Themis Bar Review Hangout - July 2016 Forum

[NaeDeen]

Any tips on ConLaw studying? Theres just so many doctrines and I know they test surface level stuff but I'm having trouble identifying what I should be memorizing and what they arent likely to test on...

Have you tried looking at the topic lists that Themis gives us? They are also on the NCBE's website--it tells you exactly where the bar examiners will pull their questions from. So for a topic like con law that's giving you trouble, you can use their topic outline to narrow your focus when memorizing/studying. Not sure if this helps any.

Also you can maybe create acronyms--I normally use combinations that I'll remember. For example in property I use SEE RAMP! to remember how an easement can be terminated. Sale, Estoppel, End of necessity, Release, Abandonment, Merger, Prescription!

[AlanShore]

Any tips on ConLaw studying? Theres just so many doctrines and I know they test surface level stuff but I'm having trouble identifying what I should be memorizing and what they arent likely to test on...

Have you tried looking at the topic lists that Themis gives us? They are also on the NCBE's website--it tells you exactly where the bar examiners will pull their questions from. So for a topic like con law that's giving you trouble, you can use their topic outline to narrow your focus when memorizing/studying. Not sure if this helps any.

Also you can maybe create acronyms--I normally use combinations that I'll remember. For example in property I use SEE RAMP! to remember how an easement can be terminated. Sale, Estoppel, End of necessity, Release, Abandonment, Merger, Prescription!

Thanks - good advice.

[Kragoth180]

Does anyone have any issues with the call of the question for tort MBE questions? The questions from other subject areas have been fine.... Don't know what it is; maybe I just suck at torts and need to drill more.

I understand how to do the analysis, and I know what the outcome should be. However, when I read the call of the question, I get thrown off. The analysis in my head says to pick X, but the call of the question seems to ask for Y. I pick Y, and it's wrong. It was X.

[Fivedham]

Earlier posts about the MBE Con Law PQ3 set were right, I found it incredibly hard. I surpassed Themis' goal, but jeez. It's like they front loaded the easy stuff in PQ1 and PQ2, then decided it was time for some obscure questions.

Starting to get genuinely concerned about not getting ~ 70ish% in these PQs, even though Themis says we're hitting goal %. It's just demoralizing a hell to get like 14/34 questions wrong.

[NaeDeen]

Does anyone have any issues with the call of the question for tort MBE questions? The questions from other subject areas have been fine.... Don't know what it is; maybe I just suck at torts and need to drill more.

I understand how to do the analysis, and I know what the outcome should be. However, when I read the call of the question, I get thrown off. The analysis in my head says to pick X, but the call of the question seems to ask for Y. I pick Y, and it's wrong. It was X.

I've had the same issue with any type of MC question for as long as I can remember. My advice to you is GO WITH YOUR INITIAL INSTINCT as long as you are sure. Like an earlier poster said, better to get this down now than bomb on the actual exam. Another thing that helps me is to recite the law out loud in my own words or as close to the BLL as I can get it. That also helps with retention.

The torts questions were not that bad. I scored above average but of course, not where I wanted to be. However, they are soooooooo much better than the K questions. One thing I notice with the torts questions is that a lot of the wrong answer choices seem to include elements from other torts/negligence within them so if you're having a little bit of difficulty, try writing out the BLL to each tort and work with that while completing MQs.

[NaeDeen]

Any tips on ConLaw studying? Theres just so many doctrines and I know they test surface level stuff but I'm having trouble identifying what I should be memorizing and what they arent likely to test on...

Have you tried looking at the topic lists that Themis gives us? They are also on the NCBE's website--it tells you exactly where the bar examiners will pull their questions from. So for a topic like con law that's giving you trouble, you can use their topic outline to narrow your focus when memorizing/studying. Not sure if this helps any.

Also you can maybe create acronyms--I normally use combinations that I'll remember. For example in property I use SEE RAMP! to remember how an easement can be terminated. Sale, Estoppel, End of necessity, Release, Abandonment, Merger, Prescription!

Thanks - good advice.

You're welcome! We are all battling the same beast my friend.

[just_me]

Feel compelled to share how unhelpful I find Evidence man's incessant Abraham Lincoln example!

[NaeDeen]

Earlier posts about the MBE Con Law PQ3 set were right, I found it incredibly hard. I surpassed Themis' goal, but jeez. It's like they front loaded the easy stuff in PQ1 and PQ2, then decided it was time for some obscure questions.

Starting to get genuinely concerned about not getting ~ 70ish% in these PQs, even though Themis says we're hitting goal %. It's just demoralizing a hell to get like 14/34 questions wrong.

You're not alone. I have a theory on this--there are just some parts of the law, no matter the subject, that are so much easier to understand/retain than others. Therefore, I'm thinking that they get those out of the way first and then continuously hit us with the questions that most people have difficulty with.

I can't think of anyone who started this hitting high numbers and have continued to do so. I for one started K with 38% (horrible, I know), torts with 65%, and property with 80% which is now down to 65% thanks to fatigue and careless mistakes. So yeah, you're not alone.

Look at the bright side, practice really does make perfect. Keep at it and pretty soon you'll hit all of your personal target goals.

[NaeDeen]

Feel compelled to share how unhelpful I find Evidence man's incessant Abraham Lincoln example!

Oh boy, he can't be worse than torts. Those lectures were half commentary on the law and half BLL. I wanted to cry.

[just_me]

Feel compelled to share how unhelpful I find Evidence man's incessant Abraham Lincoln example!

Oh boy, he can't be worse than torts. Those lectures were half commentary on the law and half BLL. I wanted to cry.

Yes, v. hard to get through!

[hogfan1991]

Checking In! Just found this hangout and glad I did. Taking the Bar in Arkansas (Woo Pig Sooie) and using Themis.

I'm a couple of days behind on my schedule, but I've been taking Sundays off. Will probably move away from that after July 4.

Earlier people were discussing using the outline while doing practice essays. I have been doing this. I don't have the law memorized yet to really get anything out of the essays otherwise. I'm focusing more on the analysis and issue spotting right now , and structuring essays like my grader has been mentioning, and will focus on regurgitation of law later on when I can memorize everything.

I've been doing flash cards, writing them on my owned using the "final review outline" and the "lecture handout" as a guide. It has taken a long time and have fallen behind on subjects, but I think it will pay off down the road.

I thought of purchasing the "Critical Pass" flashcards, but they are super expensive and I'm thinking writing my own might be fine? Anyone have thoughts/experience with those. Also, there is a book on Amazon called "Strategies and Tactics for the MBE by Emanuel". Anyone heard about that? It has good reviews on Amazon. I was thinking of getting it as a supplement later on perhaps.

Best of luck to everyone in their studies and glad we have this support group to turn to during our breaks and times of despair over the next 6 weeks. Haha.

[ultimolugar]

Checking in from Orlando to let all know that we're still in shock about the Pulse shooting. Bar prep seems so insignificant today.

[Mayakovsky]

Checking In! Just found this hangout and glad I did. Taking the Bar in Arkansas (Woo Pig Sooie) and using Themis.

I'm a couple of days behind on my schedule, but I've been taking Sundays off. Will probably move away from that after July 4.

Earlier people were discussing using the outline while doing practice essays. I have been doing this. I don't have the law memorized yet to really get anything out of the essays otherwise. I'm focusing more on the analysis and issue spotting right now , and structuring essays like my grader has been mentioning, and will focus on regurgitation of law later on when I can memorize everything.

I've been doing flash cards, writing them on my owned using the "final review outline" and the "lecture handout" as a guide. It has taken a long time and have fallen behind on subjects, but I think it will pay off down the road.

I thought of purchasing the "Critical Pass" flashcards, but they are super expensive and I'm thinking writing my own might be fine? Anyone have thoughts/experience with those. Also, there is a book on Amazon called "Strategies and Tactics for the MBE by Emanuel". Anyone heard about that? It has good reviews on Amazon. I was thinking of getting it as a supplement later on perhaps.

Best of luck to everyone in their studies and glad we have this support group to turn to during our breaks and times of despair over the next 6 weeks. Haha.

I was making my own flashcards as well, and it was taking a ridiculous amount of time. I already had my eye on the Critical Pass cards, but was nervous about the price, and then someone strongly recommended them to me and I decided to go ahead and purchase them. I've been assured they are worth the investment, so we'll see. I got mine today, and they seem legit, though I haven't dug deep into any of them yet, obviously.

[Mayakovsky]

Checking in from Orlando to let all know that we're still in shock about the Pulse shooting. Bar prep seems so insignificant today.

Just wanted to respond to this and say that I hope you're doing alright. I'm really sorry for what your community is going through. I'm not anywhere near Orlando, but I've had a hard time caring about prep these past few days because of everything that has been going on. Every article I read or post that I see devastates me that much more.

Take care of yourself, please.

[ultimolugar]

Checking in from Orlando to let all know that we're still in shock about the Pulse shooting. Bar prep seems so insignificant today.

Just wanted to respond to this and say that I hope you're doing alright. I'm really sorry for what your community is going through. I'm not anywhere near Orlando, but I've had a hard time caring about prep these past few days because of everything that has been going on. Every article I read or post that I see devastates me that much more.

Take care of yourself, please.

Thank you, it's senseless. It has served to strengthen my resolve to assist our policy makers in making whatever changes we need to prevent future tragedies. Our community will heal. I'm thankful my family and I are safe.

[hogfan1991]

Checking In! Just found this hangout and glad I did. Taking the Bar in Arkansas (Woo Pig Sooie) and using Themis.

I'm a couple of days behind on my schedule, but I've been taking Sundays off. Will probably move away from that after July 4.

Earlier people were discussing using the outline while doing practice essays. I have been doing this. I don't have the law memorized yet to really get anything out of the essays otherwise. I'm focusing more on the analysis and issue spotting right now , and structuring essays like my grader has been mentioning, and will focus on regurgitation of law later on when I can memorize everything.

I've been doing flash cards, writing them on my owned using the "final review outline" and the "lecture handout" as a guide. It has taken a long time and have fallen behind on subjects, but I think it will pay off down the road.

I thought of purchasing the "Critical Pass" flashcards, but they are super expensive and I'm thinking writing my own might be fine? Anyone have thoughts/experience with those. Also, there is a book on Amazon called "Strategies and Tactics for the MBE by Emanuel". Anyone heard about that? It has good reviews on Amazon. I was thinking of getting it as a supplement later on perhaps.

Best of luck to everyone in their studies and glad we have this support group to turn to during our breaks and times of despair over the next 6 weeks. Haha.

I was making my own flashcards as well, and it was taking a ridiculous amount of time. I already had my eye on the Critical Pass cards, but was nervous about the price, and then someone strongly recommended them to me and I decided to go ahead and purchase them. I've been assured they are worth the investment, so we'll see. I got mine today, and they seem legit, though I haven't dug deep into any of them yet, obviously.

Let me know what you think of them! I am not against it, especially as each day passes and I feel like any time I take up writing flash cards takes away from watching lectures or practicing questions. Thanks!

[Chardee_MacDennis]

Checking In! Just found this hangout and glad I did. Taking the Bar in Arkansas (Woo Pig Sooie) and using Themis.

I'm a couple of days behind on my schedule, but I've been taking Sundays off. Will probably move away from that after July 4.

Earlier people were discussing using the outline while doing practice essays. I have been doing this. I don't have the law memorized yet to really get anything out of the essays otherwise. I'm focusing more on the analysis and issue spotting right now , and structuring essays like my grader has been mentioning, and will focus on regurgitation of law later on when I can memorize everything.

I've been doing flash cards, writing them on my owned using the "final review outline" and the "lecture handout" as a guide. It has taken a long time and have fallen behind on subjects, but I think it will pay off down the road.

I thought of purchasing the "Critical Pass" flashcards, but they are super expensive and I'm thinking writing my own might be fine? Anyone have thoughts/experience with those. Also, there is a book on Amazon called "Strategies and Tactics for the MBE by Emanuel". Anyone heard about that? It has good reviews on Amazon. I was thinking of getting it as a supplement later on perhaps.

Best of luck to everyone in their studies and glad we have this support group to turn to during our breaks and times of despair over the next 6 weeks. Haha.

I was making my own flashcards as well, and it was taking a ridiculous amount of time. I already had my eye on the Critical Pass cards, but was nervous about the price, and then someone strongly recommended them to me and I decided to go ahead and purchase them. I've been assured they are worth the investment, so we'll see. I got mine today, and they seem legit, though I haven't dug deep into any of them yet, obviously.

Let me know what you think of them! I am not against it, especially as each day passes and I feel like any time I take up writing flash cards takes away from watching lectures or practicing questions. Thanks!

Pulled the trigger on these yesterday. For $60 (iPhone app), it seems worth it.

[NaeDeen]

Checking in from Orlando to let all know that we're still in shock about the Pulse shooting. Bar prep seems so insignificant today.

I'm here in MD....my heart goes out to you and your entire community.

[Virindi]

I thought of purchasing the "Critical Pass" flashcards, but they are super expensive and I'm thinking writing my own might be fine? Anyone have thoughts/experience with those..

there's an app you can download for free that will give you 10 card sample to see if it's for you or not. the app itself costs $60 to unlock all cards (not just the 10 sample cards)

i have the printed cards. they are very good. i use them during the lectures to make sure they are complete, and then they turn into my actual outline.

[bsktbll28082]

I thought of purchasing the "Critical Pass" flashcards, but they are super expensive and I'm thinking writing my own might be fine? Anyone have thoughts/experience with those..

I purchased a set for $100. So far, it has not been worth it (for me). But I think they have a high resale value, so if I can get 60$ back, I'll be happy.

[Fivedham]

I thought of purchasing the "Critical Pass" flashcards, but they are super expensive and I'm thinking writing my own might be fine? Anyone have thoughts/experience with those..

I purchased a set for $100. So far, it has not been worth it (for me). But I think they have a high resale value, so if I can get 60$ back, I'll be happy.

Yeah I agree. The Critical Pass cards match up very well with Themis, and they've been my main review tool. I got the app version so I can just have them wherever I am, and I think they're well worth the $60.

[ultimolugar]

I thought of purchasing the "Critical Pass" flashcards, but they are super expensive and I'm thinking writing my own might be fine? Anyone have thoughts/experience with those..

I purchased a set for $100. So far, it has not been worth it (for me). But I think they have a high resale value, so if I can get 60$ back, I'll be happy.

Yeah I agree. The Critical Pass cards match up very well with Themis, and they've been my main review tool. I got the app version so I can just have them wherever I am, and I think they're well worth the $60.

Do the cards have a "quiz" feature? In other words, can you be tested by the software itself or are you solely self-assessing?

[Nebby]

Anyone feel like evidence practice essays are some of the easiest? I don't know if it just because the rules seem so practical, but I am having the least trouble remembering the rules and being able to apply them in the evidence context.

[Nebby]

I just had the weirdest thing happen. I took the first Civ Pro practice essay, and here was the call of the question:

1. Does the State B court have jurisdiction to grant Husband a divorce and award Husband property acquired during the marriage? Explain.

2. Can Wife prevent Husband from obtaining a divorce on the grounds that she does not consent to the divorce and that the marriage might yet be saved? Explain.

3. Without regard to any jurisdictional issues, would Wife, in the event of a divorce, be entitled to a share of any of Husband’s assets? Explain.

Like... I have not learned any family law stuff yet. I answered the first question because it was apparent that personal jurisdiction was the issue, but the other two questions I have no idea. When I submitted the answer to see the sample answer, even the jurisdiction question was different due to family law that I didn't know.

[unidentifiable]

I just had the weirdest thing happen. I took the first Civ Pro practice essay, and here was the call of the question:

1. Does the State B court have jurisdiction to grant Husband a divorce and award Husband property acquired during the marriage? Explain.

2. Can Wife prevent Husband from obtaining a divorce on the grounds that she does not consent to the divorce and that the marriage might yet be saved? Explain.

3. Without regard to any jurisdictional issues, would Wife, in the event of a divorce, be entitled to a share of any of Husband’s assets? Explain.

Like... I have not learned any family law stuff yet. I answered the first question because it was apparent that personal jurisdiction was the issue, but the other two questions I have no idea. When I submitted the answer to see the sample answer, even the jurisdiction question was different due to family law that I didn't know.

Wooooah, send them a message. I'd like to hear what they say about it. Seems like a mix up. Kind of a bummer, too, because now when you get to a Family Law or Civ Pro + Family Law essay, you'll have one less.