California Bar Exam (July 2014) thread Forum

[james11]

Are we going to get e-mails about what time to check in & everything the morning of?

I just found out UCH is giving a free lunch to its students every day of the bar.. Coolest thing they have ever done.

Dear All First Timers,

I would higly recommend everyone visit the test center the day before the first day--if they allow it. I took the Cal Bar the first time in February 2014 at the Ontario Convention Center. My friend and I drove by and decided to walk around the test center. To our surprise, it was open and there were a lot of staff there to answer questions and allowed us to peer into the testing room (but not enter). It was a great walk through that helped calmed the nerves a bit. More importantly, there were staff that were goign to be proctors for testday to answer any questions. That experience was invaluable.

It might also be helpful to see where you can enter for parking or search around for bathroom areas (during breaks, depending on where you take it, they won't allow you to re-enter to use the bathroom). Knowing where the eateries are may also be helpful. Plan accordingly and good luck to all the test takers in July!

+1

[a male human]

The people at Santa Clara didn't even let me near the doors the day before, let alone peek. But it was good to scope out the layout.

Speaking of SC: Beware of massive egress of cars after each day. It can take 45-60 min just to get out of the parking lot. You might want to consider that if you're commuting. Everyone is civil despite what happened in the halls, though.

[km23]

For SANTA CLARA CONVENTION TEST TAKERS:

I took the exam at the Santa Clara Convention Center. I really liked it (the center, not the exam lol). I also stayed in the attached Hyatt, so it was super convenient. However, if you are staying at the hotel, DO NOT rely on leaving your lunch in your room if you plan on using the elevators…the lines were very long after each morning session. Something cool the Hyatt has is the "Regency Club" room you pay extra when staying at the hotel. The club provides breakfast and tons of hors d'oeurves in the evening, as well as snacks and water and other drinks throughout the entire day. I was lucky enough to have a friend with me during the exam (not a fellow bar taker) to meet me and bring lunch to take into the Regency Club. It was a nice getaway from the chaos to go in there every lunch and even at dinner after the exam before going to bed. You need a key to get in, so call the hotel and check out if you could add the extra cost onto your room, as I think it's worth it.

As far as the exam room goes, they put everyone in the same HUGE room. Your seats are assigned. I didn't think the room was too bad. The desks were long tables and had a bunch of chairs on each table. There are a few bathrooms INSIDE the room so you could go during the exam (don't believe people that claim you will fail if you use the bathroom haha. I used it like 3 times and it took maybe 2 minutes of my life each time and I still passed). They also provide water and cups so you could drink some whenever you need to before, during, and after each session. You just can't take the cups with you to your desk, so you'll have to toss it out into the conveniently located trash can.

Security consisted of basically leaving your backpacks/bags outside the testing room and walking in while displaying your zip lock and ticket. It wasn't too chaotic. The proctors were also pretty cool (well, mine were!). I struck up some conversations with the proctors in charge of my section and they had all proctored the CA bar exam before, so they know what they're doing.

Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: bring earplugs. Seriously. One of my earplugs fell out for 10 seconds during the exam and it was like 1 million knives stabbing into my ear.

All in all, I thought it was a very pleasant testing site. The Hyatt staff and convention center staff were GREAT and it felt like they had a lot of training prior to the bar exam on how to deal with everyone. Hope this eased your mind. Rock it!

[hyc9598]

Cal probate code 6110 c says about cc burden of persuasion.

Does it apply to death after 2009 or 2012?

[iLoveFruits&Veggies]

[LSATNightmares]

For SANTA CLARA CONVENTION TEST TAKERS:

I took the exam at the Santa Clara Convention Center. I really liked it (the center, not the exam lol). I also stayed in the attached Hyatt, so it was super convenient. However, if you are staying at the hotel, DO NOT rely on leaving your lunch in your room if you plan on using the elevators…the lines were very long after each morning session. Something cool the Hyatt has is the "Regency Club" room you pay extra when staying at the hotel. The club provides breakfast and tons of hors d'oeurves in the evening, as well as snacks and water and other drinks throughout the entire day. I was lucky enough to have a friend with me during the exam (not a fellow bar taker) to meet me and bring lunch to take into the Regency Club. It was a nice getaway from the chaos to go in there every lunch and even at dinner after the exam before going to bed. You need a key to get in, so call the hotel and check out if you could add the extra cost onto your room, as I think it's worth it.

As far as the exam room goes, they put everyone in the same HUGE room. Your seats are assigned. I didn't think the room was too bad. The desks were long tables and had a bunch of chairs on each table. There are a few bathrooms INSIDE the room so you could go during the exam (don't believe people that claim you will fail if you use the bathroom haha. I used it like 3 times and it took maybe 2 minutes of my life each time and I still passed). They also provide water and cups so you could drink some whenever you need to before, during, and after each session. You just can't take the cups with you to your desk, so you'll have to toss it out into the conveniently located trash can.

Security consisted of basically leaving your backpacks/bags outside the testing room and walking in while displaying your zip lock and ticket. It wasn't too chaotic. The proctors were also pretty cool (well, mine were!). I struck up some conversations with the proctors in charge of my section and they had all proctored the CA bar exam before, so they know what they're doing.

Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: bring earplugs. Seriously. One of my earplugs fell out for 10 seconds during the exam and it was like 1 million knives stabbing into my ear.

All in all, I thought it was a very pleasant testing site. The Hyatt staff and convention center staff were GREAT and it felt like they had a lot of training prior to the bar exam on how to deal with everyone. Hope this eased your mind. Rock it!

+1 as well as A Male Human's post on the logistics. Thanks!

[DwightSchruteFarms]

For SANTA CLARA CONVENTION TEST TAKERS:

I took the exam at the Santa Clara Convention Center. I really liked it (the center, not the exam lol). I also stayed in the attached Hyatt, so it was super convenient. However, if you are staying at the hotel, DO NOT rely on leaving your lunch in your room if you plan on using the elevators…the lines were very long after each morning session. Something cool the Hyatt has is the "Regency Club" room you pay extra when staying at the hotel. The club provides breakfast and tons of hors d'oeurves in the evening, as well as snacks and water and other drinks throughout the entire day. I was lucky enough to have a friend with me during the exam (not a fellow bar taker) to meet me and bring lunch to take into the Regency Club. It was a nice getaway from the chaos to go in there every lunch and even at dinner after the exam before going to bed. You need a key to get in, so call the hotel and check out if you could add the extra cost onto your room, as I think it's worth it.

As far as the exam room goes, they put everyone in the same HUGE room. Your seats are assigned. I didn't think the room was too bad. The desks were long tables and had a bunch of chairs on each table. There are a few bathrooms INSIDE the room so you could go during the exam (don't believe people that claim you will fail if you use the bathroom haha. I used it like 3 times and it took maybe 2 minutes of my life each time and I still passed). They also provide water and cups so you could drink some whenever you need to before, during, and after each session. You just can't take the cups with you to your desk, so you'll have to toss it out into the conveniently located trash can.

Security consisted of basically leaving your backpacks/bags outside the testing room and walking in while displaying your zip lock and ticket. It wasn't too chaotic. The proctors were also pretty cool (well, mine were!). I struck up some conversations with the proctors in charge of my section and they had all proctored the CA bar exam before, so they know what they're doing.

Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: bring earplugs. Seriously. One of my earplugs fell out for 10 seconds during the exam and it was like 1 million knives stabbing into my ear.

All in all, I thought it was a very pleasant testing site. The Hyatt staff and convention center staff were GREAT and it felt like they had a lot of training prior to the bar exam on how to deal with everyone. Hope this eased your mind. Rock it!

+1 as well as A Male Human's post on the logistics. Thanks!

Not to mention, they also gave out free shots of whiskey at the lobby bar when Day 3 ended.

[rolen27]

How can you check if your laptop has been properly certified? I just submitted the mock exam and got a bunch of emails. Is there a way to check on the site itself?

[LSATNightmares]

How can you check if your laptop has been properly certified? I just submitted the mock exam and got a bunch of emails. Is there a way to check on the site itself?

They instruct you to take a mock exam and look on ExamSoft's website to see if it uploaded. I imagine that if that works, and if you got an email confirming registration, you should be fine (at least that's what I did).

[Carryon]

How can you check if your laptop has been properly certified? I just submitted the mock exam and got a bunch of emails. Is there a way to check on the site itself?

You can contact the company. I think that there number is on the web site.

[WonkyPanda]

Sorry if this has been asked: do you need to have a laptop lock? Do you ever just leave your laptop there during lunch?

[duskfall]

Sorry if this has been asked: do you need to have a laptop lock? Do you ever just leave your laptop there during lunch?

i don't know if a laptop lock would be approved items. most people leave it on the table. Some people take their laptops with them. I left mine without any problem.

[FutureInLaw]

Anyone have a good watch recommendation? Going to order one today!

[hyc9598]

Not eating lunch before cbx pt exam.

How about it? Because most of the time sleepiness hinders concentration after lunch. Two people recommended. One passed and another person failed by one point. He got good score in pt. Reason was essay. He said we could endure 3 hours. It is only 3 hours. Drowsiness and lack of energy. What is the difference between the two? A slight lack of energy is better than drowsiness.

[iLoveFruits&Veggies]

Anyone have a good watch recommendation? Going to order one today!

I don't like wearing watches or bracelets so I'm ordering a little clock today It looks like we're allowed to bring one if it's 4X4 or smaller. Saw a super cute, inexpensive timex watch though, with a nylon strap. Navy blue strap with a light yellow stripe and a classic face, on Amazon. It's called "the weekender." If I wore watches, I'd buy that one

[Mr. Pink]

I'm taking in Ontario, and hotel is right by Convention Center. I was planning on hitting up a little store to get all the recommended items before the exam (pencils, little clock, etc.). Any past takers know of a Walgreens/CVS type place there that would have the stuff?

[LSATNightmares]

Not eating lunch before cbx pt exam.

How about it? Because most of the time sleepiness hinders concentration after lunch. Two people recommended. One passed and another person failed by one point. He got good score in pt. Reason was essay. He said we could endure 3 hours. It is only 3 hours. Drowsiness and lack of energy. What is the difference between the two? A slight lack of energy is better than drowsiness.

Skipping lunch entirely sounds dumb. Sure, don't have a big meal and don't eat lots of simple carbs and sugar, but a salad and/or light protein won't hurt you and will only help since you need energy to get through the day. You'll probably have a lot of adrenaline to help as well.

[Carryon]

I'm taking in Ontario, and hotel is right by Convention Center. I was planning on hitting up a little store to get all the recommended items before the exam (pencils, little clock, etc.). Any past takers know of a Walgreens/CVS type place there that would have the stuff?

This a few stores/restaurants about a third of a mile from the convention center. I am not sure of what stuff those stores may have.

[JJDancer]

Anyone have a good watch recommendation? Going to order one today!

I don't like wearing watches or bracelets so I'm ordering a little clock today It looks like we're allowed to bring one if it's 4X4 or smaller. Saw a super cute, inexpensive timex watch though, with a nylon strap. Navy blue strap with a light yellow stripe and a classic face, on Amazon. It's called "the weekender." If I wore watches, I'd buy that one

I am thinking of ordering a dirt cheap analog one on amazon. Can't recommend it because I haven't bought it yet but

http://www.amazon.com/Casio-Unisex-MQ24 ... 14&sr=1-30

or

http://www.amazon.com/Casio-MQ24-7B2-An ... 67&sr=1-11

they pretty much look the same.

[Apple Tree]

Can we use mechanical pencils? Didn't see any rules against it but want to make sure.

[hyc9598]

I heard that in pt if there is no tome or to finish within time, extracting rule only and not using facts in the case is ok. Would that deduct points?

[a male human]

I heard that in pt if there is no tome or to finish within time, extracting rule only and not using facts in the case is ok. Would that deduct points?

Most likely you will get little credit...PTs are about pulling out relevant facts. Pulling out the rule from the case is way too easy. You've been doing that since 1L year, and these cases have super obvious rules.

[Anonnn]

Random question: Has anyone noticed some not insubstantial differences between Barbri's "self-grading" list and the model answers posted by the bar examiners online? For example, I just did Barbri's Crim Pro question 1 which was on the 2006 exam. Felt pretty good about my answer and my discussion of the 6th amendment only to find out that the checklist awarded no points for it. Went online to look at the model answer and both of the answers I looked at discussed the 6th amendment in some detail and in a manner similar to mine.

I know it's stupid, but I've had a few essays where the Barbri rubric has left me scratching my head as to what they did/didn't include. Sigh....

[adonai]

Random question: Has anyone noticed some not insubstantial differences between Barbri's "self-grading" list and the model answers posted by the bar examiners online? For example, I just did Barbri's Crim Pro question 1 which was on the 2006 exam. Felt pretty good about my answer and my discussion of the 6th amendment only to find out that the checklist awarded no points for it. Went online to look at the model answer and both of the answers I looked at discussed the 6th amendment in some detail and in a manner similar to mine.

I know it's stupid, but I've had a few essays where the Barbri rubric has left me scratching my head as to what they did/didn't include. Sigh....

Yep, and I emailed barbri about another crim law essay where I felt assault should have been an issue. I got no points for it and was told not to discuss "irrelevant" things on my feedback. The person emailed back saying that it could have been an issue, and that barbri isn't perfect. So yes, barbri isn't 100% right.

[JJDancer]

I heard that in pt if there is no tome or to finish within time, extracting rule only and not using facts in the case is ok. Would that deduct points?

Most likely you will get little credit...PTs are about pulling out relevant facts. Pulling out the rule from the case is way too easy. You've been doing that since 1L year, and these cases have super obvious rules.

If you mean pulling only a rule from a case and not necessarily using facts from THAT case, (meaning not enough time to analogize.distinguish) that could be fine. You could just take a the rule and straight apply it to your facts.

Not sure which one you meant. previous poster is right though.