February 2016 California Bar Exam Forum

[lakers3peat]

Yes the bar exam will be hard, but if you have spent time studying, you will be fine... These last few days are not make or break... if you are gettin very aggravated and frustrated just looking at questions, take a day off???? 1 day off is at this point is not going to be change your score

Also may I remind you all of test adrenaline... When they say start your blood will be pumping and your brain will firing... If you've studied, it will come back to you... Just remember, make an outline and right down all the issues and as much of the rule defintion as you can remember then plug the facts in and analyze... don't get lost in the heat of the moment and jump straight into typing......


I feel pretty confident... Is there more I can do?? of course.. but there will always be more.. theres so many subjects and issues there's just no way to have all of them "fresh" in your head. thats what practice and muscle memory is for... you see something from a month ago you spent time on studying and your brain knos what to do with it naturally. i havent played ping pong in 8 years, but i used to be really really good. if i pick up a paddle, am i going to be an olympian? no, but the brain does not simply forget something it reviewed...

in sum,
if you studied, you will be fine... just relax and get in the right mindset....

[BrokenMouse]

My predictions:

Business Association may show up
Community Property may show up
Civil Procedure (federal or CA -- hot potato!) may show up
Constitutional Law may show up
Contracts may show up
Criminal Law may show up
Criminal Procedure may show up
Evidence (federal or CA) may show up
Professional Responsibility (ABA and/or CA) may show up
Real Property may show up
Remedies may show up
Torts may show up
Wills & Trusts may show up
Crossovers of any of the above may show up

If California evidence shows up, I'm going to fake a heart attack. Its going to be loud and ugly, so I apologize in advance to those of you in Ontario.

I spent disproportionate amount of time on evidence, and after being removed from it for a while and looking at it from a more broad view approach, CA evidence is really not that bad. It might actually be easier in some ways.

Just always remember to say Prop 8 in just about every evidence in a criminal case. Think about it this way. Every relevant evidence in a criminal case is admissible. So you start with "this evidence is admissible" then ask yourself, well is this one of about 7 exclusionary rules not changed by Prop 8? If not, then it's in. CA evidence would hardly matter outside of a criminal setting. It would be weird to test CA evidence on a civil case, but if they do, there aren't that many distinctions. Everything else is very similar except the name of certain principles (excited utterance vs spontaneous statement) and rules related to character, police, and medicine. etc. But I don't think the name of the rule controls anything. Just state the principle as a heading if you have to,

[MrMustache]

If California evidence shows up, I'm going to fake a heart attack. Its going to be loud and ugly, so I apologize in advance to those of you in Ontario.

My trigger will be California Civ Pro. If someone starts throwing tables at the San Diego convention, I apologize ahead of time.

[lacrossebrother]

Yes the bar exam will be hard, but if you have spent time studying, you will be fine... These last few days are not make or break... if you are gettin very aggravated and frustrated just looking at questions, take a day off???? 1 day off is at this point is not going to be change your score

Also may I remind you all of test adrenaline... When they say start your blood will be pumping and your brain will firing... If you've studied, it will come back to you... Just remember, make an outline and right down all the issues and as much of the rule defintion as you can remember then plug the facts in and analyze... don't get lost in the heat of the moment and jump straight into typing......


I feel pretty confident... Is there more I can do?? of course.. but there will always be more.. theres so many subjects and issues there's just no way to have all of them "fresh" in your head. thats what practice and muscle memory is for... you see something from a month ago you spent time on studying and your brain knos what to do with it naturally. i havent played ping pong in 8 years, but i used to be really really good. if i pick up a paddle, am i going to be an olympian? no, but the brain does not simply forget something it reviewed...

in sum,
if you studied, you will be fine... just relax and get in the right mindset....

I'll add that while you should take your time, I never had any issues in practice moves with time, but I went super slow on test day in another state and had to fill in like 8 bubbles when they called 30 seconds left. and I still passed. So, take your time. But time isnt infinite.

[BrokenMouse]

My trigger will be California Civ Pro. If someone starts throwing tables at the San Diego convention, I apologize ahead of time.

lol you made me chuckle. I think if CA Civ Pro showed up you will hear a spontaneous "OMG" from every corner of the room about the same time.

[juniormint33]

Yes the bar exam will be hard, but if you have spent time studying, you will be fine... These last few days are not make or break... if you are gettin very aggravated and frustrated just looking at questions, take a day off???? 1 day off is at this point is not going to be change your score

Also may I remind you all of test adrenaline... When they say start your blood will be pumping and your brain will firing... If you've studied, it will come back to you... Just remember, make an outline and right down all the issues and as much of the rule defintion as you can remember then plug the facts in and analyze... don't get lost in the heat of the moment and jump straight into typing......


I feel pretty confident... Is there more I can do?? of course.. but there will always be more.. theres so many subjects and issues there's just no way to have all of them "fresh" in your head. thats what practice and muscle memory is for... you see something from a month ago you spent time on studying and your brain knos what to do with it naturally. i havent played ping pong in 8 years, but i used to be really really good. if i pick up a paddle, am i going to be an olympian? no, but the brain does not simply forget something it reviewed...

in sum,
if you studied, you will be fine... just relax and get in the right mindset....

I'll add that while you should take your time, I never had any issues in practice moves with time, but I went super slow on test day in another state and had to fill in like 8 bubbles when they called 30 seconds left. and I still passed. So, take your time. But time isnt infinite.

+1

July studying I was finishing 100 MBEs with 20-30 minutes to spare. On game day I finished with maybe 2 minutes left on the clock.

[Raiden]

I don't know what's more stressful about taking the bar exam...knowing that you can fail or knowing you can let down all the people that are counting on you to pass...

[RoseBuddy]

I don't know what's more stressful about taking the bar exam...knowing that you can fail or knowing you can let down all the people that are counting on you to pass...

Don't think like this, man! You haven't even taken the test yet, so don't count yourself out already. Nobody wants to fail, but if you do, life still goes on and you can choose to take the test again or not. And I'm sure all the people you think you'll be letting down will be supportive of you either way.

[MrMustache]

I don't know what's more stressful about taking the bar exam...knowing that you can fail or knowing you can let down all the people that are counting on you to pass...

For me it's the latter. My family that's been supporting me and trying to be helpful with their "do't worry, of course you'll pass this time!" comments. Even though they say it's okay if I don't pass, I know they aren't okay with it, I've already seen it the first time I failed. And their expectations that it's a given that I'll pass this time is even more nerve-wrecking when I look at the fail rate for re-takers. Also, I don't want to ever answer another "what happened? Why did you fail?" question again.

[Raiden]

I don't know what's more stressful about taking the bar exam...knowing that you can fail or knowing you can let down all the people that are counting on you to pass...

Don't think like this, man! You haven't even taken the test yet, so don't count yourself out already. Nobody wants to fail, but if you do, life still goes on and you can choose to take the test again or not. And I'm sure all the people you think you'll be letting down will be supportive of you either way.

Thanks and you are totally right. Half of this test is your attitude and not letting it get into your head. The least we can all do for ourselves is to give it our all these last few days, and be gladiators next week. Even if they hit us with long MBE's and issue packed essays that block out the sun, we shall fight in the shade! AROOOOOOOOH AROOOOOOOOOOH

[RoseBuddy]

I don't know what's more stressful about taking the bar exam...knowing that you can fail or knowing you can let down all the people that are counting on you to pass...

For me it's the latter. My family that's been supporting me and trying to be helpful with their "do't worry, of course you'll pass this time!" comments. Even though they say it's okay if I don't pass, I know they aren't okay with it, I've already seen it the first time I failed. And their expectations that it's a given that I'll pass this time is even more nerve-wrecking when I look at the fail rate for re-takers. Also, I don't want to ever answer another "what happened? Why did you fail?" question again.

Oh man, I totally know what you mean. I did pretty well in law school, and no one expected me to fail. When I did, no one knew what to say lol. And now again I have the same people telling me that I should pass no problem the 2nd time. It totally makes things worse!

I've actually told some people that I am not taking the test again to avoid all the questions, etc.

[RoseBuddy]

I don't know what's more stressful about taking the bar exam...knowing that you can fail or knowing you can let down all the people that are counting on you to pass...

Don't think like this, man! You haven't even taken the test yet, so don't count yourself out already. Nobody wants to fail, but if you do, life still goes on and you can choose to take the test again or not. And I'm sure all the people you think you'll be letting down will be supportive of you either way.

Thanks and you are totally right. Half of this test is your attitude and not letting it get into your head. The least we can all do for ourselves is to give it our all these last few days, and be gladiators next week. Even if they hit us with long MBE's and issue packed essays that block out the sun, we shall fight in the shade! AROOOOOOOOH AROOOOOOOOOOH

That's the right attitude. Now you're really pumping me up! haha

[FinallyPassedTheBar]

if they test CA civ pro, my plan is to write as if it is FRCP, then add a paragraph "but in CA the rule may be different". Because the only thing I have semi-down for CA specific is the Claim preclusion difference...

[FinallyPassedTheBar]

To help better organize for PT, I am using 3 different colored highlighters. Yellow for rules (which I will also be typing as I hit them), green for similar facts that will help our client, and red for facts that hurt our client.

[BrokenMouse]

if they test CA civ pro, my plan is to write as if it is FRCP, then add a paragraph "but in CA the rule may be different". Because the only thing I have semi-down for CA specific is the Claim preclusion difference...

What? Theyre the same except CA follows a primary right doctrine...?

[FinallyPassedTheBar]

if they test CA civ pro, my plan is to write as if it is FRCP, then add a paragraph "but in CA the rule may be different". Because the only thing I have semi-down for CA specific is the Claim preclusion difference...

What? Theyre the same except CA follows a primary right doctrine...?

Yeah that's what I meant.

[Metal_Inquisition]

I don't know what's more stressful about taking the bar exam...knowing that you can fail or knowing you can let down all the people that are counting on you to pass...

Don't think like this, man! You haven't even taken the test yet, so don't count yourself out already. Nobody wants to fail, but if you do, life still goes on and you can choose to take the test again or not. And I'm sure all the people you think you'll be letting down will be supportive of you either way.

Thanks and you are totally right. Half of this test is your attitude and not letting it get into your head. The least we can all do for ourselves is to give it our all these last few days, and be gladiators next week. Even if they hit us with long MBE's and issue packed essays that block out the sun, we shall fight in the shade! AROOOOOOOOH AROOOOOOOOOOH

That's the right attitude. Now you're really pumping me up! haha

Crush your enemy, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of their women. We can do this!!

[hkoas]

Hey all! Just joined, wishing would have sooner.

Took the CA bar once before but half assed it b/c had been offered a job (not in the legal field). Second time taking it but first real shot.

Good luck to all!

[a male human]

My predictions:

Business Association may show up
Community Property may show up
Civil Procedure (federal or CA -- hot potato!) may show up
Constitutional Law may show up
Contracts may show up
Criminal Law may show up
Criminal Procedure may show up
Evidence (federal or CA) may show up
Professional Responsibility (ABA and/or CA) may show up
Real Property may show up
Remedies may show up
Torts may show up
Wills & Trusts may show up
Crossovers of any of the above may show up

If California evidence shows up, I'm going to fake a heart attack. Its going to be loud and ugly, so I apologize in advance to those of you in Ontario.

This might help if you're confused about how to approach Evidence, CA or otherwise:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/oyn0tzn6vek1j ... e.pdf?dl=0

At least one of the Prop 8 exceptions (CRIM cases) usually applies, making evidence inadmissible

gl

[InTheWideLand I Walk]

Yes the bar exam will be hard, but if you have spent time studying, you will be fine... These last few days are not make or break... if you are gettin very aggravated and frustrated just looking at questions, take a day off???? 1 day off is at this point is not going to be change your score

Also may I remind you all of test adrenaline... When they say start your blood will be pumping and your brain will firing... If you've studied, it will come back to you... Just remember, make an outline and right down all the issues and as much of the rule defintion as you can remember then plug the facts in and analyze... don't get lost in the heat of the moment and jump straight into typing......


I feel pretty confident... Is there more I can do?? of course.. but there will always be more.. theres so many subjects and issues there's just no way to have all of them "fresh" in your head. thats what practice and muscle memory is for... you see something from a month ago you spent time on studying and your brain knos what to do with it naturally. i havent played ping pong in 8 years, but i used to be really really good. if i pick up a paddle, am i going to be an olympian? no, but the brain does not simply forget something it reviewed...

in sum,
if you studied, you will be fine... just relax and get in the right mindset....

disagree- I will stop at nothing. but all of you have permission to take the day off- or the entire weekend. wont make a difference, right?

[BrokenMouse]

Ok so I just finished Emanuel's MBE full test and got 68/100 (68%) on the AM portion with little to no time left, and 74/100 (74%) on the PM portion with about 6 minutes left on the clock.

71% combined total accuracy is barely at the passing mark I believe. Can anyone confirm if this 2012-2013 Emanuel MBE book is any representative of what I can expect to get on game day?

[lakers3peat]

disagree- I will stop at nothing. but all of you have permission to take the day off- or the entire weekend. wont make a difference, right?

Haha, me neither man! I am reviewing until Monday afternoon when I go to my hotel room to lay by the pool...

I was just offering practical advice for the test taker who said they sat down to do a practice test, missed an issue or two, felt so frustrated they were distracted studying the rest of the day. Sometimes your MENTAL HEALTH is more important than any studying you can do. I certainly don't think its worth taking a day off now when you will have the next 4 months of not having to study for the bar to sit around and think about what you could have done that weekend before...

Having said that, I also have sort of failed my own schedule this last week. I planned to do nothing but practice essays and 2 PTs yet somehow have gotten caught up looking at old mistakes on essays and reviewing outlines and making flashcards. Now I don't necessarily think its BAD to be reviewing outlines or making flash cards(anything is better than nothing), but I know single handedly that I failed the july exam because I didn't do enough practice essays.

Slightly embarassed to say, I don't think I even looked at a single civ pro essay or corporations essay. And also.. the question on takings??? really? of all the things to test... lol...

I had a lot going on.. I did not deserve to pass back then... I was aiming for being the guy just over the curve, which is NEVER a good ideology to have IMO.

Do I feel 100% ready for Feb??? Hell no. Never will be.. There's always another essay or PT to write. But considering I almost passed July with a half-hearted attempt, I think i should be fine... Though ya never really know on these things....



I have noticed that a lot of you keep talking about the MBE and how you are doing on practice MBEs and worrying.. Well i'm not sure of your exact circumstances, but I would be careful. The actual MBE, from my experience, was not THAT BAD. I ended up mid 1500s but still failed. Want to know why???? because the essays count for SO MUCH MORE!!!!!!!!

EFF THE MBE and worry about essays TLS team!!!!!!!!!! I am telling you--as someone who failed July with a great MBE score- it means NOTHING!!! Ok well it means something, but so much less than the other two sections, its not worth dwelling on....


I would love to know if anyone has some good CP prep materials??? FLow charts, mnemonics(god that is hard to spell), or anything of that sort...
I didnt go to law school in state so CP is one of my weaker subjects---got a 50 in July(barf) and cant say I've gotten much better...

Looking at the Van Camp and Pereria tests right now and its just like so far over my head to be able to do some sort of computation

[attjen]

Also, for those who were asking...I called the San Fran Cali Bar office and they said we are "required to go and see the location" on Monday between 2-4...Don't think I can spare the study time though.

Why? That sounds strange.

Not sure if the woman was trying to get me off the phone. But she used the exact words that I stated. I've read the attached bulletin re the allowed items but still wanted to know if there will be an area to put my lunch. No way I can go through the afternoon session without eating and I can't risk leaving my fate to getting lunch while I'm there.

[BrokenMouse]

Also, for those who were asking...I called the San Fran Cali Bar office and they said we are "required to go and see the location" on Monday between 2-4...Don't think I can spare the study time though.

Why? That sounds strange.

Not sure if the woman was trying to get me off the phone. But she used the exact words that I stated. I've read the attached bulletin re the allowed items but still wanted to know if there will be an area to put my lunch. No way I can go through the afternoon session without eating and I can't risk leaving my fate to getting lunch while I'm there.

At least in Pasadena ppl just leave all their belongings against the wall in the lounge. I leave all my stuff in the car.

[Zaizei]

Also, for those who were asking...I called the San Fran Cali Bar office and they said we are "required to go and see the location" on Monday between 2-4...Don't think I can spare the study time though.

Why? That sounds strange.

Not sure if the woman was trying to get me off the phone. But she used the exact words that I stated. I've read the attached bulletin re the allowed items but still wanted to know if there will be an area to put my lunch. No way I can go through the afternoon session without eating and I can't risk leaving my fate to getting lunch while I'm there.

At least in Pasadena ppl just leave all their belongings against the wall in the lounge. I leave all my stuff in the car.

Is that safe? I was going to go just with my pc and a clear bag with permitted objects. No phone, no way to talk to someone if something goes wrong. I don't want to take the risk of my things being stealed... Also is there Wifi connection in Pasadena test center?