuman/MakeThisYourLastTime re: tracking your progress and essay cooking method (I made a huge Excel and tracked every single essay, PT and MBE question I did and typed out the rule for all mistakes). I reviewed that spreadsheet regularly and looked for patterns, weaknesses and any room for improvement.

I did much more, but above are the big things that stand out in my mind as I type this after a few glasses of celebratory wine.

Cheers to those who passed and those who didn't make it this time, DO NOT GIVE UP !!!

[minkylowlife]

How did you learn the "formula." I had a tutor this time around, but it was a huge waste of time and money for me. And how did you up those PT's?

So, you came home at night, did 3-5 full essays, one full PT and 10 essay outlines? That seems like so much work, how long did it take you every night to get through all of that?

I would actually like to have a job this time around. I know, in my heart of hearts that I haven't devoted as much time as others have.

During the weekday, I listened to a lecture on the way to work (1.5 hr commute - I live out in the burbs of the Bay Area, working in the city), then listened to a lecture on the way home (1.5 hours again). Then wrote 3-5 essays a night (3-4 hours of work). I was SO burned out by the end, I have to say...the last week I barely studied at all because I'd been burning the candle at both ends the whole way. I did my practice MBEs at work...shhhh!

Then weekends, start the morning with 3 essays, then two hours of essay outlines, lunch, then a PT in the evening. It's about an eight-hour day that way. I really don't think there's any way to up the PTs once you've figured out what they want, which is just you to follow their directions exactly. My practice grades went from the 40's to the 70's basically overnight once I started adding headings for memos and writing "to the audience". I'm still kicking myself for how long it took me to figure that out.

The formula, for me, was literally just going through the fact pattern chronologically and then laying out everything as:

The issue is... The rule is... In application this means... In conclusion, [restate]. It felt really reductive and like bad writing, but I guess it worked? my practice essay grades went up once I started religiously sticking to this.

[a male human]

I graduated from law school in May 2013 from a top tier law school. I took the CA bar exam each time I was eligible to take it. I FINALLY passed on my 6th attempt. 3 long years after graduating I am finally free of the bar exam.

I did BARBRI twice, studied on my own twice, and utilized One-Timers the last two times. I saw my score increase with each attempt, and nearly passed last time. This time around I focused more of my time on doing more practice MBE's until I was averaging 75% correct across all topics on all my practice questions. My writing was always stronger than the MBE, particularly the PT's, but by MBE score would go up and down the first 5 attempts so I focused more of my time/effort on the MBE.

I can tell you I was very low, emotionally and financially throughout this process. But with the encouragement of my family and friends I persevered and feel so grateful that I pushed on and took the exam one more time.

YOU CAN DO IT. If you failed, take it from me, YOU CAN DO IT. It will be worth it when you pass. If you failed, don't give up hope. Feel terrible for a few days, but remember, you graduated from law school. You can do it.

I love that you showed us that just because you failed a few times doesn't mean you'll never be able to pass. Huge congrats on your perseverance and achievement! Take a well-deserved rest

[a male human]

By the way, I forgot to note that while I was waiting for results this time around, I found comfort in hearing the stories of those who had a substantial improvement in their scores from the first attempt to passing the second time. Especially whoever posted as recently as this week or late last week -- THANK YOU! In an effort to encourage and inspire those who didn't make it this time around, my scaled score last July was 1300. Passed this Feb so a substantial score jump CAN BE DONE! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I took all 3 days both times.

My main downfall was working full time the first time around and billing 200+ hours a month as a practicing attorney in another state. I only took 2 weeks for full time study. I know many of the posters on here passed while working full time, but I realized that this was not for me. I had to give this exam my full effort just as I did when I took it right after law school in another state. This was the biggest change I made this time around and I had a reality check last November. First thing I would recommend is to look at your individual scenario and constructively criticize yourself, then move on without dwelling too much.

Additional changes I made...in sum:

1. I used BarEssays (premium) - ABSOLUTE MUST IMO - I obsessed over these, looked for patterns, and studied these answers (primarily for format and the differences in content between passing and not passing answers, but not necessarily for the law b/c it's not always accurate).

2. I scrutinized my practice answers, made my own outlines -- this is how I grasp material and I had the time to do this without work this time around.

3. Re-did BarBri - completed 95% with 15 assignments not done, but be careful not to get caught up with checking off assignments b/c I was at 89% last July and didn't pass, it's about the quality of your prep and how you utilize the BarBri materials (PM for more dets) -- Simulated MBE was at 99/200 correct last July and 148/200 before this Feb exam -- AGAIN, I needed more quality study time, which I just didn't have while I was practicing.

4. Some self reflection and visit to a doctor to make sure I was staying healthy -- take care of yourself and it'll pay off, don't kill yourself. Keep everything in perspective.

5. Critical Pass cards - not necessary IMO, I was never a flashcards person, I'm an outline person as noted above, but I was desperate and got these just in case. Used them a little, but not enough to attribute my success to these things. If you are a flashcards person, I think these can be very beneficial. There were a few from each subject that I liked so I kept those and reviewed in my hotel room between exam days. If you need a $10 off coupon, feel free to use this referral link: http://criticalpass.refr.cc/NQBJZZ7

6. And last, but not least, the posters in these forums -- particular thanks/shout out to:
- Support from AMCD who provided amazing advice on PT's (I struggled with these both times) and just general emotional and well being support. PSA: if AMCD helps you, please thank her, she really puts a lot of time and thought into her messages to folks; and
- General advice posts and blog by MaleHuman/MakeThisYourLastTime re: tracking your progress and essay cooking method (I made a huge Excel and tracked every single essay, PT and MBE question I did and typed out the rule for all mistakes). I reviewed that spreadsheet regularly and looked for patterns, weaknesses and any room for improvement.

I did much more, but above are the big things that stand out in my mind as I type this after a few glasses of celebratory wine.

Cheers to those who passed and those who didn't make it this time, DO NOT GIVE UP !!!

Thanks for sharing the resources that helped you (especially happy to hear I could be of use)! I've seen you post a few times, and I think we've exchanged some PMs. Glad to see your journey is now over—congrats!

[a male human]

The issue is... The rule is... In application this means... In conclusion, [restate]. It felt really reductive and like bad writing, but I guess it worked? my practice essay grades went up once I started religiously sticking to this.

IRAC works, folks, no need to be creative! Just like solving a physics problem: Define the problem, state the applicable rule(s), show your work, and conclude... repeat

Of course, this isn't always as simple as it looks

[Ritz13]

Failed 2nd time too.

[rcharter1978]

How did you learn the "formula." I had a tutor this time around, but it was a huge waste of time and money for me. And how did you up those PT's?

So, you came home at night, did 3-5 full essays, one full PT and 10 essay outlines? That seems like so much work, how long did it take you every night to get through all of that?

I would actually like to have a job this time around. I know, in my heart of hearts that I haven't devoted as much time as others have.

During the weekday, I listened to a lecture on the way to work (1.5 hr commute - I live out in the burbs of the Bay Area, working in the city), then listened to a lecture on the way home (1.5 hours again). Then wrote 3-5 essays a night (3-4 hours of work). I was SO burned out by the end, I have to say...the last week I barely studied at all because I'd been burning the candle at both ends the whole way. I did my practice MBEs at work...shhhh!

Then weekends, start the morning with 3 essays, then two hours of essay outlines, lunch, then a PT in the evening. It's about an eight-hour day that way. I really don't think there's any way to up the PTs once you've figured out what they want, which is just you to follow their directions exactly. My practice grades went from the 40's to the 70's basically overnight once I started adding headings for memos and writing "to the audience". I'm still kicking myself for how long it took me to figure that out.

The formula, for me, was literally just going through the fact pattern chronologically and then laying out everything as:

The issue is... The rule is... In application this means... In conclusion, [restate]. It felt really reductive and like bad writing, but I guess it worked? my practice essay grades went up once I started religiously sticking to this.

Everything is helpful...thank you. I can honestly say that I've never put in as much work as you have, so you certainly deserve the pass. Congratulations again.

[minkylowlife]

Thank you! You don't have to work as hard as all that. The reason I had to put in that much time was because I screwed the pooch that hard on the first time.

[Whizzpopper]

I've been sobbing the entire night. I'm just so utterly miserable with my current offer . I have been looking around desperately with no luck. I really thought/hoped the bar would give me some leverage/other options. But now it looks like I'm stuck.

[rcharter1978]

I've been sobbing the entire night. I'm just so utterly miserable with my current offer (74k a year in Palo Alto). I have been looking around desperately with no luck. I really thought/hoped the bar would give me some leverage/other options. But now it looks like I'm stuck.

July will be here before you know it....and then November will be here before you know it....and then you can tell those assholes to suck it. Just visualize how good that will feel. Visualize kicking dents in everyone's car before you leave, maybe setting a trash can on fire as you walk out the door....or just those beautiful two weeks when you don't have to give two shits because you know you're out.

You'll never do any of that...but dreaming may help with the sobbing.

[catechumen]

35% pass rate... I should have studied poetry rather than the law. I do not have the words...

Anyway, if anyone wants to send me their bar prep stuff for free I will take it. Just let me know. I can provide an email over pm if you have any notes, flash cards, essays etc. Just let me know.

[InTheWideLand I Walk]

Is 35 percent the lowest pass rate in history?

To my knowledge, yes, but I havnt found any articles online to support this.

[2TimesTheCharm]

Hi everyone,

I was lurking in the forum yesterday waiting for results. Unfortunately, I didn't pass. July will be my third time. If anyone has any advice or materials they want to get rid of, please let me know. I'm also looking for a discount code for baressays.com. Thanks!

[teabreeze]

Hi everyone,

I was lurking in the forum yesterday waiting for results. Unfortunately, I didn't pass. July will be my third time. If anyone has any advice or materials they want to get rid of, please let me know. I'm also looking for a discount code for baressays.com. Thanks!

Hi 2Times - I just PM'd you.

Does anybody have a code for Adaptibar? Would be much appreciated!

Edit: No longer need a code. Thank you!

[Raiden]

Thank God, I passed. I cannot tell you the anxiety I had leading up to putting my information in...even though I imagined seeing my name in green, I could only think of seeing red text.

My heart goes out to all of you that didn't pass this time around, especially for my repeaters out there. Really take some time to understand what has happened, sulk in the sadness of reality for a little bit, and take ownership over what has happened. Then sit down and really learn from all there is to learn about the bar. I know that this second time around I really learned a lot about how to take the bar itself, how to answer PT's, essays, MBE.

Really focus on getting to do 50 MBE every day. Slowly work up to it, but you need to be doing 30-50 MBE a day, preferably mixed. When you do MBE everday, the patterns of the questions become more and more obvious, the fact patterns and sometimes the answers. You have to be using real questions from previous Bar's, no exception. I can't tell you how much easier the February bar MBE felt for me than the July one. This time around I focused all my MBE energy on real questions from AdaptiBar, and it really made the difference. Just about everyone that has used adaptibar has no complaints PM if you want the discount code.

Shoutout to A Male Human, and the many other legends on here that help make this experience less dreadful than it already is.

[a male human]

Is 35 percent the lowest pass rate in history?

To my knowledge, yes, but I havnt found any articles online to support this.

History of pass rates: http://admissions.calbar.ca.gov/Portals ... 201602.pdf

The last time it was this low was 7 years ago in 2009 February @ 33.5%

Other bad times:
2004 February 35.3%
2002 February 33.4%
1985 Spring 33.2%
1984 Spring 29.5%
1983 Spring 27.7%
1982 Spring 31.4%
1981 Spring 32.3%
1980 Spring 34.5%
(what the hell happened in the early '80s?)

But yeah, this is one of the few times it was under 36% in recent times.

[a male human]

Hi everyone,

I was lurking in the forum yesterday waiting for results. Unfortunately, I didn't pass. July will be my third time. If anyone has any advice or materials they want to get rid of, please let me know. I'm also looking for a discount code for baressays.com. Thanks!

Hi 2Times - I just PM'd you.

Does anybody have a code for Adaptibar? Would be much appreciated!

PM'd you for $60 off

[a male human]

Thank God, I passed. I cannot tell you the anxiety I had leading up to putting my information in...even though I imagined seeing my name in green, I could only think of seeing red text.

My heart goes out to all of you that didn't pass this time around, especially for my repeaters out there. Really take some time to understand what has happened, sulk in the sadness of reality for a little bit, and take ownership over what has happened. Then sit down and really learn from all there is to learn about the bar. I know that this second time around I really learned a lot about how to take the bar itself, how to answer PT's, essays, MBE.

Really focus on getting to do 50 MBE every day. Slowly work up to it, but you need to be doing 30-50 MBE a day, preferably mixed. When you do MBE everday, the patterns of the questions become more and more obvious, the fact patterns and sometimes the answers. You have to be using real questions from previous Bar's, no exception. I can't tell you how much easier the February bar MBE felt for me than the July one. This time around I focused all my MBE energy on real questions from AdaptiBar, and it really made the difference. Just about everyone that has used adaptibar has no complaints PM if you want the discount code.

Shoutout to A Male Human, and the many other legends on here that help make this experience less dreadful than it already is.

S/o acknowledged

+1 to learning about the bar itself, how they grade you, etc.
+1 to using real questions

Congrats Raiden, you're free. Gonna miss ya.

[hotsummer]

Congrats to everyone who passed!

Is there anyone who wants to get rid of your materials for free or at a very affordable rate (especially Barbri CA conviser and/or Barbri outlines)? Please PM me, i'd really appreciate it.

[Barebones]

Hi, does anyone have a discount code for Baressays? Thanks!
Gonna start re-studying today