Pacing on MBE Practice Forum

[At the Drive-In]

After doing 4 "full" practices of MBE sets (100 questions, mixed subjects, 3 hour time limit), my pacing is way too fast. I have finished 100 questions with no less than 71 minutes left, and up to about 84 minutes. In the real world, I suppose I'd use that time to look back on the questions that I was unsure of, but I am unsure of like 50% or more of all bar questions, and I don't know if thinking harder about borderline ones is really going to make a difference.

Does going that fast sound unreasonable? Should I be taking more time on long fact patterns like real property? I got a 114 on the simulated MBE at that speed, which was the absolute average, but I took it at home and didn't really bother to go back and look over anything for more than 10 minutes at the end because I just felt I was spinning my wheels.

Are you guys finding that you're finishing way ahead of the 108 second pace we're supposed to have per question if we want to finish on time? I expected to be ahead by no more than 20 or 30 minutes - but I feel that maybe I am too far ahead.

I did the same thing on the MPRE, and was the first one done and was absolutely done, but then psyched myself out that maybe if everyone else is taking this long I thought it was a lot more simple than it really was - and ended up getting in the 100s.

So, tl;dr version

1) Is anyone else finding that they are finishing large practice MBE sets too fast?
2) What sort of strategy can I use to use that extra time beyond just re-guessing on a ton of questions?

[jd20132013]

i finish most sets early too, except Property.

you have to remember that a lot of people don't read that fast. i think that if you're an above average reader you probably are supposed to finish early

[LouEVille]

70 minutes? That's near god-mode reading.

I'm more in the 10-20 minutes early camp, but I have found that I need to train myself to actually closely read each answer choice instead of reaching a conclusion and quickly searching for the correct response. There are probably 5 or so questions per 100 that I have screwed up simply because I didn't pick the "best" best answer.

[annalisa]

I've got the same problem. I also have the problem another poster mentioned where the most common reason I get questions wrong is simply reading the answers too quickly. But I find if I try to slow down my reading in general, I get distracted more easily.

I don't usually use the extra time to go back and review answers, though. One of my law school professors would read the results of multiple choice quizzes to us and note how many people changed the answer (based on cross outs, eraser marks, whatever), how many got it right the first choice versus the second choice, etc. Basically, it came down to your first answer is usually the right answer.

[MoneyMay]

I've got the same problem. I also have the problem another poster mentioned where the most common reason I get questions wrong is simply reading the answers too quickly. But I find if I try to slow down my reading in general, I get distracted more easily.

I don't usually use the extra time to go back and review answers, though. One of my law school professors would read the results of multiple choice quizzes to us and note how many people changed the answer (based on cross outs, eraser marks, whatever), how many got it right the first choice versus the second choice, etc. Basically, it came down to your first answer is usually the right answer.

THIS. When I am done I drop the mic and peace out of there.

[sidhesadie]

I finish early too (like, if I do a full set, I finish a solid 50-60 minutes early on each 100 set.) I do read abnormally fast. Always have. Was a godsend in law school. Also finished the MPRE way early and scored well over 100.

However, like someone else, I find that a good 1/4 of the ones I miss it's because I read the call too fast. So I think I'm going to try just going at my usual speed , then going back and really slowly and carefully re-reading the call of each question to make sure that's what I actually answered.

I also, for awhile was keeping track of my second choice answers (like, if I was going to change my answer, I'd change it to C). I found about 1/2 the time my first answer was right, 1/2 the time it was the other one. *shrug*.

[yips]

I had the same challenge: finishing way early but never NEVER looking back at questions. I started trying this strategy, and so far, it's working pretty well. I think it's a better use of my extra time and it really does help me focus on each question more.

http://www.barexammind.com/one-weird-trick-mbe-success/

If anyone else tries this, report back how it's going for you and we can compare/tweak strategies! And of course, this is really only going to work if you're already finishing super early.

[LAWYER2]

I had the same challenge: finishing way early but never NEVER looking back at questions. I started trying this strategy, and so far, it's working pretty well. I think it's a better use of my extra time and it really does help me focus on each question more.

http://www.barexammind.com/one-weird-trick-mbe-success/

If anyone else tries this, report back how it's going for you and we can compare/tweak strategies! And of course, this is really only going to work if you're already finishing super early.

Wow that's interesting. I want to try it, but am afraid of mis-bubbling the answer sheet!

[sidhesadie]

Huh, that's interesting. I think there would definitely be value in not having to go back and forth between topics, but I'm not sure... might have to try it on a practice exam.

[mvpforme]

This might not be that popular, but I stay on a question until I (a) know the answer or (b) understand the difference between the answer choices but know I don't know the answer, or rarely, (c) if I realize I have no idea what the hell the question is asking. I tried this method on Barbri's simulated MBE. The test took me six hours exactly. I did not guess and scored quite well. Even if I do have to guess on the last 3-5 questions, I will do so knowing that I gave the other questions due consideration.

[The Egyptian]

How can you actually go that fast?
My biggest problem with the MBE is that time is never enough

[shock259]

I'm usually finishing quite early, too. Some of the questions require thoughtful analysis that takes time (property, evidence), but there are many questions that I seem to know the answer to immediately. Thank God.

For me, the hardest part is slowing down and not missing something in the facts. Reading comprehension fail ;(

[LAWYER2]

I had the same challenge: finishing way early but never NEVER looking back at questions. I started trying this strategy, and so far, it's working pretty well. I think it's a better use of my extra time and it really does help me focus on each question more.

http://www.barexammind.com/one-weird-trick-mbe-success/

If anyone else tries this, report back how it's going for you and we can compare/tweak strategies! And of course, this is really only going to work if you're already finishing super early.

Well . . .


I tried this method today for a 200 question Kaplan simulated MBE exam held at my school. I must say, I felt really confident while using this method. It took between 7-10 min to go through the entire book and mark each question. The first set, I finished right on the nose, while the second set I had about 13 minutes to spare. I started with my strongest subject (Torts) ending with my weakest (Property), I felt like I had control of the exam. I wasn't fatigued, and didn't have the normal migraine after completing each set of 100. I don't know if this method played a major role in my performance or not but my score increased by 19 points from the last Barbri simulated MBE!
Ironically, I didn't improve in Torts, and performed worse in Evidence (one of my stronger subjects), however, every other area improved. I got 73% in Real Property which is crazy because I saved all those long ass fact patterns till the end.
I was scared I would mis-bubble, but between circling the correct answer in my booklet first then filling in the bubble I was ok.
In conclusion, I WILL BE USING THIS METHOD AGAIN!! We have another simulated MBE before the real thing so I'll get another chance to perfect it.

[At the Drive-In]

I had the same challenge: finishing way early but never NEVER looking back at questions. I started trying this strategy, and so far, it's working pretty well. I think it's a better use of my extra time and it really does help me focus on each question more.

http://www.barexammind.com/one-weird-trick-mbe-success/

If anyone else tries this, report back how it's going for you and we can compare/tweak strategies! And of course, this is really only going to work if you're already finishing super early.

Well . . .


I tried this method today for a 200 question Kaplan simulated MBE exam held at my school. I must say, I felt really confident while using this method. It took between 7-10 min to go through the entire book and mark each question. The first set, I finished right on the nose, while the second set I had about 13 minutes to spare. I started with my strongest subject (Torts) ending with my weakest (Property), I felt like I had control of the exam. I wasn't fatigued, and didn't have the normal migraine after completing each set of 100. I don't know if this method played a major role in my performance or not but my score increased by 19 points from the last Barbri simulated MBE!
Ironically, I didn't improve in Torts, and performed worse in Evidence (one of my stronger subjects), however, every other area improved. I got 73% in Real Property which is crazy because I saved all those long ass fact patterns till the end.
I was scared I would mis-bubble, but between circling the correct answer in my booklet first then filling in the bubble I was ok.
In conclusion, I WILL BE USING THIS METHOD AGAIN!! We have another simulated MBE before the real thing so I'll get another chance to perfect it.

I am going to give this a shot. I feel like I read fast enough that even if it takes me 20 minutes to mark everything, I won't run out of time. I have never come close to using 3 hours on 100 questions, and I do so much better when I can think in terms of the same subject matter without having to jump around.

[buckilaw]

With timing just take a deep breath, close your eyes and then think, "I'M GETTING FIRED UP!"

[The Egyptian]

With timing just take a deep breath, close your eyes and then think, "I'M GETTING FIRED UP!"

What does that mean please?

[LAWYER2]

I've been consistently doing this method. As far as timing goes, I've found that you should be completing two subjects per hour to comple all six within the 3hr time frame. Generally, it's taking anywhere from 45-55 min to complete a pairs of subjects. This has how I've been keeping track of my time.

[buckilaw]

With timing just take a deep breath, close your eyes and then think, "I'M GETTING FIRED UP!"

What does that mean please?

This dood from the Kaplan bar review course keeps saying he's getting fired up in videos. I find it hilarious.

[The Egyptian]

With timing just take a deep breath, close your eyes and then think, "I'M GETTING FIRED UP!"

What does that mean please?

This dood from the Kaplan bar review course keeps saying he's getting fired up in videos. I find it hilarious.

I feel more like Toni Braxton in Unbreak my heart

[yips]

I had the same challenge: finishing way early but never NEVER looking back at questions. I started trying this strategy, and so far, it's working pretty well. I think it's a better use of my extra time and it really does help me focus on each question more.

http://www.barexammind.com/one-weird-trick-mbe-success

If anyone else tries this, report back how it's going for you and we can compare/tweak strategies! And of course, this is really only going to work if you're already finishing super early.

Well . . .


I tried this method today for a 200 question Kaplan simulated MBE exam held at my school. I must say, I felt really confident while using this method. It took between 7-10 min to go through the entire book and mark each question. The first set, I finished right on the nose, while the second set I had about 13 minutes to spare. I started with my strongest subject (Torts) ending with my weakest (Property), I felt like I had control of the exam. I wasn't fatigued, and didn't have the normal migraine after completing each set of 100. I don't know if this method played a major role in my performance or not but my score increased by 19 points from the last Barbri simulated MBE!
Ironically, I didn't improve in Torts, and performed worse in Evidence (one of my stronger subjects), however, every other area improved. I got 73% in Real Property which is crazy because I saved all those long ass fact patterns till the end.
I was scared I would mis-bubble, but between circling the correct answer in my booklet first then filling in the bubble I was ok.
In conclusion, I WILL BE USING THIS METHOD AGAIN!! We have another simulated MBE before the real thing so I'll get another chance to perfect it.

Glad to hear it! I have been doing this consistently as well, and it really does help with mental fatigue. Instead of being bombarded from all sides, I can just work steadily through each subject, one at a time, nice and easy.

The one thing that I realized, though: I have been marking the subject type in highlighter right over the question itself. But the rules for the MBE say that highlighters are prohibited. Have you just been indicating the subject in pencil on the side or above the questions? I hate to adjust to that now, but on the other hand, I'm glad I know about it!

[LAWYER2]

My state doesn't allow highlighters either so I haven't incorporated them into my practice routine, either with MBE's or marking up essays. I simply write either T, K, Crim, Con, E, or RP above each question. Its been taking about 10 minutes to get all 100 questions marked up. Everyone else I've told about it thinks it sounds cool, but too afraid to try it, however I love feeling in control over the MBE.

[Sandro]

I can't tell if having 30+ single topic questions in a row would allow me to get in the zone for that topic or would make me go insane from the repetition.

[baal hadad]

Usually finished w 20-30 mins to spare back in the day

[The Egyptian]

For those practicing from MPQs/Smartstudy and other sources, are you finding your areas of weaknesses, or strength the same regardless of the source of the questions?

[MoneyMay]

For those practicing from MPQs/Smartstudy and other sources, are you finding your areas of weaknesses, or strength the same regardless of the source of the questions?

I am.